Who, what, & why.... the Illinois Paddling Council

The Illinois Paddling Council (IPC) was organized in 1963 and is a not-for-profit association of paddlers and paddling organizations in Illinois. The Illinois Paddling council is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of all phases of canoeing and kayaking in Illinois, to assure access to the state's waters and to protect and preserve the natural resources within the state.

The Illinois Paddling Council strives to:

• Improve access to Illinois waterways.
• Advocate for the conservation and restoration of Illinois rivers and lakes.
• Provide information about paddlesport to paddlers and the general public.
• Promote paddling safety and education.
• Promote paddling competition and sanction races in Illinois.

Illinois Paddling Council Activities and Programs:

• The IPC holds bi-monthly meetings and periodically publishes a newsletter of interest to all Illinois Paddlers.
• The IPC Access Project works with government agencies, public and private landowners to provide safe, legal and adequate access for human powered watercraft to the waterways of Illinois; provides information to paddlers and the general public about access; and advocates the creation of regional systems of watertrails throughout Illinois .
• The IPC sanctions USCA Marathon Races throughout Illinois and holds an annual awards banquet.
• The IPC has been an active participant in the Conservation Congress, representing the concerns of paddlers to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

IPC Membership is open to all individuals, families and paddling clubs.

Please e-mail the Webmaster with additions, comments and corrections.

Copyright © 2008 Illinois Paddling Council. All Rights Reserved.