Chicago Region
Welcome to the Chicago Region
Although mostly flat and unexciting, the Chicago Area has a few diamonds in the rough. Within a few hours of Chicago, there are a couple of rivers and dams with exceptional play potential, considering their obscure locations.
Traveling farther from Chicago, Northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Upper Peninsula Michigan provide a much different experience with steep creeks, gaping gorges, large drops, and big water.
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Regional Rivers
The Root River in Racine, Wisconsin is home to great play waves such as Malted Milk, Upper and Lower Pipeline, and All Evil
Paddling Life in Chicago
The Midwest paddler's lifestyle is very unique compared to those of other regions. Most of us don't have a popular river close by and retailers are scarce, but we have a great following with clubs that are well known.
Regional Paddling News
New Product Reviews
Some new products are hard to come by. Here are reviews and pictures for two items I bit the bullet and ordered blindly.
Epic Floods Make Epic Waves
While most people in Racine, Wisconsin were bailing out their basement, the Root River reached epic levels.
Rescue on the Vermillion River, Illinois
Four rafters cheat death and escape the power of a low head dam.
National Paddling News
In Between Swims : The Olympic Whitewater Slalom PreviewAug 07 08 - Ok boys and girls it's time for the OLYMPICS!!
West Coast Women's White Water Festival Jul 24 08 - Recently, Christina Russell, a professional kayaker from Bend, OR organized the West Coast Women's White Water Festival with the help of Heather Herbeck, a professional kayaker from White Salmon, WA. The event incorporated boater-cross, 8-ball, down-river runs, in addition to yoga classes, a barbeque, video screenings and camping. The event was highly successful attracting about 30 ladies from Oregon, Washington, North Carolina and beyond.
In Between Swims : The Days Worth Living...Jul 21 08 - Here comes the 12th instalment of this fantastic podcast by Jeff McIntyre.
Heather Herbeck rocks the Gorge Games!!!Jul 21 08 - WK Ambassador Heather Herbeck wins the Gorge Games.
World Kayak ambassador gets some national press!Jul 09 08 - The Washington Post recently tapped James Vlad Sneeringer for his extensive knowledge of the Potomac River.
CHICAGO BLOGGER POSTS - Start a blog!
Yet Another Amazing Weekend: Low Flow Style A recent blog post by: riverjunky
Now I know I have mentioned this a number of[...]
PREVIOUS POSTS
>> It is that time. $5000.00 NOC/Dagger Shootout August 23rd-24th
>> A Whole Lotta Paddling
>> Floods hit Midwest: Surf City
>> Honeymoon and Kayaking
>> An Epic Weekend in Appalachia
>> Looking for used 4Fun
>> From High Flow Playboating to Low Flow Creeking to Big Water
>> Early Season Trip To The Gorge........'errrr, Numbers
>> A Good Start To '08
Chicago Events
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Aug 10 08 Wausau Whitewater
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Aug 16 08 Midwest Freestyle Championships
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Aug 31 08 Wausau Whitewater
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Sep 06 08 Wausau Whitewater
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Sep 20 08 Wausau Whitewater
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Learning Library
ROLLING A KAYAK - DVDThe most comprehensive, clear, and concise guide to learning and perfecting the roll in a whitewater kayak. - BUY NOW
ROLLING A KAYAK - BookRolling a Kayak is Ken Whiting's sixth book on kayaking technique and the most comprehensive, clear and concise guide to learning and perfecting the kayak roll. - BUY NOW
WHITEWATER KAYAKING BOOK The most comprehensive and valuable book on the sport. Includes detailed illustrations, stunning photos and literary contributions from the world's most notable paddlers. - BUY NOW
WHITEWATER KAYAKING DVD A special double feature DVD that includes Paddler Magazine's Best Instructional, Liquid Skills, and SOAR, and that covers everything from the fundamental skills and concepts to the most advanced, cutting-edge paddling techniques. For beginner to advanced paddlers. - BUY NOW
WHITEWATER KAYAKING FOR WOMEN - DVDA special double feature DVD containing both groundbreaking instructional videos Whitewater Kayaking Basics for Women and Girls at Play. - BUY NOW
EJ's River Running Basics DVDThree time World Champion, Olympian, and founder of the World Kayak Federation, Eric Jackson, will teach you how to have a great time running rivers safely! - BUY NOW
Strokes, Concepts, and Bombproofing Your Roll - dvdThe most comprehensive instructional program in history on the skills of maneuvering your kayak. - BUY NOW
EJ's Rolling & Bracing - DVDThe most effective method to learn the kayak roll and kayak brace is also the most fun. - BUY NOW
The River Runner's EdgeThis energizing instructional unlocks the secrets of competent river runners: Water reading, strategies, strokes, maneuvers, and basic playboating. - BUY NOW
Kayak Session MagazinePhoto first! It is with this simple say that we launched in 2000 the first issue of Kayak Session. Kayak Session is an incredible, visual Magazine. - SUBSCRIBE NOW
Rapid MagazineRapid is North Americas only whitewater kayaking and canoeing magazine. - SUBSCRIBE NOW<
Canoe & Kayak MagCanoe and Kayak has been around for over 20+ years as a leader in paddlesport information.SUBSCRIBE NOW