(CREDIT: Forest Preserve District of Kane County Facebook page)

You’re invited to explore local waterways by kayak with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

This summer, enjoy a series of paddling adventures along different stretches of the Fox River. The series begins with shorter and less-strenuous sessions for beginners. As the summer progresses, there will be increasingly longer paddles for intermediate skill levels.

(CREDIT: Forest Preserve District of Kane County Facebook page)

Each session includes instruction on basic kayaking techniques from a professional kayaking instructor, a kayak, personal flotation device and paddle. After the introductory training, we’ll take to the water for a naturalist-led exploration of the fascinating plants and wildlife along the waterway.

Participants may choose any number of sessions. For all sessions, participants must be 16 years or older and able to:

1. Hold breath under water while wearing a properly fitted life jacket;
2. Independently turn from a face-down to a face-up position, keeping head above water;
3. Effectively communicate with the instructor and other participants; and,
4. Manage all mobility and personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion.

Sessions will include a half-hour of instruction, followed by two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half hours of scenic paddling, along different stretches of the Fox River. Dates and locations for sessions are below:

• Session 2 (Beginner; 3-4 miles): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve, 50 Airport Road, Elgin.
• Session 3 (Beginner to Intermediate; 6-7 miles): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 IL Route 31, South Elgin.
• Session 4 (Beginner to Intermediate; 6-7 miles): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 IL Route 31, South Elgin.
• Session 5 (Intermediate; 4-5 miles with portage): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at Fabyan Forest Preserve, 1925 Batavia Ave., Route 31, Geneva.
• Session 6 (Intermediate; 7 miles with portage): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, 1644 South River St., Batavia.

The fee for a single kayak session is $69 per person and includes use of kayak, personal flotation device and paddle. If you provide your own kayak and equipment, the fee is $35 per person, which includes shuttle service.

Advance registration is required at least two weeks prior to the program, with payment required at the time of registration. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register.

Rain will not stop a paddle, but trips may be cancelled (with full refund) due to lightning, low air/water temps, or unsafe water levels.

For more information, visit www.kaneforest.com or find the Forest Preserve District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.

SOURCE: Forest Preserve District of Kane County