By: Tom Bamonte
The New Year's Day paddle on the Chicago River is one of the long-standing traditions in the Chicago paddling community. It is a good way to kick off the New Year. The paddle is now sponsored by the Cook County Forest Preserve, which provides logistical support. Information culled from the internet follows:
Early each New Year’s Day, hundreds of wonderfully crazy people jump into their canoes and kayaks to paddle an intimate reach of the Chicago River long protected as part of the Forest Preserves. Beginning below the Skokie Lagoons and finishing in Linne Woods they paddle past deer, coyote, birds and incredulous humans; past where Native-Americans camped, where golfers golf, and where children first learn the wonders of nature. Celebrate this 25 year tradition with us! This official Forest Preserve District of Cook County event is a unique way to explore the urban wilderness in winter. We who’ve had the experience know there is no better way to gather with friends and celebrate the turning of the year.
Where: Forestway Drive north of Willow Road and east of the Edens. Put-in is just below the Willow Road Dam. End point for the trip is at the Linne Woods Canoe Access a few hundred yards downstream from the horse bridge in Linne Woods. Linne Woods islocated on Dempster Street at Ferris Ave. east of Lehigh Ave.
When: Given the number of participants it’s a good idea to stagger starting times. Some folks shake the cob webs at 7:00 a.m., others at 9:00 a.m. Last official trip put-in is 11:00 a.m.
Time: Allow forty-five to sixty minutes for the bus shuttle and 2 to 3 hours for the paddle itself.
Shuttle: Two buses will run continuously from Linne Woods to the Willow Road Dam beginning at Linne Woods at 8:00 am. The shuttle will end at approximately 1:00 pm.
Bring: Hot, NON-ALCOHOLIC fluids, a complete change of warm clothes in a waterproof container, a sense of humor, and overflowing goodwill!
Wear: Personal Flotation Device (a must!) and clothing that retains warmth if wet. Layering of wool or fleece and synthetic undergarments works best!
Canoes/Kayaks: This is a bring-your-own- boat event.
Apres Paddle: Hackney’s on Lake. There is nothing better than buffalo cheese-burgers (Ed. note: unless you are vegan/vegetarian), onion ring loaves and a beverage or two after a crisp, New Year’s Day paddle. Hackney’s is located on the north side of Lake Ave. in Glenview just east of Waukegan Road.
Help! If you’d like to volunteer as a Bridge Watcher, Safety Boat, Portage Sherpa, or
Chaos Preventer, please contact Mr. Koenig at 773-631-0237 or email [email protected] v.com
Note: Paddling any river in cold weather is inherently dangerous. Hypothermia is a real
risk. Therefore this event is best suited to experienced paddlers and/or people with
experience in cold-weather sports.