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• WW TRAINING: 2025 WW Rafting Workshop CANCELLED

  • Start
    May 03, 2025
  • End
    May 04, 2025
  • Location
    Ocoee, TN
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  • WW TRAINING: 2025 WW Rafting Workshop CANCELLED

    03 – 04 May 2025

    UPDATE: 20 March 2025 - Due to a death in the family and a knee injury we are cancelling this workshop.  Please keep your eye open for us to reschedule this workshop.  
    
    Course Overview

                To encourage new access to whitewater with small rafts. The course will be tailored to student needs with a focus on beginning and intermediate techniques.

     

    Required Skills

                Able to manage personal mobility in and around water.

    Able to swim confidently while wearing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD)

                Able to follow instructions and communicate independently.

     

    Required Equipment (Personal)

                PFD

                Helmet

                Foot wear.  No sandals

     

    Recommended Equipment

                Dry Bag

                (2) 3-4” locking carabiners (3) Locking Carabiners

    Water Bottle – that you can tie down to the boat

                Paddling Clothes – Wetsuits or Drysuit (or other thermal paddle gear)

                Throw Rope

                A River knife

                Raft Paddle – if you do not have one please let us know

     

    Main Objectives:

     

    Set up and take down a raft with rigging.

     

    Identify whitewater features and hazards

     

    Become familiar with rafting paddle strokes

     

    Learn and use body position commands

     

    Safely maneuver a paddle raft through rapids

     

    Basic rescue and safety principles for rafting

     

     

    Secondary Objectives:

     

    Guide or captain a raft

     

    Combat Recover a flipped raft

     

    Combat recover a passenger

     

    Single person control a raft in a swim event

     

    Playboat with a raft

     

    Schedule:

    Friday

  • ·         Arrive at AU Campground and set up your tent and get some sleep.
  • ·         Your camping fee is part of your tuition for the workshop

  • Saturday

  • ·         Breakfast at 0730 hrs in camp
  • ·         Workshop starts at 0800 hrs in camp
  • ·         Lunch will be provided on the river
  • ·         Dinner will be provided at camp around the campfire.  Chili Dinner with all the fixings and Dutch Oven Dessert

  •  

    Sunday

  • ·         On your own

  •  

    Cost

  • ·         $50 a person which includes two nights (Friday and Saturday) of tent camping, meals on Saturday, and lots of training with rafts
  • ·         Break Down - $10.00 per night so $20.00 goes to AU, $25.00 for food, and $5.00 to ACA to cover your insurance for the workshop

  Location:  AU Campground, 522 US-64, Ocoee, TN 37361

  You will need to register on the HCKC website, and you will pay Saturday morning at Breakfast.  If you have any questions, please text me at 207-522-0259.  John Gates

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• Cancelled SK: Lake Monroe Overnight

  • Start
    May 03, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    May 04, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Bloomington, IN
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  SK: Lake Monroe Overnight May  3-4, 2025 

  Trip Sponsor: Jeff Stejskal 

  THIS is a LEVEL 2 HCKC Sea Kayaking Trip (with possible Level 3 conditions) Please review trip level chart before signing up. Trip Level Guide 1-2021.docx  

  Join us for an overnight paddling trip on Lake Monroe.   Lake Monroe lets us camp from our boats along the shore in Deem Wilderness. This is our annual spring pilgrimage and we will camp out on the peninsula across from Cutright Public Access Site.    

  If you only want to paddle on Saturday, our campsite should be only be about 3-4 miles from the Cutright put-in so that people are welcome to come out and day-paddle with us without camping. 

  Registration:  Please register on the club web site or by email if necessary 

  Meeting Place/Put-In:  Cutright Public Access Site.  This is about 2 hours from the intersection of Hwy 37 and I-465 on the southeast side of Indianapolis. (Google Map)    

  Directions to Meeting Place: Take Hwy 446 south from Hwy 46 on the east side of Bloomington to the Lake Monroe causeway.  Cutright is the first turn on your left immediately after you cross the causeway. Go to the first boat ramp that you come to after leaving Hwy 446.   

  What to Bring:  Bring your paddling gear, spray skirt, camping gear, food for lunch, dinner, and breakfast, and warm clothes.  You should also bring drinking water with you.   We will be camping from our boats and you will have to pack all of your gear and food in your boat, so plan accordingly. 

  Be sure to have a 2025 Indiana DNR Nonmotorized Boat Permit.  You should be able to pick one up on the way to the meeting place, either at the DNR headquarter on Hwy 446 on the north side of the entrance to the Paynetown SRA or at the gate for the Paynetown SRA. 

  Required Equipment:   Depending on the temperatures, wet suits or dry suits are recommended.  Due to potentially rough lake conditions, spray skirts, safety equipment, and sea/touring kayaks with fore and aft bulkheads are required. 

  Schedule:    Saturday - 10:00 am is the recommended time for arrival at the put-In.  We will launch at 10:45 am.  We will probably paddle about 4-5 miles and then set up camp and have lunch.  After lunch, we will go out and explore more of the lake. 

  Sunday:  We are flexible here.  We could return to Cutright as early as 10:00 am and drop off people who have to take off.  We’ll talk and figure this out Saturday night depending on how far people want to paddle on Sunday and when people have get home. 

  Contact information:  Jeff Stejskal jeffs45321@hotmail.com  Please contact me by 7:00 pm on the Thursday before the trip if you want to come.  Be sure to register or contact me since I will monitor weather forecasts prior to the trip and I will let the people who have contacted me know if there will be changes to or cancelation of the trip due to the expected conditions. 

