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Category: Kayaking

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Events Kayaking

2020 Paddle Pool Classes

Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean paddle season is done. 

Starting in January, 2020, Rocktown Adventures will offer Paddle Pool Classes at Boylan High School 3 Sundays a month, thru April. Paddle Pool Classes are a great way to practice your paddling skills in the controlled environment of a pool. See below for a brief description of each event we will offer. For more information or to register, please visit our events page or give us a call at (815) 636-9066.

Intro to Kayaking

January 5, February 9, March 8, April 5 & May 3 

This 3-hour paddle course will introduce you to kayaking. Learn basic information on a wide-range of topics, such as proper paddling strokes, dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues, as well as entering/exiting a kayak efficiently. If time allows, we will even do a wet exit and entry. This class is for beginners, experienced paddlers looking to refine their skills and kayak anglers. 

Safety & Rescue

January 12, February 16, March 15 & April 19

Imagine you are out for a paddle on a lake or slow moving river, taking in the scenery, when all of a sudden you see a shiny thing passing under the kayak. You lean over to look and….WHOOPS! Now what? This class teaches “Now What!” While taking the “Intro to Kayaking” class is not a prerequisite, this class is viewed as the second in a progression. A basic knowledge of paddling strokes is required.   

Open Pool Session

January 19, February 23, March 22 & April 26 

Our Open Pool Session is a 3-hour open pool time – like “Free Swim” but with kayaks …or canoes …or Stand-Up Paddleboards! – Practice your paddle strokes, master your roll or whatever you want to practice in the comfort of an indoor pool. Experienced paddlers will come out to knock off the rust. This is a good opportunity to introduce your kids to kayaking, as well as a great opportunity to demo some kayaks if you are looking to purchase. 

Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes
Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes
Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes

Get a head start on 2020 or keep the 2019 party rolling at our Pool Sessions!

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Kayaking Promotion SUPs

2019 Paddlesport Garage Sale

Sept. 28 – Oct. 6, 2019 @ Rocktown Adventures

Tis almost the end of the season and all around the shop, find kayaks and accessories on sale with a price drop…

Get ready for fall paddling!

It is that time of year where we clean out our proverbial “Garage.” Take advantage of the lowest prices of the season on select new and used paddle sports gear during our Fall Garage Sale, going on Sept 28 thru Oct 6. Kayaks, SUPs, Fishing Kayaks, PFDs, paddle clothing, accessories and more!

Save 30% on all NRS Paddle Clothing

Save 40% on Stohlquist Coaster & NRS Clearwater PFDs

Save on new & used Kayaks & SUPs such as:

Jackson Kayak Cuda 12: $1099/$899
Dagger Stratos 14.5: $1349/$1149
NuCanoe Frontier 10: $1349/$1149
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 & 125: $999/$899
Used Loon Fit 11’6” SUPs: $1100/$599
Used Jackson Kayak Kilroy: $1449/$959

We have more great deals on kayaks, new and used. To view our full inventory please visit www.store.rocktownadventures.com or visit our store! There has never been a better time to save on premium paddle sport gear and apparel. Quantities are limited and once the deals are gone, they are gone! So Gear Up while the getting is good during our Fall Garage Sale Sept 28 – Oct 6.

SEPT. 28 – OCT. 6, 2019 @ ROCKTOWN ADVENTURES

Categories
Events Kayaking

2019 Fall Paddling Series

Fall Paddle | Rocktown Adventures

The shadows are getting a little longer, dew is on the grass, and there is a little chill in the morning…

All of which means one thing…..fall is near! Do not despair as we look at summer in the rearview mirror. If you ask me, fall is the best time of year to paddle.

As we enter the fall paddling season, please keep in mind to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Below 120 degrees combined air and water temperature, precautions need to be made in regards to what you wear paddling. Avoid cotton as it retains water and does not insulate. Waterproof shoes and/or booties let you keep some wool socks on your feet. Gloves and a splash top keep your exposed top half toasty when conditions call for such measures. As long as there is open water, there is apparel to help you paddle it!

Staged Kayaks, Fall Paddle | Rocktown Adventures

We have many opportunities for you to Gear Up. Head Out on the water this fall, from the Fox to the Rock, and a few other rivers in between!

Our group outings include all the equipment you need, refresher on paddling strokes and safety, experienced guides, a relaxed social setting for you to meet like-minded people, and the opportunity to take on new challenges and discover new adventures. If you’d like to join us on a fall paddle, we are going out on the following dates (click for more info):

Oct. 5: Kane County Forest Preserve

Oct. 6: Turtle Creek

Oct. 12: Kishwaukee River

Oct. 13: Sugar River

Oct. 19: Rock River Fur Trader’s Run

Please give us a call or drop by the store if you have any questions on these events or anything related to fall paddling. Still two months left in paddle season. Hope to see you on an adventure this fall!

