CANCELLED DUE TO HIGH WATER LEVELS!
Update Friday May 5 at 10 a.m.:
The river level was dropping nicely, but has since tapered off at 1430--well above the 800 CFS that would be the maximum ideal level for our trip. And now there's an 80% chance of rain tonight, so it's likely to rise again. Add to that 20 mile an hour winds and a high of 59 degrees, and it's just not going to be safe, let alone fun.
We want to let you know as soon as possible so that you can make other plans for your day.
We are sorry and sorely disappointed. It doesn't make sense to reschedule a second time because each time we do, we lose a few of you. And there's more rain forecast for Tuesday and Thursday next week.
Tom Costello can process your refunds.
Again, we're sorry this didn't work out!
--Sharon and Alec
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Beginner trip with Alec and Sharon Peshkin. bpfamily@gmail.com Meet at Hammel Woods in Shorewood by 9 AM. Take the entrance off 59 and follow it to the parking lot at the end of the road.
This is a class I river for beginners to practice their strokes, river reading, surfing, safety and having fun. Please contact the instructor for details and equipment borrow/rentals.
Where: Begins in Hammel Woods Forest Preserve, Shorewood IL.
Time: 9 am meet at Hammel Woods; 9:30 car shuttle; 10:30 on the water; 4ish of the water. Optional dinner with the group afterwards.
Required gear:
- Whitewater boat with flotation bags
- Spray skirt
- Paddle
- PFD
- Helmet
- Wetsuit or appropriate immersion gear
- Appropriate layers underneath (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
- Splash jacket or windbreaker
- Appropriate footwear (no laces, should not hinder swimming, should fit inside boat)
What else you need to bring:
- Lunch in a dry bag
- Snacks in your PFD
- Water bottle (and a way to tether it, such as a carabiner)
- Dry bag for anything you need to keep dry
- Change of clothing for afterwards
- Wool hat
Other things you need to know: We will paddle rain or shine, hot weather or cold, unless there’s a thunderstorm. So bring the things that will keep you happy (sunscreen, sunglasses or warm hat). If you have glasses, contact lenses or hearing aides, be prepared to protect them from the water or loss. For example, use a glasses retainer. And bring any medication you need.
Cost: CWA members can borrow boats, paddles and spray skirts from the club for free. You are responsible for picking them up wherever they are stored and returning them after the trip.
Jeff Brown of the Yak Shack can rent you these and some essential gear for the following rates:
- $35 for a boat, skirt, float bags, paddle, wetsuit, PFD and helmet.
- $15 if all you need is wetsuit, PFD and helmet
Contact Jeff at 847-479-8074 or jbrown@yakshackonline.com
He generally meets us at the put-in with all the gear, and again at the take-out to retrieve it. Make sure you let him know you are with us on the CWA beginner trip.
Helpful information: There are pit toilets at the put-in. Once we are on the water there are no bathroom facilities. This does not mean that there aren’t opportunities to pee if needed and everyone should be sure to drink enough as we paddle. It is very easy no matter the weather to become dehydrated.
Everyone will have to sign an American Canoe Association waiver prior to getting on the water. If you are not an ACA member, there is a $5 fee for this. Please bring cash. If you are a member, bring your ACA number.
*Directions to Hammel Woods:Take 55 South to Rt. 52 West, take a right onto Rt. 59. The put in is located in Hammel Woods Forest Preserve just north of Shorewood, IL. The entrance to Hammel Woods is located on the east side of Rt 59 about a half-mile north of Rt 52. There is a small sign noting the Woods Entrance, possibly a large sign noting a Golf Store is nearby. Follow the road through the park to the parking area closest to the river (look for boats). Here’s a link to a map: https://tinyurl.com/kgqe6fu
One last important thing! Check your email the night before our trip and the morning of the trip in case there’s a change to the plan (due to weather or other reasons).
Further questions? Contact Sharon or Alec at kayak.bp@gmail.com