  
  

   

  
  

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• Swiftwater Rescue Class L2-L4

  • Start
    May 10, 2025
  • End
    May 11, 2025
  • Location
    East Race, South Bend, IN
  • Registered
    18 registrants

  Swiftwater Rescue Course L2 - L4

  10 - 11 May 2025

  Welcome to the Swiftwater Rescue Course!  Richard and I will be guiding you on your path to become a better rescuer.  Our weekend together, you will learn several new techniques so you can have a toolbox full of “tools” that you can use to rescue a fellow boater and their gear.  We only ask you to come rested and with an open mind because we are here to guide you on your journey.

  This course is for anyone that paddles moving water to whitewater.  If you paddle any streams here in the Midwest, you NEED this course!  This course gives you the skills to know how to rescue others and be rescued by your fellow paddlers!

  Here is the plan:

  I will arrive at the Suzuki Music School around 9pm on 09 May and set up at the school.  Saturday morning, I will be getting up around 6am to start fixing breakfast at the school.  I will move to the East Race, so I’m set up and ready to go for an 8am start time.  We will be conducting class on Saturday from 8am to around 5pm with a lunch around noon.   After that if anyone wants to play on the race, they may do so that is taking the class.  I will move back to the Music School to start dinner and have it ready around 630pm.  We will eat and talk rescue and paddling stuff until everyone is tired.  Sunday morning, I will get up and follow the same schedule as Saturday and have breakfast ready and be at the East Race by 8am on Sunday morning.  We will teach and finish up our training on Sunday afternoon around 4pm.  I will serve lunch around noon on Sunday.

  Lodging:

  Anyone interested in staying near the course for free, Monica Davis’s Mom has a music school near the course and has offered for anyone attending the course to stay at the school.  I will donate some money towards Mrs. Davis to cover any expenses.

  You will need to bring the following:

  ·         Sleeping bag

  ·         Pillow

  ·         Sleeping mat

  ·         Towel, personal hygiene products

  The school will be available for entry after 9 pm on Friday 09 May. No one will be at the school on Saturday or Sunday except the Swiftwater Rescue Group.  The school has one shower and 3 bathrooms. Inside the building, there are several classrooms and a large room downstairs for people to sleep on the floor on an air mattress.  The kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffee machine, stove, and sink. John Gates will provide food for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning at the school.  I will also be providing lunch both Saturday and Sunday. There is plenty of paper plates, bowls, silverware, cups, and cookware to use.  The school is in a very nice part of town with a grocery store across the road. There is a huge yard for outdoor play. No campfires are allowed since we are in city limits without a burn permit which we will not need.  The building has internet, and Monica will bring her projector to play kayaking videos or whatever people want to watch.

  Address:

  Suzuki Music School

  52549 Gumwood Road

  Granger, IN  46530

  The following items you will need:

  River gear that keeps you warm.  Drysuit or wetsuits because we will be in the water most of the day.

  Your Rescue Kit (Pulleys, carabiners, webbing, etc)

  Helmet

  Paddle craft:  whitewater kayak, etc.

  Throw bag

  Air Bags for your craft

  Paddle

  Foot wear.  No sandals

  Rescue knife

  Rescue PFD or PFD

  If you do not have any of the above, please reach out to me and we will discuss.

  Cost:

  The cost for the course is $110 if you are an ACA Member.  If you aren’t an ACA Member, the cost will be $150 and you will become an ACA Member.  Also included in your $110, you will become a HCKC Member if you are not already or your dues will be paid for another year.  The cost of this course is to cover cost of food, donation to the music studio, and cover Richard and I’s cost.  We do not make anything off this course.  We do this because we want our fellow boaters to be able to rescue others and even us on the river!

  If you have any questions, concerns or just want to say Hi please reach out to Richard or I and we will be happy to chat.  We look forward to working with each one of you. 

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• Stoney Creek Rendezvous

  • Start
    May 15, 2025
  • End
    May 18, 2025
  • Location
    Johnstown, PA
  • Registered
    8 registrants

  Register

  STONEY CREEK RENDEZVOUS

  Sponsor: Eric Hayes

  Location: Johnstown, PA

  Date: 15 - 18 May

  
  

  
  

  Event Information:

  The Stonycreek Rendezvous is an annual whitewater festival hosted by the Benscreek Canoe Club in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The event is held at Greenhouse Park, Pennsylvania’s first man-made whitewater park, held over three days in May. During the three days of the event, there is live music, food and gear vendors, a whitewater rodeo, downriver race, daily whitewater releases into the Stonycreek from the Quemahoning Dam.

  Location: Greenhouse Park
  Green House Rd. Johnstown, PA 15905

  Admission: $TBA  $20 ( or less) Per Person for the entire weekend.Please note: Pavilions are now rented and reserved by boating clubs. We now have more clubs than we have pavilions; interested clubs need to contact Steve Podratsky regarding pavilion rentals. Also, we rent the park until Sunday. Please have all campers removed by 5 PM Sunday at the latest.

  Food: Food will be available on site from a variety of vendors.
  In addition there are numerous restaurants within a short distance of the festival site.

  Beer: Beer will be available on site.
  Cost TBA for domestic & TBA for 16oz craft. The sale of beer benefits the Benscreek Canoe Club and is a big money maker for us during the event. PLEASE DRINK OUR BEER. Note that we will also have some wine for sale as well. And due to liability issues, no other alcohol may be brought into the festival area.

