Illinois Paddling Council

Illinois Paddling Council Illinois Paddling Council strives to promote all aspects of paddling in Illinois. Advocate for the conservation and restoration of Illinois rivers and lakes.

Who, what, & why.... the Illinois Paddling Council

The Illinois Paddling Council (IPC) was organized in 1963 and is a not-for-profit association of paddlers and paddling organizations in Illinois. The Illinois Paddling council is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of all phases of canoeing and kayaking in Illinois, to assure access to the state's waters and to protect and preserve the natu

ral resources within the state. The Illinois Paddling Council strives to:

Improve access to Illinois waterways. Provide information about paddlesport to paddlers and the general public. Promote paddling safety and education. Promote paddling competition and sanction races in Illinois. Illinois Paddling Council Activities and Programs:

The IPC holds bi-monthly meetings and periodically publishes a newsletter of interest to all Illinois Paddlers. The IPC Access Project works with government agencies, public and private landowners to provide safe, legal and adequate access for human powered watercraft to the waterways of Illinois; provides information to paddlers and the general public about access; and advocates the creation of regional systems of watertrails throughout Illinois . The IPC sanctions USCA Marathon Races throughout Illinois and holds an annual awards banquet. The IPC has been an active participant in the Conservation Congress, representing the concerns of paddlers to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

05/21/2026

Kayak Volunteers Needed!

Looking for up to 10 volunteer kayak paddlers to help remove fishing line from Dupage County Forest Preserve bodies of water. The Forest Preserve District will coordinate this through their Volunteer Services program. Some important things:

1. The FPD will provide kayaks and paddles. We can’t use our own equipment because of concerns about invasive species and liability. Canoe paddlers are welcome, but (obviously) you will be paddling a kayak.

2. The work days (I’m hoping there will be more than one) will be weekdays in July, August, and/or September.

3. Expect to spend about two hours in the water.

DM James Tibensky if you are interested and give some idea of your availability on weekdays July through September.

James Tibensky

🔥MORE KAYAK/SUP/CANOE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED🔥The second annual Rockford Ironman 70.3 race takes place June 14th. 2,500+ athl...
05/07/2026

🔥MORE KAYAK/SUP/CANOE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED🔥

The second annual Rockford Ironman 70.3 race takes place June 14th. 2,500+ athletes will enter the Rock River in downtown Rockford to start the 70.3 mile race 🏊🏽‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️. Come and be part of the magic 🪄. Events like this only happen with the support of volunteers.

We’re looking for confident paddlers to guide athletes and support swim safety.

🔹 You’ll float along the swim course

🔹 Help guide athletes

🔹 Signal power boats and lifeguards for help if needed

🎯 Bring your own kayak/SUP/canoe (limited supply of kayaks to borrow is available)

Volunteer Link (select Kayak/SUPs shift when registering)

https://ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=101390

❓Questions❓ Not sure what to expect? - reach out to Kayak Captain Christine at [email protected]

Click here to become a volunteer with IRONMAN

🔥URGENT CALL FOR PADDLING VOLUNTEERS (kayak, SUP, solo canoe) for race day June 14th.🛟🌸🌼🌺 HAPPY SPRING! Paddle season i...
03/23/2026

🔥URGENT CALL FOR PADDLING VOLUNTEERS (kayak, SUP, solo canoe) for race day June 14th.

🛟🌸🌼🌺 HAPPY SPRING! Paddle season is calling, and we’ve got the perfect way to get on the water 🌊. Come solo, bring a friend, or rally your paddling crew — it’s an unforgettable way to kick off the summer season 💙

Volunteer registration for the second annual Rockford Ironman 70.3 race is now open! We’re looking for confident kayakers and SUP paddlers to help support the swim portion of the race as 2,500+ athletes take on the Rock River 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️

🚣‍♀️ Volunteer Role Highlights:
🔹 Float along the swim course
🔹 Help guide athletes and provide a steady place to rest
🔹 Signal safety teams if assistance is needed
🎯 Bring your own kayak or SUP. (🚣 Limited kayaks available to borrow!)

👉 Sign up here:
https://ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=101390&job_name=Kayaks%20%2F%20SUPs

📩 Questions? Email: [email protected]

Canoecopia day 3!
03/15/2026

Canoecopia day 3!

03/14/2026
Join us this weekend at Canoecopia! We are hosting a session all about padding in Illinois. Come learn about our favorit...
03/09/2026

Join us this weekend at Canoecopia!
We are hosting a session all about padding in Illinois. Come learn about our favorite rivers to plan your next adventure!

Join us Friday at 4:30pm in the Caribou room or Saturday at 1:30pm in the Bear room.

We will have a table in the hall and we are located right at the entrance to the expo hall. Come see our lowhead dam simulator, talk to us about Illinois waterways, laws and more. Find out about the IPC racing circuit too!

Here are some photos from the Vic Hopp race
09/23/2025

Here are some photos from the Vic Hopp race

09/23/2025

This past Sunday we had the 6th of our 7 races in the IPC racing circuit. Here is Jim Peterson giving a little background on the Vic Hopp Memorial Race.
The race is about 10 miles, starting just over the border in WI on the Fox River. The race goes downriver for 5 miles then upstream back to the start. It was a great time and luckily the storms rolled in after we were done with everything. Congratulations to the participants on a great race!
There is only 1 left, the Fall Classic in St Charles.

Awards will be done at our Annual Gathering of the Paddlers on Nov 8th. Make sure to secure your ticket!
https://illinoispaddling.org/event/ipc-annual-dinner-2025/

Some additional DuPage River race photos…
09/08/2025

Some additional DuPage River race photos…

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Eola, IL

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