Paddle Sports

Wed 3/6, 6–9 p.m. 

Whether you are a boater or a floater, join us for the largest paddling event in the world, the Paddling Film Festival World Tour. You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle and appreciate the wild places. For ages 12 and up. Winton Woods/Mill Race Banquet Center Winton Centre Auditorium ($15/person, register by 3 days in advance)

Fri 5/3, 6-8:30 p.m. - CANCELED
Fri 6/7, 6-8:30 p.m. - CANCELED
Fri 7/5, 6-8:30 p.m.
Fri 8/2, 6-8:30 p.m.

Join Great Parks’ Adventure Outpost team and Rivers Unlimited for this unique conservation project. While engaging in this on-lake cleanup, participants will develop their canoe skills and learn how to be a safe, conscientious paddler. All equipment provided. Participants must fit properly in provided life jackets. For ages 16 and up. Winton Woods/Various locations (Free, space is limited, registration required)

Sat 5/25, 9–11 a.m. 
Sat 6/8, 9–11 a.m. - CANCELED
Sat 6/15, 9–11 a.m.
Sat 6/29, 9–11 a.m.
Sat 7/6, 9–11 a.m.
Sat 7/13, 9-11 a.m.
Sat 7/20, 9–11 a.m.
Sat 8/10, 9–11 a.m.
Sat 8/24, 1−3 p.m.
Sat 8/31, 9−11 a.m.
Sat 9/14, 9–11 a.m.


Learn to kayak on flatwater from our American Canoe Association (ACA) instructors. This class is designed for beginners with a focus on basic safety, gear and paddling techniques. All equipment provided. Participants must fit properly in provided lifejackets and not exceed 275-pound kayak capacity. For ages 10 and up. Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost ($26/person, register 3 days in advance) 

Sat 5/25, 1–4 p.m. 
Sat 6/8, 1–4 p.m. - CANCELED
Sat 6/15, 1–4 p.m. - CANCELED
Sat 6/29, 1–4 p.m.
Sat 7/6, 1–4 p.m.
Sat 7/13, 1–4 p.m.
Sat 7/20, 1–4 p.m.
Sat 8/10, 1–4 p.m.
Sat 8/31, 1−4 p.m.
Sat 9/21, 1–4 p.m.

Prepare to kayak on local rivers with our American Canoe Association (ACA) instructors. In this class, learn basic safety and paddling techniques in a river-specific kayak on flatwater. Be ready to get wet as we practice rescues. All equipment is provided. For ages 12 and up. Campbell Lakes Preserve ($38/person, register 3 days in advance)

Fri 6/28, 7:30–9 p.m.
Fri 7/19, 7:30–9 p.m.
Fri 7/26, 7:30–9 p.m.
Fri 8/9, 7–8:30 p.m.
Fri 8/30, 6:30−8 p.m.
Fri 9/27, 6–7:30 p.m.

Kick off your weekend with an evening kayak float. Participants will gain paddling pointers from American Canoe Association-trained instructors. All equipment provided. Participants must fit properly in provided lifejackets and not exceed 275-pound kayak capacity. For ages 8 and up. Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost ($16/person, register 3 days in advance)

Sat 8/3, 1–4 p.m.

Learn to canoe on flatwater from our American Canoe Association instructors. This class is designed for beginners with a focus on basic safety, gear and paddling techniques. All equipment provided. Participants must fit properly in provided lifejackets. For ages 10 and up. Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost ($38/person, register by 7/31)

 Sat 8/24, 9−11:30 a.m.

Explore the lake with a Great Parks’ nature interpreter and kayak instructor! We’ll quickly review paddle strokes and safety techniques before paddling to great birding locations. All equipment is provided. Participants must fit properly in provided lifejackets and not exceed 275-pound kayak capacity. For ages 12 and up. Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost ($20/person, register by 8/21)

Sat 7/27, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sat 8/17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sat 9/7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sat 9/28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

River Fundamentals class graduates are invited to join American Canoe Association instructors for a day of introductory river skills on one of our scenic local rivers. By the end of this trip, you will eddy turn and peel out like a pro! For ages 14 and up. Various locations depending on river conditions ($50/person, register 3 days in advance)

Fri 9/13, 6–7:30 p.m.

Kick off your weekend with a little R&R: rest & recreation. Join certified instructors to learn quick, easy ways to de-stress with mindfulness and meditation and gain pointers on flatwater kayaking. All equipment provided. Participants must fit properly in provided lifejackets and not exceed 275-pound kayak capacity. For ages 12 and up. Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost ($20/person, register by 9/10)

Fri 10/4, 6–7:30 p.m.

Come give stand up paddleboarding a try with an evening float. Participants will gain paddling pointers from American Canoe Association-trained instructors. All equipment provided. Participants must fit properly in provided lifejackets and not exceed 250-pound board capacity. For ages 12 and up. Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost ($16/person, register 3 days in advance)