  American Whitewater link below:

  https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2843/main
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Driftwood River

  • When
    May 18, 2025
  • Location
    near Edinburgh, IN
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  Driftwood River

  Sunday, May 18

  9 am

  This is a fun trip for all skill levels but is long so you need to have the stamina for a distance paddle. We start at Furnas Mill on Sugar Creek which joins the Driftwood. Our take out is 14 miles downstream at Lowel Bridge near Columbus. Be prepared with sunscreen, water, lunch and paddling gloves in addition to your regular gear. The meeting time is on the early side in order to get on the water ahead of the folks from Blue’s Canoes Outfitters. The trip leader will monitor conditions and if there are any challenges will put out an email to registered participants by 7 pm Saturday evening.

  Meeting time:     9 am

  Meeting location:  Shell station just off I-65 at exit 80.  Once participants arrive we will caravan to Furnas Mill on Sugar Creek. If you prefer to meet us at the put in, just notify the trip leader.

  Shuttle:  9:45 am shuttle to Lowel Bridge On Water: 10:45 am

  Trip Leader:  Sue Foxx,        sue.ann.foxx@gmail.com

  
  

  
  

                

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• WW: Memorial Day Wisc. Wknd Class 2-3 (4)

  • Start
    May 23, 2025
  • End
    May 26, 2025
  • Location
    Silver Cliff, WI
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  Sponsor Jason Tharp: email jastharp@yahoo.com  Text: 1-219- 877-4286
  

  Location:  Kosirs Campground:  W. 14073 County Road C,  Silver Cliff, WI 54104

  The Memorial Day Wknd in WI Wolf/Peshtigo Whitewater (this year May 23-26) is ON!  It has always been a great step-up trip for newbies to find their WW footing but has good action for all boaters. Plus Big Drop Piano Bob has a gig at Kosirs for off the water evening entertainment !  Party at the bar & walk to your tent; safety first! 
  The advantage of an extra day to drive has made this a tradition. Big Drop will lead down the Class III/IV sections and Jason down the Class 2/3 sections. Camping will be at Kosirs to be centrally located. 

  AW Peshtigo link https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2305/main 

  AW Wolf link https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2316/main 

  

  
  

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• NON-HCKC Holiday on the Wildcat

  • When
    May 25, 2025
  • Location
    Wildcat Creek

  More information to come.

  Contact garryhill@aol.com

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• Summit Lake Open Water Rescue and Intermediate Skills Weekend

  • Start
    May 30, 2025
  • End
    June 01, 2025
  • Location
    Summit Lake State nPark

  Open Water Rescue & Intermediate Skills

  Friday May 30- Sunday June 1

  Location: Summit Lake State Park 

  Instructor Sponsors: Linda Decker & Jim Heichelbech

  Join us for a fun training weekend focusing on kayak skills and open water rescues. It is a great chance to get to know other paddlers, learn what to do in a rescue situation and improve your skills. If you can’t come for the weekend, come for the day you choose..

  Reserve Campsites Early. Registration is now open. Jim & Linda will be in site 117

  Itinerary:

  Friday May 30 Arrive to camp Options: afternoon paddle, practice rolling, group campfire

  Saturday May 31st Day will focus on rescues, towing, managing emergencies Launch Time tbd

  Sunday June 1st Intermediate Skills – strokes, edging, bracing,  Launch Time tbd

  Location: Summit Lake 5993 N. Messick Road New Castle, Indiana  South Boat Launch Near Harvey Shelter (Enter Park and go left at the T intersection and follow the signs to the boat launch)

  We will be practicing kayak handling and rescue techniques.  We will focus on how to manage your boat to keep from capsizing, and how to get yourself and your friends back into their boats when the inevitable happens in open water.  There will be plenty of time to work on strokes, bracing, balancing, towing, and rescues. 

  This clinic is an opportunity for new paddlers to learn open water rescue techniques and a chance for more experienced paddlers to compare techniques and practice them in a safe environment.  This clinic is important since kayakers need to regularly practice these skills, so they are “fresh” when we get into a real rescue situation.  You want to know how to get yourself or someone else back in their boat quickly and on your first attempt.   Open water paddlers should take this course before attempting any "big water" adventures.

  Rescue Course Content: 

  ·       Wet exiting your boat 

  ·       Solo Reentries (Paddle Float, Cowboy, Stirru[, Reenter and Roll) 

  ·       Assisted Reentries (T-Rescue, Scoop Rescue) 

  ·       Towing - contact tows, short tows, and regular tows. Will discuss when to start towing and when towing may be needed to assist a rescue (W will bring extra tow ropes if you don’t have one.)

  Required Equipment:

  ·       Touring or Sea Kayak - Kayak must have flotation in both bow and stern either sealed bulkheads or flotation bags

  • If you have a Recreational Kayak, you do not need the flotation, but bring it if you have it. Please bring your Spray Skirt if you have one.  A life Jacket is required.  We will have a separate group for the recreational boats and will practice rescues in a sheltered area near shore.

  ·       Spray Skirt

  ·       Life Jacket 

  ·       Kayak Safety Gear - Bring the kayak safety gear that you normally carry:  pump, paddle float, stirrup, tow line.   Please do not buy this equipment just for this class since you can borrow from other participants to see what works for you before you buy.

