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• Eagle Creek Tuesday Evening Paddles

  • Start
    June 24, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 30, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    15 sessions
  • Location
    Eagle Creek Park

  Register

  Eagle Creek Tuesday Evening Paddles

  Eagle Creek paddles started on June 24th and run through the end of September.  These are unstructured paddles where HCKC members can explore the lake and train to develop speed-endurance or to practice skills.   If you would like to paddle with other HCKC members, I would recommend coordinating that through the club bulletin board, Facebook or e-mail.

  • When:    Tuesday, June 24th through September 30, 2025
  • Starting Time - Between 1:00 pm to Closing:  HCKC Members may use the pass to independently enter the park with their boats any time after 1:00 pm on the specified Tuesdays. In general, there is a group which meets at 5 PM at the Discovery Center.  We normal start padding around 5:30 PM Contact Jeff Stejskal Jeffs45321@hotmail.com for more information.
  • Ending Time - Park Closing Time:   When you enter the park, look at the closing time posted at each of the park entrances since these times change during the year.  They normally lock at least one of the gates at closing time.
  • Where to Launch: 
  • Ramp near Discovery Center —Enter the park at either the 56th Street or 71st Street entrance and follow the signs to the Discovery Center or “Go Ape!”  Use the boat/kayak ramp across the parking lot from the Discovery Center (next to Go Ape). 
  • Marina Personal Boat Launch - You can also launch from the personal boat launch next to the building with bathrooms near Eagle Creek Outfitters.  Please do not launch at the beach at Eagle Creek Outfitters since it is reserved for their use.
  • Note: This pass is not valid at the Dandy Trail ramp at the south of 56^th street near Ric’s.
  • 2025 HCKC-Eagle Creek Pass:  Current HCKC Members must print the 2025 HCKC pass and show it to the Eagle Creek gate staff to get in without paying.  The fee for park admittance is at least $8 for a car with one kayak or canoe otherwise.
    
    To Get the Pass:  This program is only available for current HCKC members.  To access the pass, go to: 2025 Eagle Creek Pass

  • Note:  You will be prompted to enter your e-mail and password if you are not already logged in.

  
  

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• Qajaq Training Camp (NON-HCKC EVENT)

  • Start
    August 21, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    August 24, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Frankfort, MI

  Register

  Qajaq TC is a fun and friendly event for paddlers of all skill levels and interests focusing on Greenlandic paddling, ropes, and rolls.  Founded in 2002, Qajaq TC (Training Camp) is an Official Qajaq USA event. It takes place at Camp Lookout, near Frankfort, Michigan.  There is no road access to the camp.  Our only access is by kayak or pontoon boat, making this a true full-immersion Traditional Greenland Kayaking event.  With only around sixty attendees and a very high mentor-to-student ratio, coaching is flexible and focused on helping everyone succeed, whether you have never been in a kayak before, or have decades of experience.  With the exception of youth scholarship attendees, this event is intended for adults.

   Registration opens April 1.  Click the link for more information and to register.  Qajac TC
  

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• Eagle Creek Triathlon Safety Boat August 23

  • When
    August 23, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Eagle Creek Park Reservoir, Indianapolis, In

  Register

  Swimming portion of the  Indy Sprint Triathlon Series.  HCKC members and guest provide safety boats for the swimmers in the 500 meter course.  Participants are there to provide assistance to swimmers, guide them on the course,  allow a place to rest or signal for extraction.  We will be on the outside of the course while city lifeguards are on the inside of the course. Meet at the Eagle Creek Park office on 56th street just northwest of the main park entrance and just before you get to the bridge over the reservoir. 

  If you're bringing a guest or another family member please register them separately.

   We must be unloaded and on the water by 7:45-50 as the swimming starts at 8am.   Instructions will be given just prior to the event.  No special skills needed.  Items which may enhance your effectiveness are whistle,  short throw line and float, extra PFD.  We are usually done by 9.  Some go to breakfast, some go paddle around, some have to go home and do chores. 

  This is an important event to HCKC as we the club is paid a $1000.00 for helping with this event.  You will get an event T-shirt for participating, please register with shirt size.  Canoe, Kayak or paddle board OK. 

   If you have questions or concerns please contact Dwayne James at dwaynesjamesa1@hotmail.com.

   Thanks for your help.

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• Kayaking Skills Clinic - August

  • When
    August 23, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Indianapolis, IN

  Register

  On August 23rd, we will offer our one-day introductory and intermediate skills sessions for 2025.  This class is  free for registered HCKC members.

  We will break our class up into Introductory and Intermediate Sections.

