Illinois may be known as the Prairie State, but many kayakers learn to enjoy whitewater there and some seek out whitewater in other states or countries as their skill increases. Whitewater kayaking does require skills training and some knowledge about the forces of moving water. Illinois has paddling clubs and commercial businesses that provide training, equipment and organized whitewater adventures.
Chicago Whitewater Association
The Chicago Whitewater Association was formed in the late 1960s to train kayakers to run rivers safely and to serve as a social organization sponsoring group trips. Most training takes place in swimming pools in the fall and winter. Beginners learn paddling technique and safety procedures such as self and team rescue, necessary equipment. They'll also learn wet exits, which means escaping an upside down kayak, and the Eskimo roll, in which paddlers who flip over into the water roll upright by using a combination of body and paddle movements. High and low braces and different strokes are practiced by maneuvering around and through gates and buoys in the pool.
Area Whitewater
Lake Michigan nearly always provides some degree of whitewater, as does the East Race Course in nearby South Bend, Indiana, but Illinois whitewater streams are mostly dependent on water level so check it before you start. Taking sponsored trips will help initial planning and ensures legal put-in spots, which in the Chicago area are limited. The Big Vermillion, Little Vermillion and Middle Fork of the Vermillion each has some whitewater rodeo spots, waves that buck you around, surfing and spots to practice rolling and doing enders, standing the kayak on end in the wave hole. Illinois has many of these whitewater play spots.
Whitewater Rating Scale
An international classification of whitewater going from Class I to Class VI was established in the 1960s by an international committee. Class V and VI rapids are for experts only and pose a danger to life. Illinois whitewater streams have mostly Class I and II rapids, with a few places that have Class III or IV at high water. Lake Michigan can have any class whitewater, depending on wind conditions
Paddler Rankings
Paddler skills are ranked beginner, novice, intermediate and expert. Beginner and novices can handle Class I and II whitewater. An intermediately skilled person should have a reliable Eskimo roll and experience in river reading and maneuvering in swift water and can paddle Class III and IV rapids when safety support is nearby. Few kayakers are expert enough to challenge Class V and VI whitewater. Except for Lake Michigan at its worst or maybe a few places on the Mississippi River at high water, there are no Class V or VI opportunities in Illinois.
Other Resources
Illinois has many businesses providing equipment, training and trips for kayakers. Some handle only local area paddling while others plan trips all over the world. The Recreational Equipment Cooperative (REI) conducts whitewater kayaking seminars during summer months in the Chicago metro area, and is a good source of specific stream information.
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