  An Indiana DNR 2025 Non- Motorized Sticker is required for each boat $5 at the gate or can be ordered in advance online

  For questions contact:

  Linda Decker lsdecker2018@gmail.com

  Jim Heichelbech gem5610@gmail.com
  

  
  

  
  

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• TVCC Paddle School (Non-HCKC Events)

  • Start
    May 30, 2025
  • End
    June 01, 2025
  • Location
    AU Campground, Ocoee, TN

  Register

  This is a TVCC Event and you have to be a member of the TVCC Club.  This is a paddling school for all skills.

  If interested please reach out to myself or Toni Harris for more details.

  John Gates

  207-522-0259

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• HCKC: DEMO DAY--SOCIAL--PICNIC... TO WELCOME NEW CLUB MEMBERS

  • When
    June 07, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    GEIST PARK: 10979 FLORIDA RD. FORTVILLE IN
  • Registered
    14 registrants

  Register

  
  

  
  

   LET’S WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS TO THE HCKC

  DEMO DAY & PICNIC

  
  

  **JUNE 7**

  HCKC: DEMO DAY—SOCIAL—PICNIC

  TRY A BOAT YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD PADDLE

  TRY A PADDLE YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD USE

  MEET CLUB MEMBERS WHO HAPPILY WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

  ENJOY A PICNIC LUNCH/DINNER OF BRATS, BURGERS, AND SIDES

  PLEASE BRING A PITCH-IN SIDE DISH 

  (WILL CONTACT MEMBERS TO ELIMINATE DUPLICATE ITEMS)

  BYO NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 

  
  

  *BRING AS MANY BOATS AND PADDLES AS YOU CAN CARRY

  *MARK ALL EQUIPMENT WITH NAME AND CELL #; *BRING WHEELS

  *THE SIGN ON THE SHELTER READS: “DAVIS FRIENDS AND KAYAKERS”

  *QUESTIONS: CONTACT—marianndvs@gmail.com

  
  

  DATE: SA
  

  
  

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• West Fork White River (paddle from a new put-in)

  • When
    June 08, 2025
  • Location
    near Anderson
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  
  

  White River Paddle From Anderson to Perkinsville PAS, our take-out. (or 100 yards north of Bonges Tavern on the right in Cicero IN)

  Bonges has an Anderson address: 9830 W 280 N, Anderson, IN 46011

  
  

  Trip Leader: Mariann Davis, C-317-213-5600, marianndvs@gmail.com

  Date: June 8, 2025  

  Meet-up time & Place: 10:30 AM @ the put in @ Madison Avenue (Derby Downs) Park: 23 N. Madison Ave., Anderson IN 46016

  Meet-up Location:  The 12.5 mile trip has its put in at Madison Avenue Park in Anderson— turn off Madison Ave. just south of the White River Bridge.  The park is on the east side of the street. 

  What to Bring: PFD, paddle, camera, sunscreen, lunch, dry bag, hat…Dress for the water and air temp.

  Contingencies on this paddle: The best water level for this trip is about 250-400 cfs on the Anderson gauge.  If lower we will have to cancel:  Cancelations will be made the evening before the trip by 8 PM.

  A “NO EMAIL” IS A “GO EMAIL"

  This is a beautiful, forgotten section of the White River with a heavily shaded corridor of mature trees. You can sing or hum along with the sounds of the abundant waterfowl or just enjoy a relaxing paddle in nature's quietude.

  Contact Marianndvs@gmail.com for questions.

  
  

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• Lower Yough (class III)

  • Start
    June 13, 2025
  • End
    June 15, 2025
  • Location
    Ohiopyle, PA
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Lower Yough (class III)

  Date: 13 - 15 June

  Sponsor: Sharon Schierling

  The Lower Youghiogheny  (Class 3) is dam controlled and has guaranteed water for the weekend.  The main Hoosier group will run the Lower both Saturday and Sunday.  Those needing to leave early on Sunday may choose to run only the Loop.  For experts, the Upper Yough class 4-5 will also release on Saturday, 6/14  

  In the event that the Lower Yough is too high because of rain, other river options w/o dams typically become runnable such as Cheat Canyon, Cheat Narrows, Upper Big Sandy and the Casselman

  Camping will be at Tall Oaks Campground (now owned by Wilderness Voyageurs), 544 Camp Riamo Rd, Farmington, PA 15437.  With the change of ownership of the campground, there is a 15 person minimum and advance deposit required to reserve group sites.  If fewer than 15 people register for the trip, we will reserve 1 or 2 of the bigger individual sites, depending on the number of participants.  The camping fee has not changed.  It is still $16 per person per night. The new owners have graded & graveled the worst parts of the roads w/in the campground and the shower facilities are maintained better than before.
  
  

  Lower Yough Class III
  
  https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1687/main

  
  

  Upper Yough Class IV-V  https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/753/main

  
  

  Contact: Sharon Schierling with any questions.  Email address:sschierl@nd.edu                        Please put “HCKC Lower Yough trip" in the subject line.

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• Fall Creek

  • When
    June 14, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Indianapolis-see description
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  Fall Creek Trip

  Saturday , June 14

  10 am

  Don’t have time to paddle distant rivers? Then join us for an eastside Indianapolis favorite. Bring a lunch, sunscreen and water in addition to your usual paddling gear. Life vests are required to be worn on club trips.

