TROOP 33 CANOEING
& WATERCRAFT PAGE
 Boating - Canoeing - Kayaking - Rafting - Sailing

Troop 33 -- First Lutheran Church -- DeKalb, Illinois

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TROOP 33 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

Our WATERCRAFT program has features canoeing, rafting, sailing, and sea kayaking. Power boating has included motorboat, jetboat, and pontoon boat. These programs have taken us to many exciting locations ranging from the warm waters of Bermuda to the northwoods of Ontario Canada. We enjoy weekend and day trips as well as major long trips paddling rivers, lake country, and ocean waters. We have our own fleet of 13 canoes with two canoe trailers for transport (which makes it economical and convenient). We usually sponsor 6-10 trips each year that involve canoeing, rafting, and sailing. You can review our annual programs by clicking;
2011 - 2010 - 2009 -2008 - 2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 - 2002 - 2001 - 2000 - 1999 - 1998 - 1997 - 1996 - 1995 - 1994.

Watercraft Locations
we've enjoyed.

COLORADO
  • Animas River; Colorado -- rafting
  • Arkansas River; Colorado -- rafting

    FLORIDA
  • Key Largo; Florida -- sailing & boating
  • Key West; Florida -- sailing & boating
  • Lower Matecumbe Key; Florida -- sailing & boating
  • Rabbitt Key; Florida -- sailing

    GEORGIA

  • Okeefenokee Swamp; Georgia -- caneoing

    ILLINOIS

  • DuPage River; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Fox River; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Hennepein Canal Canoe Trip; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Kankakee River; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Kishwaukee River; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Kyte River; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Lake Michigan; Illinois -- sailing
  • Lake Shabbona; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Mississippi River; Illinois -- canoeing
  • Rock River; Illinois -- canoeing & motorboating
  • Vermilion River; Illinois -- canoeing

    INDIANA

  • East Race; Indiana -- rafting
  • Sugar Creek; Indiana -- canoeing

    IOWA

  • Mississippi River; Iowa -- canoeing

    MINNESOTA

  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area; Minnesota -- canoeing

    MISSOURI

  • Current River; Missouri -- canoeing
  • Huzzah River; Missouri -- canoeing
  • Maniteau Creek; Missouri -- canoeing
  • Meramec River; Missouri -- canoeing
  • Missouri River; Missouri -- canoeing

    MONTANA

  • Missouri River; Missouri,Montana -- canoeing
  • Stillwater River; Montana -- rafting

    TENNESSEE

  • Ocoee River; Tennessee -- rafting

    UTAH

  • Colorado River; Utah........rafting, jet boating
  • Lake Powell; Utah..........pontoon boating

    WEST VIRGINIA

  • New River; West Virginia........rafting

    WISCONSIN

  • Baker Lake; Wisconsin........canoeing
  • Black River; Wisconsin........canoeing
  • Bois Brule River; Wisconsin........canoeing
  • Kickapoo River; Illinois........canoeing
  • Lake Geneva; Wisconsin........sailing, ice boating
  • Little Archibald Lake; Wisconsin........canoeing
  • Mississippi River; Wisconsin........canoeing
  • Northern Highlands; Wisconsin........canoeing
  • Wisconsin River; Wisconsin........canoeing
  • Wolf River; Wisconsin........rafting

    INTERNATIONAL

    BERMUDA

  • Atlantic Ocean; Bermuda........boating, sailing

    CANADA

  • Algoma Wilderness; Ontario Canada........canoeing

    COSTA RICA
  • Sarapiqui River; Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica........rafting

    MEXICO

  • Caribbean Sea; Cozumel, Mexico........boating
  • Sea of Cortez; San Carlos, Mexico..........sea kayaking