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Kayaking

Jackson Kayak Liska: The Only Kayak You Need

Jackson Kayak Liska

If you’re looking for an incredibly stable kayak that affords you to hit any waters for that fish addiction, look no further than the Jackson Kayak Liska

All kidding aside though, I commonly hunt Northern Pike with this machine and also target large mouth and smallmouth bass, but it’s capable of targeting any other freshwater and inshore fish. It’s been said that this is a kayak ideal for ponds and small lakes, but I can tell you it’s capable of handling all kinds of lakes and rivers alike. The stability is absolutely astounding and even the most hesitant newbies will be mesmerized by the ease and function of standing while trying to make that perfect cast or even while bow fishing. The age ole debate looms in cyberspace that the Coosa / Coosa HD is the river yak and the Liska is the lake yak but I can tell you having owned both that the Liska, in my humble opinion, is a better tool for chasing toothy critters and black bass up here in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. 

Jackson Kayak Liska

Jackson Kayak Liska Specs

Additional Info on the History of How the Liska Came About

Photos courtesy of JRandall Photography 

BY JAY RANDALL

Jay Randall is an avid kayak angler, Jackson Kayak Pro Staffer (among other Pro Staffs) and is a founding member the Paddle N’ Fin Podcast. You can contact and/or follow Jay at the below links: 

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Paddle N’ Fin Podcast

Visit Site | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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Events Kayaking News SUPs

This Summer: Kids on Water

Rocktown Adventures | This Summer: Kids on Water

– EVERY FRIDAY, June 14 – August 23 | 10am-12pM –

Rocktown Adventures | This Summer: Kids on Water

Looking for something fun to do this summer?

Have a KOW! Kids on Water, that is. You do not have to pack up the car and make a long drive to find some outdoor adventure. There is plenty of it right here in Rockford and Kids on Water is one of many outdoor activities you can do in the Stateline area this summer.

KOW is a two-hour paddling event for parents and their kids on Windsor Lake, in Loves Park, right in the middle of the greater Rockford area. Parents/adults do not have to paddle (although strongly encouraged to join in the fun), but they must remain on-site. We have plenty of kayaks to go around and a limited supply of youth Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) – both are available during KOW.

What can I expect if I decide to have a KOW?

The first 30-45 minutes, we spend outfitting everyone in his or her Kayak/SUP and Life Jacket (PFD). Once we have ensured a proper fit, we move on to paddling instruction. After this, we head out on the water to practice what we discussed on land. The remaining time is for you to leisurely paddle around the lake, or simply enjoy floating around, being out on the water. Our staff will be on the water paddling as well, so in addition to having a great time, you will paddle away with some knowledge!

Note: This is not a swimming event. But we can practice rescues upon demonstration of paddling ability.

How can I have a KOW?

Every Friday, weather permitting, beginning June 14 – August 23 from 10AM – 12PM. The price for this experience is $30 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under. Parents with their own gear are free. Your fee includes all the equipment you need (kayak or board, paddle and PFD) and instruction. Attend 3 of our Kids on Water events and your 4th one is on us! We need a minimum of four participants in order to paddle. In the event we do not get at least four, or we have inclement weather, you will receive a full refund (or you can apply to another event).

Next time your kids say there is nothing to do in summer, make them have a KOW. They will thank you for it!

Rocktown Adventures | This Summer: Kids on Water

– EVERY FRIDAY, JUNE 14 – AUGUST 23 | 10AM-12PM –

Categories
Kayaking News SUPs

6 Reasons to Paddle for Exercise!

Surprise! To paddle, is to actually exercise!

You head out on the water with some friends for some fun in the sun. Maybe to take in the wildlife, maybe to catch a fish or two, maybe to simply enjoy the peace and quiet and sounds of nature. No matter the reason, when you head out on the water, do you realize that you are also engaging in a total body workout as well? Surprise – when you paddle a kayak, you’re exercising!

Yes, that’s right. Kayaking is a great total body workout. Each time you go paddle, you are doing a workout regardless of distance traveled or pace. You go out for fun, and come back with the health benefits. What many gym warriors do not realize is that you can use a kayak as part of your exercise routine. Sure beats riding a bike in one place staring at someone’s backside! With the advancement of pedals in kayaks, you can even pedal your way across the water.

Multiple muscle groups are working when properly paddling a kayak. Shoulders, arms, lats, core, and even your legs are active the entire time you are paddling. You may not realize the muscles are being used, but trust me they are. Not enough cardio you say? Paddle at a faster than normal pace, or head upstream against the current. Your ticker will get a workout.

The next time you want to break a sweat, grab some water shoes. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Paddling is for any Fitness Level or Any Age Group

  • Paddling is a total body activity

  • You can easily combine paddling with other activities for cross training

  • Paddling is low impact – Your knees will thank you

  • Being outside provides more than physical benefits – It’s good for you emotionally, socially & intellectually

  • Its fun! I never dread going paddling – Can’t say the same for going to the gym!

As you can see, paddling is a great total body activity that is good for the mind, body, and soul. The next time you want to break a sweat, think about hitting the water! The gym is there all winter for you.