  Meet at the McDonald’s at 9833 Fall Creek Road (E. 79th & Fall Creek Rd.) at 10 am. The put in is across the street and once boats are unloaded we will shuttle to the take out. There are 2 possible take outs so folks will need to decide which they prefer. Emerson take out is a 7.2 mile trip and Keystone is a 9.7 mile trip. Lunch will be just below ‘Killer’ Falls…new paddlers don’t be intimidated as it is just a short rapids. This creek goes up and down quickly so if there are any challenges the trip leader will notify you by 7 pm on Friday, June 13.

  Meeting time: 10 am

  Meeting location: McDonald’s parking lot

  at 9833 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis 46256

  Shuttle: 10:30 am

  On the water: 11:15 am

  Off the water:

  Emerson take out approximately 2:30 pm

  Keystone take out approximately 3:45 pm

  Contact:  Sue Foxx

                     sue.ann.foxx@gmail.com

                     317-363-4074

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• UP Michigan: Marquette, Fayette & Pictured Rocks

  • Start
    June 28, 2025
  • End
    July 06, 2025
  • Location
    Fayette SP and Marquette Tourist Park Campgrounds

  HCKC 2025 Summer Upper Peninsula MI

  EVENT IS FULL, contact trip sponsor to get placed on the waiting list

  Dates: June 28 thru July 6, 2025

  Trip Sponsors: David & Susan Nord (Assisted by Linda Decker, Jim Heichelbech, and Tony Pascuzzi)

  Trip Level: Level 3+

  Join us for a week of sea kayaking on both sides of Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. We will paddle rugged Lake Superior locations in the Marquette/Munising region and then paddle in northwestern Lake Michigan near Fayette State Park along Niagara Escarpment in the area known as the Garden Peninsula. Expect to paddle along colorful sandstone cliffs with caves on Superior and white dolomite cliffs on Lake Michigan.

  Campground Locations: We will base camp out of 2 locations:

  Location	Campground	Check in	Check out	Reservations
  Marquette, MI	Tourist Park	Saturday June 28	Weds July 2	CLICK HERE
  Fayette, MI	Fayette State Park	Weds July 2	Sunday July 6	CLICK HERE

  PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED TO RESERVE THEIR OWN CAMPSITES.  Mark your calendars (sites fill up fast) - Reservations open January 2nd for both locations!

  Important Trip Info: This HCKC sponsored trip is structured as a set of four to six (4-6) day trips that will average 12-14 miles per day with one 18 mile route (weather permitting).  Each day will include a midtrip lunch stop of 30-60 minutes. Participants will drive to a different put-in location each day and unload/load boats at that location. Each day trip will start and end from that location (no shuttles). Expect drive times of about an hour if we paddle Pictured Rocks. This trip will also offer participants casual opportunities to practice surf launching & landing, paddling in wind, turning in wind, draw strokes, rudder strokes (bow & stern), bracing, edging and boat control. We hope to encourage some fun learning opportunities as we explore. Due to the weather and other factors, the itinerary will be determined each day and communicated to participants as far in advance as the forecasts reasonably allow. All day trips are subject to change to maintain kayaker safety. Participants can choose whether or not to join each day’s scheduled trip. Trip Leaders may restrict or redirect individual participants on any given day, if necessary, to maximize individual and group safety.  If the weather makes padding unreasonable, there are lots of biking and hiking opportunities nearby.

  Required Equipment:
  

  • Sea kayaks 15’ or longer with full perimeter deck lines, sealed fore and aft bulkheads and/or floatation.
  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD) & whistle, spray skirt, pump, and paddle float.
  • Wetsuit and paddling jacket or dry suit.
  • VHF radio (recommended), InReach or PLB  (if you own one)
  • Extra food and water, sunscreen, insect repellent or head net, waterproof matches, headlamp, emergency blanket, first aid (especially epi-pens or required medications)

  Daily trips will be selected to minimize weather impact, but routes may include any of the physical and environmental conditions listed below:

  • Paddling locations may include open water crossings up to 2.5 miles, tour boats/recreational traffic, and limited landing opportunities due to rugged shorelines.
  • Winds up to 15 knots (17mph) and/or waves up to 2 feet, plus confused wave patterns near cliffs.

  Participants must be able to:

  • Safely exit their kayak while wearing a spray skirt and participate in an assisted rescue.
  • Maintain a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph in L3 conditions in any wind or wave direction (or accept a tow).
  • Paddle for up to 3 hours without landing. (Expect 4-7 hours of paddling each day)

  Marquette Based possible day trips (Tourist Park):

  1. Presque Isle to Little Presque Isle (13 miles)
  2. Presque Isle Black Rocks and Marquette Harbor (8-12 miles)
  3. Bay Furnace-Wood Island-west Grand Island (15 miles) 45min from Marquette
  4. Sand Point Trout Bay paddle (14 miles) 60 mins from Marquette
  5. Miners Beach to Chapel (14 miles) 75 mins from Marquette or 80 min from Fayette

  Fayette Based POSSIBLE DAY TRIPS (Fayette State Park):

  1. Spider Cave – Snail Harbor (12 miles)
  2. Sac Bay- Little Summer Island (10 miles) 15 min from Fayette
  3. Fairport to Summer to Poverty Island (18 miles) 15 min from Fayette(optional longer route)
  4. Fayette north to Garden Bluff (16 miles)
  5. Portage Bay loop on east side of the peninsula (10-12 miles)

  Registration:  Register here and e-mail David Nord  nordfamily@hotmail.com

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• East Fork White River

  • When
    July 12, 2025
  • Location
    south central Indiana
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  East Fork White River, Saturday July 12

  The reliable East Fork is one of only a hand full of Hoosier streams that can be paddled in near drought conditions
  

  East Fork White River trip leader since 2010,

  Richard Tekulve

  
  

  
  

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• Eagle Creek Triathlon Safety Boat July 19

  • When
    July 19, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Eagle Creek Park Reservoir, Indianapolis, In

  Register

  Swimming portion of the  Indy Sprint Triathlon Series.  HCKC members and guest provide safety boats for the swimmers in the 500 meter course.  Participants are there to provide assistance to swimmers, guide them on the course,  allow a place to rest or signal for extraction.  We will be on the outside of the course while city lifeguards are on the inside of the course. Meet at the Eagle Creek Park office on 56th street just northwest of the main park entrance and just before you get to the bridge over the reservoir. 