  Introductory Section -  ACA Introduction to Paddling Class

  Target Paddlers:  Newer HCKC members who have never taken a class or who want to tune up their strokes in their recreational, touring or sea kayak.  Parents with children over 13 year old may enroll with their children in this class.
  Class Content:  Here’s a way to jumpstart your paddling!  As a new kayaker, you may know how to move your boat around in calm water.  We will work with you to make your paddling easier and more efficient—to give you more control over your boat.  We will work on your basic knowledge, strokes, and other paddling skills that you may need to safely enjoy the sport.  This course is based on the American Canoe Association “Introduction to Kayaking” course.  This is also a great opportunity to ask any question that you might have about paddling, equipment, or the Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club.
  Your instructor will first talk about the basics and then quickly get on the water to teach you how to move your boat forward, backwards, and sideways as well as how to turn and stop.  .

   Intermediate Section - Intermediate Techniques and Refinement
  Specific topic is TBD.  We can handle up to 5  students in each class.

  These classes are for all kayak paddlers. The intermediate class is geared more towards sea kayaks.

  Your Chance of Immersion: We will demonstrate rescue skills in the Intro class but you won’t intentionally be getting into the water at this clinic unless you want to practice rescues.  Thatcher Pool’s Wednesday night sessions are a better place to practice rescues and wet exits

  Class Size: Attendance for each class will be limited to 5 students for each instructor.   

  How to Sign Up -   Click on the "Register" box in the left column of this page.
  
  Enrollees must be registered HCKC Members and will be accepted based on the date that they register through the HCKC Event Calendar or e-mail to Duane Garloch (duane.garloch@gmail.com).  Please do not sign up unless you can stay for the entire clinic (9:00 am to 3:30 pm). If the class is full, signup on the wait list. Additional openings may open up.

  What to Bring: 
  Kayak/Personal Gear:  Please bring your kayak, life jacket, paddle, paddling jacket, sun screen, and lunch.
  Safety equipment that you normally carry (e.g., pump, paddle float, stirrup, tow or throw rope …) Please don’t buy safety equipment just for this class since you have a chance to ask and figure out what makes sense for you.
  Paddling Clothing—Even though you won’t intentionally be capsizing, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and water.  Bring a wind-proof paddling jacket since it may be windy and cool.  We will get out more info on what to wear in the pre-class e-mail.
  Spare clothes in a dry bag!  (Just in case) Questions—Please think about what you want to learn before the class and come with questions.

  Schedule:
  9:00 am: Meet at Designated Location (Location will be emailed to participants by the Monday before the class.)
  9:30 am: Be dressed to paddle with your boat at the launch area
  9:30 am—3:30 pm: Class   
  We will take an hour around Noon for lunch and a safety discussion.

  NOTE: If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering for the class, check your spam folder and add the sender to you allowed list (you want to make sure you get the details that are emailed out closer to the class date).

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• Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan, Aug 24-30

  • Start
    August 24, 2025
  • End
    August 30, 2025
  • Location
    Platte River Campground SBD National Lakeshore
  • Registered
    20 registrants

  SK Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore    August 24 - August 30, 2025

  Registration is currently closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact PHYLLIS MALPAS (phylm19@gmail.com)

  Trip Sponsor Martha Gitt (marthagitt@yahoo.com), Suzy McCain (suz13@att.net) and Phyllis Malpas (phylm19@gmail.com) 

  Trip Level L2/L3 (See Below)

  We will be camping at the Platte River Campground which is within the National Lakeshore and known to be one of the nicest National Park Campground in the country. 

  Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 35 mi. stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The 71,187 acre park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features.

  Planned trips include excursions into lake Michigan, Platte Lake, Platte river and Loon Lake. We’ll select from our “bag of trips” based on weather, as we all know “the Lake is the Boss”. For those wishing to search the area online, our probable put in locations will be the coastguard station in DH Day national Lakeshore, the Big Platte Lake DNR boat ramp, and the El Dorado boat Launch and the Platte river Beach Parking area.  For the adventurous and depending on weather, surfing could be an option. Topping things off, there are 100 miles of designated hiking trails, the paved 27 Mile Heritage Bike Trail, a ferry out to South Manitou Island and of course, the beautiful dunes and beaches.

  Required Equipment:  PFD, Sea kayaks 14’ or greater with spray skirts, fore and aft bulkheads, full perimeter deck lines, pump/paddle float and safety equipment are required. 

  Registration:   Register here and e-mail Martha Gitt (marthagitt@yahoo.com) and Phyllis Malpas (phylm19@gmail.com).

  CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS (recreation.gov): PLATTE RIVER CAMPGROUND is a highly desired and competitive campground and this is the week prior to Labor Day Weekend. Reservations open 6 months prior to the date of your first night at 10 AM sharp. 

  
  

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• Wabash River - Montezuma to Clinton

  • When
    August 30, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    western Indiana
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

   

  Wabash River Trip – Montezuma to Clinton - Aug. 30. 2025

  This is the time of year that most of the smaller Indiana streams are usually too low for enjoyable paddling.  Time to head for bigger rivers!  This year’s Wabash paddle will go from Montezuma to Clinton, a distance of about 10 miles.  It is a trip suitable for all, including beginners.  We will meet at the put in at 10 am, unload and run the shuttle.  The access point is off of C street at the south end of Reeder Park.  Turn south on Washington from US 36, then turn west on C street.  There is signage for the Public Access site (not large).  Try 68 C street for GPS.

  Be sure to bring lunch or a snack, plenty of drinking water, hat and/or sunscreen, in addition to your normal paddling gear.  As with all HCKC trips, PFDs must be worn while on the water.

  This is traditionally the weekend for the Little Italy festival in Clinton.  You may want to check it out at the end of the trip.

  Due to the weather, there may be last minute changes.  Please register or contact me Judy Thompson judy_thom@hotmail.com if you plan on attending.

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• Cataract Falls Full Moon Paddle

  • When
    September 06, 2025
  • Location
    Cataract Falls Full Moon Paddle Lieber State Park
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  Cataract Falls Full Moon Paddle       September 6, 2025

  Trip Sponsor:  Wally Burchfield

  L1/L2

  Cunot Boat Ramp Lieber State Park 6:00pm

    Want to see the largest water falls in Indiana and paddle under the full moon? Here's your chance! This is a fun paddle and is open to most experience levels. Paddler must be able to paddle 8 miles round trip. A 10' boat or longer is suggested. These are head waters so this is a paddle rather than a float - there is no current but we will paddle at a moderate rate.  The speed of motor boats is restricted so we should not have any problems with boat wake.

      We will meet up at the Cunot boat ramp (Map) at 6PM and launch by 6:30PM.  We will paddle to the falls and take a short break there. Pit bathrooms are available at the falls. Most of the return trip will be under moonlight. We should return to the boat ramp around 11 PM.

      You are required to have a PFD, boat marker light such as a glow stick and a $5 2025 DNR non-motorized boat sticker on your boat . Boat stickers can be purchased online at http://stores.innsgifts.com/2014-state-park-permits/ or at any state park. The gate house at Lieber SRA should have them. You will pass it if you are coming from the north.  Keep in mind if ordering off the website, it'll take about a week for them to ship it to you.

  
  

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• Swiftwater Rescue Class L2-L4

  • Start
    September 13, 2025
  • End
    September 14, 2025
  • Location
    East Race, South Bend, IN
  • Registered
    22 registrants

  Swiftwater Rescue Course L2 - L4

  13 - 14 Sep 2025

  UPDATE (18 July 2025):  WE HAVE A FULL CLASS OF 20 STUDENTS!  Does anyone want to get certified in CPR and First Aid?  Toni can do a blended class for anyone interested.  It would cost extra (around $50.00 to pay for the material) and you would have to complete some web-based training prior to arriving to the course.  Please text me and we can set this up.

  
  

  ALSO:  if you are a vegetarian or have dietary concerns please let me know!!!!

  
  

  Welcome to the Swiftwater Rescue Course!  Richard and I will be guiding you on your path to become a better rescuer.  Our weekend together, you will learn several new techniques so you can have a toolbox full of “tools” that you can use to rescue a fellow boater and their gear.  We only ask you to come rested and with an open mind because we are here to guide you on your journey.

  This course is for anyone that paddles moving water to whitewater.  If you paddle any streams here in the Midwest, you NEED this course!  This course gives you the skills to know how to rescue others and be rescued by your fellow paddlers!

  Here is the plan:

  I will arrive at the Suzuki Music School around 9pm on 12 Sep and set up at the school.  Saturday morning, I will be getting up around 6am to start fixing breakfast at the school.  I will move to the East Race, so I’m set up and ready to go for an 8am start time.  We will be conducting class on Saturday from 8am to around 5pm with a lunch around noon.   After that if anyone wants to play on the race, they may do so that is taking the class.  I will move back to the Music School to start dinner and have it ready around 630pm.  We will eat and talk rescue and paddling stuff until everyone is tired.  Sunday morning, I will get up and follow the same schedule as Saturday and have breakfast ready and be at the East Race by 8am on Sunday morning.  We will teach and finish up our training on Sunday afternoon around 4pm.  I will serve lunch around noon on Sunday.

