Canoe Convoys
Canoe Convoys are back and better than ever! We have four exciting offerings this summer!
INTRO TO PADDLING SESSIONS
Join Boone County Conservation District and Severson Dells Nature Center staff and volunteers for these beginner-friendly intro sessions at Rock Cut State Park's Pierce Lake! We will teach you about essential canoe gear, how to get in and out of canoes, the basics of paddling, and other introductory skills to get you out on the water safely and comfortably. All canoeing gear, including paddles and personal flotation devices (life jackets) is provided. Guests are asked to bring their own snack, water, sun protection, bug protection, and water-ready clothes and shoes.
This program is best for people who
meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age of 12 years old
- Minimum weight of 70 lbs, maximum weight 250 lbs
- Crouch, kneel, balance, sit up, and sit down independently
- Basic comfort in and around water wearing a life jacket (personal flotation device)
- Paddle consistently for 1-2 hours
If you have any questions about accessibility or accommodations, please contact 815-335-2915 or
andrea@seversondells.org.
Due to the popularity of these programs, please sign up for a maximum of two programs. Those interested in attending more than 2 programs can contact Andrea to be put on the waitlist.
CLASSIC CANOE CONVOYS
Join Boone County Conservation District and Severson Dells Nature Center staff and volunteers for a leisurely paddle down the Kishwaukee River! Perfect for first-time and lifelong paddlers, this program includes basic canoeing instruction and a guided tour down the river. All canoeing gear, including paddles and personal flotation devices (life jackets) is provided. Guests are asked to bring their own snack, water, sun protection, bug protection, and water-ready clothes and shoes.
This program is best for people who
meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age of 12 years old
- Minimum weight of 70 lbs, maximum weight 250 lbs
- Crouch, kneel, balance, sit up, and sit down independently
- Basic comfort in and around water wearing a life jacket (personal flotation device)
- Paddle consistently for 1-2 hours
If you have any questions about accessibility or accommodations, please contact 815-335-2915 or
andrea@seversondells.org.
New locations every week in the greater Rockford and Belvidere area. Locations are sent out to participants a week prior to the event. If you have specific questions about locations, please let us know.
Due to the popularity of these programs, please sign up for a maximum of two programs. Those interested in attending more than 2 programs can contact Andrea to be put on the waitlist.
Intermediate Canoe Convoys
Join Boone County Conservation District and Severson Dells Nature Center staff and volunteers for an exciting paddle down the Kishwaukee River! Perfect for intermediate paddlers looking for a little bit of challenge. Paddlers should be familiar with forward, back, sweep, j-stroke, rudder, draw, and pry strokes to navigate a canoe through narrow sections and winding turns.
All canoeing gear, including paddles and personal flotation devices (life jackets) is provided. Guests are asked to bring their own snack, water, sun protection, bug protection, and water-ready clothes and shoes.
This program is best for people who
meet the following requirements:
- Intermediate paddling ability (detailed above)
- Minimum age of 12 years old
- Minimum weight of 70 lbs, maximum weight 250 lbs
- Crouch, kneel, balance, sit up, and sit down independently
- Basic comfort in and around water wearing a life jacket (personal flotation device)
- Paddle consistently for 1-2 hours
If you have any questions about accessibility or accommodations, please contact 815-335-2915 or
andrea@seversondells.org.
New locations every week in the greater Rockford and Belvidere area. Locations are sent out to participants a week prior to the event. If you have specific questions about locations, please let us know.
Due to the popularity of these programs, please sign up for a maximum of two programs. Those interested in attending more than 2 programs can contact Andrea to be put on the waitlist.
Canoe Convoy Day Trip
Join Boone County Conservation District and Severson Dells Nature Center staff and volunteers for a day paddle down the Kishwaukee River! This program requires previous canoe experience, as we will be paddling for 4-5 hours. Paddlers should be familiar with forward and back paddle, rudder, j-stroke, sweep, draw, and pry strokes. Ability to naigate canoe through narrow and winding sections of a river. This is not a good fit for first-time or inexperienced paddlers. All canoeing gear, including paddles and personal flotation devices (life jackets) is provided. Guests are asked to bring their own lunch, snacks, water, sun protection, bug protection, and water-ready clothes and shoes. There will be vault-style outhouse toilets available at multiple locations throughout the day trip.
This program is best for people who
meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age of 12 years old
- Minimum weight of 70 lbs, maximum weight 250 lbs
- Crouch, kneel, balance, sit up, and sit down independently
- Basic comfort in and around water wearing a life jacket (personal flotation device)
- Paddle consistently for 4-5 hours with breaks
- Previous canoe experience (detailed above)
If you have any questions about accessibility or accommodations, please contact 815-335-2915 or
andrea@seversondells.org.
New locations every week in the greater Rockford and Belvidere area. Locations are sent out to participants a week prior to the event. If you have specific questions about locations, please let us know.
Due to the popularity of these programs, please sign up for a maximum of two programs. Those interested in attending more than 2 programs can contact Andrea to be put on the waitlist.