    PANAMA

  • Caribbean Sea; Bocas del Toro, Panama........boating

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    WATERCRAFT LINKS

    America Outdoors
    American Canoe Association
    American Whitewater Affiliation
    Backcountry Home Page
    Canada's Canoe Source
    Canoe Trip Guidelines (American Whitewater Affiliation)
    Chicago Area Paddling Page
    EPA Watershed Maps
    Gear Finder
    Get Lost Adventure Magazine
    G.O.R.P. Great Outdoor Recreation Pages
    Paddler Magazine
    Illinois Paddling Council
    InfoHub Canoeing/Kayaking
    Hypothermia
    Paddlers Web Page
    Planning a Safe River Trip (Princeton)
    River Resources
    Rutabaga(Madison)
    Water Levels (USGS Realtime Hydro)
    Trip Check List (Adventure Sports)
    Whitewater Rivers Around the World
    Whitewater Online (Webtreks)
    Whitewater Safety Code
    Wild & Scenic Rivers (gorp)
    Wild & Scenic rivers (Nat Park Service)
    World Wide Canoe Web
    Wisconsin Canoe Rivers

    CANOE COMPANIES

    Alumacraft Canoes
    Bear Creek Canoes
    Bell Canoes
    Buffalo Canoes
    Cedar Island Canoes
    Coleman Canoes
    Dagger Canoes
    Grumman Canoes
    Mad River Canoes
    Marathon Boat Co.
    Meyer Boat Co.
    Mohawk Canoes
    Navarro Canoe Co.
    Northbay Canoe Co.
    Northwoods Canoe Co.
    Nova Craft Canoes
    Old Town Canoes
    Osagian Canoes
    Waterquest Canoes
    Wenonah Canoes
    Whitesell Canoes

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    OUR CANOEING LOCATIONS

  • Algoma Wilderness, Ontario Canada
  • Black River, Wisconsin
  • Bois Brule River, Wisconsin
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota
  • Current River, Missouri
  • DuPage River, Illinois
  • Fox River, Illinois
  • Hennepein Canal, Illinois
  • Huzzuh River, Missouri
  • Kankakee River, Illinois
  • Kickapoo River, Wisconsin
  • Kishwaukee River, Illinois
  • Kyte River, Illinois
  • Lake Shabbona, Illinois
  • Maniteau Creek, Missouri
  • Meramec River, Missouri
  • Mississippi River, Illinois/Iowa/Wisconsin
  • Missouri River, Missouri/Montana
  • Northern Highlands State Forest, Wisconsin
  • Okeefenokee Swamp, Georgia
  • Pecatonica River, Illinois
  • Rock River, Illinois
  • Sugar Creek, Indiana
  • Sugar River, Illinois
  • Vermilion River, Illinois
  • Wisconsin River, Wisconsin

    OUR TRIP DESCRIPTIONS

    Algoma Wilderness, Ontario Canada
     This was a great adventure into a 6,000,000 acre wilderness in the great north woods. The Central Algoma Railroad penetrates deep into this roadless area. You will be dropped off at a mile marker along the railraod track in the middle of virgin timber and crystal clear lakes. Until you return to that mile marker, you are virtually stranded. We have canoed along the Montreal River and also the Lake Oba regions on two separate trips.

    Bois Brule River, Wisconsin (click for more info)
    This is a whitewater river in the northern reaches of Wisconsin. It is an adventure for experienced canoeists only.

    Boundary Waters Canoe Area (click for more info) One of the most beautiful flatwater canoe areas in the world, Boundary Waters is one of the ultimate destinations for those who love wilderness paddling. The more strenuous portages you endure, the farther from people you become. Glass smooth lakes reflecting an azure sunset, a relaxing day of fishing, the call of loons at night, this is truly a paradise to cherish. We have been to Boundary Waters several times and it continues to be one of our favorite canoeing destinations.

    Current River, Missouri (click for more info) (also here)
    This is a rugged area within the Ozark mountains of Missouri. One of the unique things about the Current river is it's source, a series of springs flowing millions of gallons each day. The river is very clean and clear. There are small rapids and riffles to keep your paddling interesting. We have paddled from Akers Ferry to Owl's Bend. Many groups like to take out at Pulltite instead.

