05/04/2026
Back-to-back Sundays on the Turtle - whoo hoo! 🎉 This time we paddled from School Section Rd to Spooner Park. We spotted a bald eagle, some hawks, blue herons, and lots of red-winged black birds.
We paddled through a polite rain the entire trip which promptly stopped as we were pulling out... opening to blue skies. 🤣 Regardless, we had a great time with our kayak friends.
Next paddle is on the White River on May 31. We have a few openings, and you can register here: https://bigfootrecreation.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=4125&teamsid=11756
I hope to see you on the water soon! - Chuck 🛶
04/27/2026
It's that time of the year again... kayak season! We had our 2026 inaugural paddle on the Turtle from Spooner Park to O'Riley Road.
It was a smooth ride, barring some deadfall about a mile before the pullout.
Our next paddle is May 3 ALSO on the Turtle (School Section Rd to Spooner Park). We have a few spots open, to register: https://bigfootrecreation.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=4125
I hope to see you next week! - Chuck 🛶
10/09/2025
Sunday was our last paddle of the season where we had a wonderful time on Geneva! It was suppose to be our Fall Colors paddle - which was neither cold... or colorful. :)
BUT... it didn't matter, because as soon as we hit the water we were all rewarded wonderful day on Geneva! Yes, there were strong winds, but by hugging the south shore, we enjoyed calm waters.
We worked past the Narrows and explored the Trinke Estates lagoon before turning back around. It all made for a fun and relaxing paddle. Ahhh!
This summer we hit 10 different river sections, paddled about 50 miles, and had countless good times. I hope to see you on the water in 2026! - Chuck 🛶
10/09/2025
So... I'm VERY LATE on posting the pics our Bark River trip on September 21- but it was a great paddle and everyone was smiling - so I want to share the pics from the trip!
We chose the Bark R. for our "Club Vote" trip because the weeks leading up to the trip were very drought-y. Of course after our vote, we received two HEAVY days of rain, which would have allowed us to paddle anywhere. Oh well - we still had a great time!
Of secondary importance for our trips is "where are we eating?" Brocks River Walk Tavern & Grill provided a great lunch - everyone enjoyed their meal - Yum!
09/09/2025
Sunday, we hit one of our favorite paddles of the year - the Yahara! What started as a chilly morning, quickly turned to be beautiful day on the water. The current was perfect, so all we had to do was keep pointed down river. For lunch we headed to 2 Brothers in Edgerton for a great meal and fun tunes provided by the Lounge Lizards!
We only have two paddles left for the season - so I hope to see you on the water these next few weeks! - Chuck 🛶
09/04/2025
Big Foot kayaking friends... I have 4 openings for this Sunday's Yahara paddle. It's a great paddle and should be a beautiful day - and we'll stop at 2 Brothers in Edgerton for lunch. There's no better way to spend a Sunday!!!!
To register: https://bigfootrecreation.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=3861&teamsid=11292
Hope to see you on the river this Sunday! - Chuck
08/25/2025
We hit my personal favorite section of Turtle Creek on Sunday - from Turtle Canoe Launch to Milwaukee Rd. The weather was perfect - and this section had lots of fun riffles and bends to keep us on our toes. The birds were plentiful with osprey, cedar waxwings, and of course the blue herons kept us company. Afterwards, G5 Brewing in Beloit took care of us with a great lunch!
Our next paddle is on the Yahara - another popular paddle (two spots open). Hope to see you soon! - Chuck 🛶
07/28/2025
This last Sunday we substituted our Honey Creek paddle with the Fox from Rochester to Burlington. Those who bailed missed out on a great paddle! We saw a number of blue herons, egrets, green herons, red tailed hawk, osprey, and a low fly-over from a pair of sandhill cranes - very cool! Our next paddle is on the Nippersink - hope to see you there! - Chuck 🛶
07/09/2025
Tuesday, we had a great evening paddle on Lauderdale Lake before heading to the Lauderdale Landing for a bite and a laugh with friends. Good times! I hope to see you at the next paddle - Chuck 🛶
06/24/2025
We just had our annual HWY 140-Shopiere paddle on Turtle Creek (or so I thought), and WOAH... Sunday was HOT! Thankfully once we got on the water and in the breeze, it wasn't too bad. The water was amazingly high from last week's mini-monsoon, so navigating the river was cake.
Our plan was to park in Shopiere and van up to 140, but SURPRISE, Shopiere Days was in full force! *Rats!*
Sweet-Allyn Park filled with carnival rides, food vendors and was quite festive. We were politely redirected, subsequently parking on the side of Shopiere Rd to make a new plan, where a few locals reminded me several times that I was parked where a parade will be two hours from now. 👍
Thankfully, the Turtle Creek Parkway on Smith Rd was available just up the road, so we caravan'd there to drop off vehicles before heading to HWY 140.
Thankfully everyone in the group took it in stride and we had a great time once we got on the water.
.. And now everyone has a story to tell, and I will forever remember where I can get a funnel cake the weekend after Father's Day!
Our next paddle is Tuesday, July 8 at 5:30 PM on Lauderdale Lake, and will eat at the Lauderdale Landing!
Hope to see you at the next paddle! - Chuck 🛶
Register at: https://bigfootrecreation.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=3677&teamsid=10881