  Lodging:

  Anyone interested in staying near the course for free, Monica Davis’s Mom has a music school near the course and has offered for anyone attending the course to stay at the school.  I will donate some money towards Mrs. Davis to cover any expenses.

  You will need to bring the following:

  ·         Sleeping bag

  ·         Pillow

  ·         Sleeping mat

  ·         Towel, personal hygiene products

  The school will be available for entry after 9 pm on Friday 09 May. No one will be at the school on Saturday or Sunday except the Swiftwater Rescue Group.  The school has one shower and 3 bathrooms. Inside the building, there are several classrooms and a large room downstairs for people to sleep on the floor on an air mattress.  The kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffee machine, stove, and sink. John Gates will provide food for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning at the school.  I will also be providing lunch both Saturday and Sunday. There is plenty of paper plates, bowls, silverware, cups, and cookware to use.  The school is in a very nice part of town with a grocery store across the road. There is a huge yard for outdoor play. No campfires are allowed since we are in city limits without a burn permit which we will not need.  The building has internet, and Monica will bring her projector to play kayaking videos or whatever people want to watch.

  Address:

  Suzuki Music School

  52549 Gumwood Road

  Granger, IN  46530

  The following items you will need:

  River gear that keeps you warm.  Drysuit or wetsuits because we will be in the water most of the day.

  Your Rescue Kit (Pulleys, carabiners, webbing, etc)

  Helmet

  Paddle craft:  whitewater kayak, etc.

  Throw bag

  Air Bags for your craft

  Paddle

  Foot wear.  No sandals

  Rescue knife

  Rescue PFD or PFD

  If you do not have any of the above, please reach out to me and we will discuss.

  Cost:

  The cost for the course is $110 if you are an ACA Member.  If you aren’t an ACA Member, the cost will be $150 and you will become an ACA Member.  Also included in your $110, you will become a HCKC Member if you are not already or your dues will be paid for another year.  The cost of this course is to cover cost of food, donation to the music studio, and cover Richard and I’s cost.  We do not make anything off this course.  We do this because we want our fellow boaters to be able to rescue others and even us on the river!

  If you have any questions, concerns or just want to say Hi please reach out to Richard or I and we will be happy to chat.  We look forward to working with each one of you. 

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• Raccoon Creek Paddle

  • When
    October 12, 2025
  • Location
    Raccoon Creek, IN
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  Raccoon Creek Paddle

  
  

  
  

  Date: 12 October 2025

  
  

  Sponsor:  John Gates 207-522-0259

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• SK: Lake Monroe Overnight

  • Start
    October 18, 2025
  • End
    October 19, 2025
  • Location
    Lake Monroe Cutright Public Access Site

  Register

  SK: Lake Monroe Overnight October 18-19, 2025

  Trip Sponsor: Jeff Stejskal 

  THIS is a LEVEL 2 HCKC Sea Kayaking Trip (with possible Level 3 conditions) Please review trip level chart before signing up. Trip Level Guide 1-2021.docx  

  Join us for an overnight paddling trip on Lake Monroe.   Lake Monroe lets us camp from our boats along the shore in Deem Wilderness. This is our annual fall pilgrimage and we will camp out on the peninsula across from Cutright Public Access Site.    

  If you only want to paddle on Saturday, our campsite should be only be about 3-4 miles from the Cutright put-in so that people are welcome to come out and day-paddle with us without camping. 

  Registration:  Please register on the club web site or by email if necessary 

  Meeting Place/Put-In:  Cutright Public Access Site.  This is about 2 hours from the intersection of Hwy 37 and I-465 on the southeast side of Indianapolis. (Google Map)    

  Directions to Meeting Place: Take Hwy 446 south from Hwy 46 on the east side of Bloomington to the Lake Monroe causeway.  Cutright is the first turn on your left immediately after you cross the causeway. Go to the first boat ramp that you come to after leaving Hwy 446.   

  What to Bring:  Bring your paddling gear, spray skirt, camping gear, food for lunch, dinner, and breakfast, and warm clothes.  You should also bring drinking water with you.   We will be camping from our boats and you will have to pack all of your gear and food in your boat, so plan accordingly. 

  Be sure to have a 2025 Indiana DNR Nonmotorized Boat Permit.  You should be able to pick one up on the way to the meeting place, either at the DNR headquarter on Hwy 446 on the north side of the entrance to the Paynetown SRA or at the gate for the Paynetown SRA. 

  Required Equipment:   Depending on the temperatures, wet suits or dry suits are recommended.  Due to potentially rough lake conditions, spray skirts, safety equipment, and sea/touring kayaks with fore and aft bulkheads are required. 