    Dupage River, Illinois (click here for more info)
     We like to put in just below the dam at Hammel Woods Forest Preserve on State Route 59 near Shorewood, Illinois. From here we canoe approximately 12 miles to the dam at Channahon State Park in Channahon, Illinois. There are several playful riffle areas along this route. You will also pass through a gravel pit which provides an excellent fishing location. Beware of the dam at Channahon. Take out on the left side. It is a short portage to the parking lot in the park. Spring is the best time for paddling the DuPage. Other points of interest are Channahon State Park and the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corrider

    Fox River, Illinois (click here for more info)

    Hennepein Canal, Illinois

    Kankakee River, Illinois

    Kishwaukee River, Illinois


     We have canoed 60 miles of the Kishwaukee river from DeKalb, Illinois to it's confluence with the Rock river south of Rockford, Illinois. For people looking for a nice afternoon of paddling I would suggest trips #1, #2, & #3. For more of a challenge try #4 or the ultimate #5.
  • Trip #1 Put in at the Route 64 bridge west of Sycamore, Illinois. Paddle to North Grove Road. This is an easy afternoon. You can extend it to Base Line Road and take out at Knute Olsen Forest Preserve.
  • Trip #2 Put in at Knute Olsen Forest Preserve and take out at Kingston Park near the Five Points Road Bridge.
  • Trip #3 If you would really like a challenge, try putting in at Kingston Park, and taking out at MacQueen Forest Preserve. The first part of this trip is very easy. Shortly after Kirkland Road the river splits into small channels with swift current and many log jams. We call this portion of the river "the gauntlet".
  • Trip #4 If you want the supreme challenge for a day trip, try this one. Put in at Hopkins Park in DeKalb, and take out at MacQueen Forest Preserve. You are guaranteed at least two portages and many long hours of paddling. Do it in the spring when the water is sufficient and there's some current. We have done this, and it makes for a very looooonnnng day!
  • Trip #5 We call this our "Iron Man Canoe Trip". Put in at Hopkins Park in DeKalb, take out under the I-288 bridge on the Mississippi river on the Iowa side. This is 8 long days of paddling. Average day is 25 miles. Five major dams on the Rock river to portage. Watch out for speedboats and jet skiers above the dams. Stay clear of the underwater intakes for the Byron Nuclear Power Plant. We do this trip with full gear. We do visit a few restaurants at towns along the way for a special treat.

    Kyte River, Illinois

    Lake Shabbona State Park, Illinois (click here for more info)

    Mississippi River, Illinois/Iowa/Wisconsin

    Northern Highlands State Forest, Wisconsin

    Okeefenokee Swamp, Georgia (click here for more info)
    This is a totally unique canoeing experience. We start at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Georgia. You can canoe to a place called "Billy's Lake", a short distance from the canoe rental and a great place to stalk alligators. One day we saw 12 gators. There is also a great variety of birds to enjoy. If you are really looking for adventure, paddle down the canals to overnight campsites built on wooden platforms deep within the swamp. Just wait until dark. The sounds of a swamp at night will be lasting memories! Advance reservations are required for overnight visits within the swamp. Contact Stephen C. Foster State Park at 912/637-5274. You can also access through Laura S. Walker State Park from the east; that number is 912/287-4900. Both locations have canoe rental available.
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    Rock River, Illinois

    Sugar Creek, Indiana (click here for more info)

    Vermilion River, Illinois (click here for more info)