  If you're bringing a guest or another family member please register them separately.

   We must be unloaded and on the water by 7:45-50 as the swimming starts at 8am.   Instructions will be given just prior to the event.  No special skills needed.  Items which may enhance your effectiveness are whistle,  short throw line and float, extra PFD.  We are usually done by 9.  Some go to breakfast, some go paddle around, some have to go home and do chores. 

  This is an important event to HCKC as we the club is paid a $1000.00 for helping with this event.  You will get an event T-shirt for participating, please register with shirt size.  Canoe, Kayak or paddle board OK. 

   If you have questions or concerns please contact Dwayne James at dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com.

   Thanks for your help.

  Show details
• Detroit River Urban Kayaking 2025

  • Start
    July 24, 2025
  • End
    July 27, 2025
  • Location
    Detroit, MI

  Detroit River Urban Kayaking Trip July 24-27

  Sponsors: Kathy Blumer, Rob Blumer & Kathy Estes (Assisted by David & Susan Nord)

  Trip Level 3 (Coastal Kayaking)

  Join us for an urban kayaking experience on the Detroit River.  Participants will paddle international waters between Canada and the United States and can expect to see the dynamic Detroit skyline, the busy Ambassador Bridge, the nearly completed new Gordie Howe bridge, freighters and ships from many countries, factories that crowd up to the seawalls, and natural areas that are home to many types of birds.

  This HCKC sponsored trip is structured as a set of four (4) sequential day trips that will average 10-15 miles per day.  Conditions will vary each day, including open water under the bridges, sheltered canals, coves and inlets on islands of varying size, and busy shipping channels to cross.

  Due to the weather and other factors, the itinerary and sequence will be finalized closer to the trip date and is subject to change in order to maintain kayaker safety.

  Dates	Campers should plan to arrive Wednesday 7/23/25.  Day Trips are planned Thursday 7/24/25 thru Saturday 7/26/25 An optional shorter paddle may be added for Sunday 7/27/23 for those who don’t have a long travel day on Sunday.
  Experience level	Experience level:  HCKC Level 3 (Coastal Kayaking)
  Weather and water conditions	Choppy water with reflecting waves from seawalls in some spots, higher waves from freighters and powerboats, shipping channels, limited put-ins and take-outs.  Up to 2 MPH current in some spots.  In late July, air temperatures range between 70-85 degrees during the day, rain is possible, water temperature averages 70 degrees.
  Group size	Maximum 12 people (Not including trip leaders and helpers).
  Camping	Sterling State Park 2800 State Park Road Monroe, Michigan, 48162 (734) 289-2715 https://www.michigan.org/property/sterling-state-park  The only Michigan state park on Lake Erie, Sterling State Park's 1,300 acres offers great recreational opportunities including over one mile of beach, boating, shore fishing on Lake Erie and the fishing lagoons, lakefront camping, wildlife viewing and 6 miles of trails.
  Logistics	Trip participants will drive to a different put-in location each day and unload / load boats at that location. Each day trip will start and end from that location (no shuttles). Sterling State Park is the only camping option in the area, it is located 37 miles from downtown Detroit and 15 miles from Lake Erie Metropark.
  Sponsors / Co-Sponsors	Rob, Kathy and Kathy are local to the Detroit area and are experienced paddling in all of the candidate locations.  Other local paddlers have been recruited to provide history and commentary on the areas we will be paddling.
  Other trip info	This is a US-based trip, however multiple day trips will go into Canadian waters.  A passport is not required to kayak in Canadian waters, but all paddlers must carry valid US-issued government ID at all times. Entry permits are required for Sterling State Park and/or Belle Isle ($11 per day, same permit for both) and Lake Erie Metropark ($10 per day).

   Candidate day trips are:

  1. Zug Island, Ambassador Bridge, Gordie Howe International Bridge
  2. Stony Island, Crystal Cove and the Dunbar & Sullivan ship graveyard
  3. Belle Isle and Pesche Island
  4. Grosse Ile and Sugar Island
  5. Historic Detroit River canal tour (this is a trip that RKC used to do)
  6. Lower Huron River (optional for inclement weather)
  7. Maumee River in Toledo (to see the Glass City sunflower murals) - optional for inclement weather

  
  

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• NON-HCKC Indiana Paddlers Rendezvous

  • Start
    August 01, 2025
  • End
    August 03, 2025

  
  

  The 40th Annual Indiana Paddlers Rendezvous

  Aug. 1-2-3, 2025

  
  

      The IPR has proven to be one of the overall best Paddling Events in Indiana.  If you've never attended, rest assured it is Worth Your time.  Come prepared to enjoy one of the most Fun Paddling Weekends in Indiana, to relax with Old Paddling Buddies, and to make New Paddling Friends.

  More information later.