  Schedule:    Saturday - 10:00 am is the recommended time for arrival at the put-In.  We will launch at 10:45 am.  We will probably paddle about 4-5 miles and then set up camp and have lunch.  After lunch, we will go out and explore more of the lake. 

  Sunday:  We are flexible here.  We could return to Cutright as early as 10:00 am and drop off people who have to take off.  We’ll talk and figure this out Saturday night depending on how far people want to paddle on Sunday and when people have get home. 

  Contact information:  Jeff Stejskal jeffs45321@hotmail.com  Please contact me by 7:00 pm on the Thursday before the trip if you want to come.  Be sure to register or contact me since I will monitor weather forecasts prior to the trip and I will let the people who have contacted me know if there will be changes to or cancelation of the trip due to the expected conditions. 

  
  

   

  
  

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• Grayson Lake, KY

  • Start
    October 31, 2025
  • End
    November 02, 2025
  • Location
    Grayson, KY
  • Registered
    8 registrants

  Register

  Grayson Lake, KY, Oct. 31-Nov. 2

  Grayson Lake has amazing cliff lined sections, and waterfalls if it rains a day or two before the trip.  This trip is a Canoe and Kayak version – we will not be traveling quite as fast as the Sea Kayaking group.  I would recommend a 12-foot boat or longer.  Saturday’s paddle will be about 12-13 miles, with no current to assist.  Part of the trip will be where we will be exposed to power boat wakes, and the water can be choppy.

  Camping sites go quickly, so if you are interested, please make your reservations as soon as you can.  https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/grayson-lake-state-park/KY/91812/overview.  Let me know if you wish to share a site, and I will try to help match up interested persons.  Two vehicles are allowed per site, and one camper with one small tent, or two small tents.

  There will be an optional Friday afternoon paddle.  The main paddle will be Saturday, with a shorter one on Sunday.

  We will be camping at Grayson Lake State Park, 314 Grayson Lake Park Rd, Olive Hill, KY 41164, Friday and Saturday nights.  We will be “car camping”, so feel free to bring as much warm gear as necessary since we will not need to haul camping gear in our boats.  Two tents and two vehicles are allowed per site, so sharing sites will cut down on expenses.  It is a nice, modern campground with showers and flush toilets.  Be sure to make your camping reservations as soon as you can, since it is a popular place on the weekends. 

  Grayson is about a 4 to 5-hour drive from Indianapolis.  It is one my favorite paddling locations, and I feel it is well worth the trip.  Please contact Judy Thompson judy_thom@hotmail.com for more information.

  
  

   Friday (Optional) – We will paddle for a few hours and then set up camp.
  Launch Time: 1:45 pm   Arrive at Ramp
  Put-In:  We are going to try a put-in that the club hasn't used before.  Turn off of Rt. 7 about 19 miles south of the interstate towards the Laurel Gorge Cultural Center.  Go straight rather than actually turn into the Cultural Center.  Cross the bridge, and look for a parking lot on the right.   This is a carry down ramp which is paved most of the way.  If you do not have a boat cart, you can borrow one from someone else in the group to make the carry down easier.  We will return to this spot at the end of the day's paddle. 
  Mileage:   Negotiable.  

  Saturday – We will meet at the put-in and paddle about 12 miles up Grayson Lake to Bruin ramp   This is an amazing section with cliffs lining most of the 12-mile stretch.  There are also many waterfalls (if it rains in the day or two before the trip.
  Time:  9:30 am - Boats at Caney Creek Put-In and we’ll run our shuttle then.   If you’re driving down from Indy, you will probably want to drive down Friday night.
  Put-In:    Rt. 504 turnoff:  On Rt. 7 (west side), 17.6 miles south of the interstate exit.  When you turn right (West) onto Rt. 504 it, it’s another two miles to the Caney Creek ramp. 
  Take-Out:  Bruin boat ramp/beach: On Rt. 7 (east side), 11.9 miles south of the interstate exit. 
  Mileage:  About 12 miles - more or less – depending on how much you explore.

  Sunday – We will paddle up Clifty Creek to the Grotto.  Usually there will be enough water to enter the Grotto.
  Time:   9:30 am 
  Put-In/Take-Out:  The launch ramp is on Rt. 7 about 10 miles south of the interstate on the west side of the road and north side of the creek (if you get to the golf course, you overshot about a mile).  This ramp is on the west side of the road and just about 1.3 miles north to the Entrance to the State Park on Rt. 7.
  Mileage:   6-10 miles depending on what people are up for.

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