    Wisconsin River, Wisconsin
    (click here for canoe rental information)
    This is a great river for canoeing; wide, slow moving current, with great sand banks, sand bars, and islands for camping, plus convenient canoe launches. Takeouts are maintained by the state of Wisconsin and have parking lots and porta-potties. If wilderness camping is not for you, there are several campgrounds operated along the river. You can spend a day, a weekend, or a week canoeing on the lower Wisconsin River. The following sections range from County Highway Z north of Wisconsin Dells all the way to the Mississippi river, 168 miles of paddling enjoyment.
    County Z to Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin -- 15 miles
     There is a canoe rental and campground north of the bridge. Plenty of islands early on. As you go farther south beware of the large tour boats that can swamp you with their wake. It's fun to explore the small side canyons, but remember the tour boats often explore them too.
    Wisconsin Dells to Portage, Wisconsin -- 21 miles
     Early on you encounter ducks (large military types--not feathered) and also many pontoon and small pleasure craft. As you get nearer to Portage the tourist horde are left behind.
    Portage to Sauk City, Wisconsin -- 27 miles
     You cross a major lake area on this section, I avoid canoeing it. Watch for strong winds and boat traffic.
    Sauk City to Spring Green, Wisconsin -- 22 miles
     This is one of the most popular stetches for canoeing so obviously it's also the most crowded. If you're looking for wilderness solitude, bypass this stretch. This part of the river is crowded with canoes, major partying, a nudist beach, with reports of a nearby island sometimes inhabited by nudists. This can be embarassing if you canoe with young children or Scouts.
    You can avoid the nudist beach by putting in at the town of Arena, which is downstream of the nudist beach. From Arena to Spring Green is about 10 miles.
    Spring Green to Muscoda Wisconsin -- 22 miles
     This is less crowded and a very beautiful stretch of river. If you don't want to canoe the full 22 miles, you can take out early at Lone Rock.
    Muscoda to Boscobel, Wisconsin -- 15 miles
     Another wonderful section of river for camping along generous sand banks. The river is wide and slow. Just blocks from the take out in Boscobel is an A&W Restaurant with frosted mugs waiting to be filled with root beer. It always tastes great at the end of a long days paddle.
    Boscobel to Wauzeka, Wisconsin -- 11 miles
     This is a nice day trip. We usually make a weekend trip from Boscobel to Wyalusing, Wisconsin. The river is less sandy here than upstream. There are less sand bars and sandy banks to camp on.
    Wauzeka to Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin -- 25 miles
     The banks become less sandy as you get closer to the Mississippi river, so good campsites along the river are more scarce.
    Prairie du Chein to Wyalusing, Wisconsin -- 8 miles
     If you want to brave the mighty Mississippi, you can continue south for another 8 miles to a public beach near the small town of Wyalusing, Wisconsin. (It makes for a great take-out because you can swim in the Mississipppi river) Remember you are paddling on a powerful river with a great deal of recreational and commercial traffic. The barges aren't too bad, though they are huge and intimidating, just keep a safe distance away and you'll be fine. It's the pleasure craft you must watch out for, they are not always observant, and beware their wakes. Also beware of the wing dams below the surface, they can create some interesting currents depending on the water level of the river.

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    RAFTING

    Boy Scout Troop 33 - First Lutheran Church - DeKalb, Illinois

    OUR RAFTING LOCATIONS
    Animas River, Colorado
    Arkansas River, Colorado
    Colorado River, Utah
    East Race; South Bend, Indiana (click for more info)
    New River Gorge, West Virginia (click for more info) (also here)
    Ocoee River, Tennessee (click for more info)
    Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica
    Stillwater River, Montana
    Wolf River, Wisconsin (click here for more info)

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    TROOP 33 SAILING LOCATIONS
  • Bermuda Station for Biological Research, Bermuda
  • Florida Sea Base, Florida
  • Key West, Florida
  • Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
  • Lake Michigan, Illinois

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    2011 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Crystal River Kayaking; Michigan
  • East Race Rafting; Indiana
  • Lake Shabbona Canoeing; Illinois
  • Pierce Lake Canoeing; Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois


    2010 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • East Race Rafting; Indiana
  • Kishwaukee River Canoeing; Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois


    2009 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area; Minnesota
  • East Race Rafting; Indiana
  • Kishwaukee River Canoeing; Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois


    2008 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Bocas del Toro boat tour; Panama
  • Kishwaukee River Canoeing; Illinois
  • Sarapiqui River rafting; Costa Rica


    2007 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Kishwaukee River Canoeing; Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois
  • Wisconsin River Canoeing; Wisconsin


    2006 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • East Race Rafting; Indiana
  • Kishwaukee River Canoeing; Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois
  • Wisconsin River Canoeing; Wisconsin


    2005 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Kishwaukee River Canoeing; Illinois
  • Lake Shabbona Canoeing; Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois


    2004 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Animas River Rafting; Colorado
  • Colorado River Rafting; Utah
  • Huzzuh River Canoeing; Missouri
  • Kishwaukee River Canoeing; Illinois
  • Lake Shabbona Canoeing; Illinois
  • Maniteau Creek Canoeing; Missouri
  • Meramec River Canoeing; Missouri
  • Missouri River Canoeing; Missouri
  • Mississippi River Canoeing; Wisconsin
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois
  • Wisconsin River Canoeing, Wisconsin


    2003 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Hennepein Canal Canoe Trip; Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip; Illinois
  • Lake Powell Pontoon Boating; Utah
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois
  • Sea of Cortez Sea Kayaking; Mexico
  • Wisconsin River Canoe Trip, Wisconsin


    2002 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip #1; Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip #2; Illinois
  • Lake Geneva Sailing; Wisconsin
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois
  • Rock River Overnight Canoe Trip; Illinois
  • Rock River Motorboat/Waterski; Illinois


    2001 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Hennepein Canal Canoe Trip; Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip; Illinois
  • Lake Geneva Sailing; Wisconsin
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden); Illinois


    2000 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Canoe Rodeo, Illinois
  • Fall Camporee Canoe Event, Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Lake Geneva Sailing, Wisconsin
  • Lake Shabbona State Park Canoeing, Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden), Illinois
  • Rock River Motorboat/Water Ski, Illinois
  • Upper Missouri River Canoe Trip, Montana


    1999 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Canoe Rodeo, Illinois
  • Fox River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Trip #1, Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Trip #2, Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden), Illinois
  • Wisconsin River Canoe Trip, Wisconsin


    1998 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Black River Canoe Trip, Wisconsin
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, Minnesota
  • East Race Rafting, Indiana
  • DuPage River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Kickapoo River Canoeing, Wisconsin
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip #1, Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip #2, Illinois
  • Stillwater River Rafting, Montana


    1997 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • East Race Rafting Trip, Indiana
  • DuPage River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Fox River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Lake Michigan Sailing Trip, Illinois
  • New River Raft Trip, West Virginia
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden), Illinois


    1996 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Bois Brule River Canoeing, Wisconsin
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, Minnesota
  • Key West Sailing Trip, Florida
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Lake Shabbona Canoeing Weekend, Illinois
  • Mississippi River Canoeing, Wisconsin/Iowa
  • Ocoee River Raft Trip, Tennesee
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden), Illinois
  • Vermilion River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Wisconsin River Canoe Trip


    1995 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Arkansas River Raft Trip, Colorado
  • Fox River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Kankakee River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Kishwaukee River/Rock River 200 Mile Canoe Trek, Illinois
  • Lake Michigan Sailing Trip< Illinois
  • Lake Shabbona Canoeing Weekend, Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden), Illinois
  • Wisconsin River Canoe Trip, Wisconsin


    1994 WATERCRAFT PROGRAM

  • Kishwaukee River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Lake Michigan Sailing Trip, Illinois
  • Rock River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Rock River Canoeing (Camp Lowden), Illinois
  • Sugar Creek, Indiana
  • Vermilion River Canoe Trip, Illinois
  • Wisconsin River Canoe Trip, Wisconsin

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