   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• WW East Race Whitewater Fest - NON - HCKC Event

  • When
    August 02, 2025
  • Location
    East Race, South Bend, IN
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  East Race and the City Of South Bend will be sponsoring a Whitewater Fest at East Race.  

  Details:  more to follow

  John Gates

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• WW Maine Kennebec Gorge Race and Paddle

  • Start
    August 08, 2025
  • End
    August 11, 2025
  • Location
    West Forks, ME

  Register

  I will be heading up to race the Kennebec Gorge Race and then paddle the gorge again and float out to the Forks.  This is one of those trips that is an adventure of a life time.  The Kennebec Gorge was my home river when I lived in Maine for 23 years.  If you want an experience of a life time and see my old home please reach out.  I can plan a trip around who would like to follow me up North!

  John Gates

  207-522-0259

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• Qajaq Training Camp (NON-HCKC EVENT)

  • Start
    August 21, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    August 24, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Frankfort, MI

  Register

  Qajaq TC is a fun and friendly event for paddlers of all skill levels and interests focusing on Greenlandic paddling, ropes, and rolls.  Founded in 2002, Qajaq TC (Training Camp) is an Official Qajaq USA event. It takes place at Camp Lookout, near Frankfort, Michigan.  There is no road access to the camp.  Our only access is by kayak or pontoon boat, making this a true full-immersion Traditional Greenland Kayaking event.  With only around sixty attendees and a very high mentor-to-student ratio, coaching is flexible and focused on helping everyone succeed, whether you have never been in a kayak before, or have decades of experience.  With the exception of youth scholarship attendees, this event is intended for adults.

   Registration opens April 1.  Click the link for more information and to register.  Qajac TC
  

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• Eagle Creek Triathlon Safety Boat August 23

  • When
    August 23, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Eagle Creek Park Reservoir, Indianapolis, In

  Register

  Swimming portion of the  Indy Sprint Triathlon Series.  HCKC members and guest provide safety boats for the swimmers in the 500 meter course.  Participants are there to provide assistance to swimmers, guide them on the course,  allow a place to rest or signal for extraction.  We will be on the outside of the course while city lifeguards are on the inside of the course. Meet at the Eagle Creek Park office on 56th street just northwest of the main park entrance and just before you get to the bridge over the reservoir. 

  If you're bringing a guest or another family member please register them separately.

   We must be unloaded and on the water by 7:45-50 as the swimming starts at 8am.   Instructions will be given just prior to the event.  No special skills needed.  Items which may enhance your effectiveness are whistle,  short throw line and float, extra PFD.  We are usually done by 9.  Some go to breakfast, some go paddle around, some have to go home and do chores. 

  This is an important event to HCKC as we the club is paid a $1000.00 for helping with this event.  You will get an event T-shirt for participating, please register with shirt size.  Canoe, Kayak or paddle board OK. 

   If you have questions or concerns please contact Dwayne James at dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com.

   Thanks for your help.

  Show details
• Raccoon Creek Cleanup

  • When
    August 23, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    Raccoon Creak

  Register

  Raccoon Creek Clean Up

  Date: 23 August 2025

  
  

  Sponsor: John Gates 207-522-0259

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• Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan, Aug 24-30

  • Start
    August 24, 2025
  • End
    August 30, 2025
  • Location
    Platte River Campground SBD National Lakeshore
  • Registered
    18 registrants

  SK Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore    August 24 - August 30, 2025

  Registration is currently closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact PHYLLIS MALPAS (phylm19@gmail.com)

  Trip Sponsor Martha Gitt (marthagitt@yahoo.com), Suzy McCain (suz13@att.net) and Phyllis Malpas (phylm19@gmail.com) 

  Trip Level L2/L3 (See Below)

  We will be camping at the Platte River Campground which is within the National Lakeshore and known to be one of the nicest National Park Campground in the country. 

  Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 35 mi. stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The 71,187 acre park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features.

  Planned trips include excursions into lake Michigan, Platte Lake, Platte river and Loon Lake. We’ll select from our “bag of trips” based on weather, as we all know “the Lake is the Boss”. For those wishing to search the area online, our probable put in locations will be the coastguard station in DH Day national Lakeshore, the Big Platte Lake DNR boat ramp, and the El Dorado boat Launch and the Platte river Beach Parking area.  For the adventurous and depending on weather, surfing could be an option. Topping things off, there are 100 miles of designated hiking trails, the paved 27 Mile Heritage Bike Trail, a ferry out to South Manitou Island and of course, the beautiful dunes and beaches.

  Required Equipment:  PFD, Sea kayaks 14’ or greater with spray skirts, fore and aft bulkheads, full perimeter deck lines, pump/paddle float and safety equipment are required. 

  Registration:   Register here and e-mail Martha Gitt (marthagitt@yahoo.com) and Phyllis Malpas (phylm19@gmail.com).

  CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS (recreation.gov): PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND is a highly desired and competitive campground and this is the week prior to Labor Day Weekend. Reservations open 6 months prior to the date of your first night at 10 AM sharp. 

  
  

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• Cataract Falls Full Moon Paddle

  • When
    September 06, 2025
  • Location
    Cataract Falls Full Moon Paddle Lieber State Park

  Registration is closed

  Cataract Falls Full Moon Paddle       September 6, 2025

  Trip Sponsor:  Wally Burchfield

  L1/L2

  Cunot Boat Ramp Lieber State Park 6:00pm

    Want to see the largest water falls in Indiana and paddle under the full moon? Here's your chance! This is a fun paddle and is open to most experience levels. Paddler must be able to paddle 8 miles round trip. A 10' boat or longer is suggested. These are head waters so this is a paddle rather than a float - there is no current but we will paddle at a moderate rate.  The speed of motor boats is restricted so we should not have any problems with boat wake.

      We will meet up at the Cunot boat ramp (Map) at 6PM and launch by 6:30PM.  We will paddle to the falls and take a short break there. Pit bathrooms are available at the falls. Most of the return trip will be under moonlight. We should return to the boat ramp around 11 PM.

      You are required to have a PFD, boat marker light such as a glow stick and a $5 2024 DNR non-motorized boat sticker on your boat . Boat stickers can be purchased online at http://stores.innsgifts.com/2014-state-park-permits/ or at any state park. The gate house at Lieber SRA should have them. You will pass it if you are coming from the north.  Keep in mind if ordering off the website, it'll take about a week for them to ship it to you.

  
  

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• Wabash River - TBD

  • When
    September 13, 2025
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

   

  Wabash River Trip – TBD – Sept. 13, 2025

  It’s that time of year when many of our local streams are often too low to enjoyably paddle.  The Wabash River should have plenty of flow for easy paddling.  The dry times of the year also make the big rivers low enough and clear enough to enjoy the streambed, the real essence of their beauty. 

  Bring lunch and drinking water in addition to your normal paddling gear.  The HCKC requires those participating in Club events to wear a PFD at all times while on the water.  

  Contact Judy Thompson judy_thom@hotmail.com.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Raccoon Creek Paddle

  • When
    October 12, 2025
  • Location
    Raccoon Creek, IN
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  Raccoon Creek Paddle

  
  

  
  

  Date: 12 October 2025

  
  

  Sponsor:  John Gates 207-522-0259

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• Grayson Lake, KY

  • Start
    October 31, 2025
  • End
    November 02, 2025
  • Location
    Grayson, KY
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  Register

  Grayson Lake, KY, Oct. 31-Nov. 2

  Grayson Lake has amazing cliff lined sections, and waterfalls if it rains a day or two before the trip.  This trip is a Canoe and Kayak version – we will not be traveling quite as fast as the Sea Kayaking group.  I would recommend a 12-foot boat or longer.  Saturday’s paddle will be about 12-13 miles, with no current to assist.  Part of the trip will be where we will be exposed to power boat wakes, and the water can be choppy.

  Camping sites go quickly, so if you are interested, please make your reservations as soon as you can.  https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/grayson-lake-state-park/KY/91812/overview.  Let me know if you wish to share a site, and I will try to help match up interested persons.  Two vehicles are allowed per site, and one camper with one small tent, or two small tents.

  There will be an optional Friday afternoon paddle.  The main paddle will be Saturday, with a shorter one on Sunday.

  We will be camping at Grayson Lake State Park, 314 Grayson Lake Park Rd, Olive Hill, KY 41164, Friday and Saturday nights.  We will be “car camping”, so feel free to bring as much warm gear as necessary since we will not need to haul camping gear in our boats.  Two tents and two vehicles are allowed per site, so sharing sites will cut down on expenses.  It is a nice, modern campground with showers and flush toilets.  Be sure to make your camping reservations as soon as you can, since it is a popular place on the weekends. 

  Grayson is about a 4 to 5-hour drive from Indianapolis.  It is one my favorite paddling locations, and I feel it is well worth the trip.  Please contact Judy Thompson judy_thom@hotmail.com for more information.

  
  

   Friday (Optional) – We will paddle for a few hours and then set up camp.
  Launch Time: 1:45 pm   Arrive at Ramp
  Put-In:  We are going to try a put-in that the club hasn't used before.  Turn off of Rt. 7 about 19 miles south of the interstate towards the Laurel Gorge Cultural Center.  Go straight rather than actually turn into the Cultural Center.  Cross the bridge, and look for a parking lot on the right.   This is a carry down ramp which is paved most of the way.  If you do not have a boat cart, you can borrow one from someone else in the group to make the carry down easier.  We will return to this spot at the end of the day's paddle. 
  Mileage:   Negotiable.  

  Saturday – We will meet at the put-in and paddle about 12 miles up Grayson Lake to Bruin ramp   This is an amazing section with cliffs lining most of the 12-mile stretch.  There are also many waterfalls (if it rains in the day or two before the trip.
  Time:  9:30 am - Boats at Caney Creek Put-In and we’ll run our shuttle then.   If you’re driving down from Indy, you will probably want to drive down Friday night.
  Put-In:    Rt. 504 turnoff:  On Rt. 7 (west side), 17.6 miles south of the interstate exit.  When you turn right (West) onto Rt. 504 it, it’s another two miles to the Caney Creek ramp. 
  Take-Out:  Bruin boat ramp/beach: On Rt. 7 (east side), 11.9 miles south of the interstate exit. 
  Mileage:  About 12 miles - more or less – depending on how much you explore.

  Sunday – We will paddle up Clifty Creek to the Grotto.  Usually there will be enough water to enter the Grotto.
  Time:   9:30 am 
  Put-In/Take-Out:  The launch ramp is on Rt. 7 about 10 miles south of the interstate on the west side of the road and north side of the creek (if you get to the golf course, you overshot about a mile).  This ramp is on the west side of the road and just about 1.3 miles north to the Entrance to the State Park on Rt. 7.
  Mileage:   6-10 miles depending on what people are up for.

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