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Chicago Kayak Newsletter August 15th, 2004
Past Newsletters

Chicago Kayak Newsletter Items
1. Illinois Beach State Park August 16th
2. Chicago Kayak at REI on Wed August 17th at 7PM
3. Free Samples of Himaya Sunblock for Chicago Kayak Club members
4. Intermediate kayaking classes added
5. Illinois River Day- Skokie Lagoons Clean up by Canoe and Kayak
6. Chicago Kayak Kayak Donations for Domestic Abuse
7. Special Thanks to Club Members!
8. Alaska Bound! Chicago Kayak Club ventures to Kachemak Bay State Park on August 23rd for 10 days!

Illinois Beach State Park August 16th
Chicago Kayak Club members will leave Evanston at 9am If you are going directly to the park please see below....We will paddle north into WI and have lunch on the beach. Please bring a brown bag lunch, plenty of water and snacks with you, plus a change of clothing.

Directions From the South are: I-294 north to Rt 173 east (approx 8 miles) to Sheridan Road. Make a right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road, make a left and you will be in the park.

From the North are: I-94 South to Rt. 173, east on Rt.173 to Sheridan Road, right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road and make a left on Wadsworth into the Park.

In the south unit, a good place to launch is at the park office on the north side. The office is on a small drive to the right, shortly after you enter the park road which parallels the lake. It's fairly close although you go down/up a small dune. There is normally parking there, or if not, you can drop off your boats and park along the main drive a short walk away.

2. Chicago Kayak at REI on Wed August 17th at 7PM
We have been invited to do a kayak workshop at REI! We will be discussing gear, what to get, what you need, and what you can't live without! Everything will be on hand for you to see up close. Plus local paddling destinations. Everyone is welcome! This is at the Niles location on Golf Rd, just west of Milwaukee Ave.

3. Free Samples of Himaya Sunblock
This is a new product that I have heard a lot about. I contacted the company and they have sent us 200 small samples of their sunblock. It is waterproof, sweat proof, moisturizes, and has the best UV protection around. Please let me know if you would like to try some - they are looking for our feedback on their product! http://www.himaya.com/

4. Intermediate classes added
There are two Intermediate classes that have been added

Sunday August 21st
Saturday Sept 10th
Class description

Intermediate Kayaking Program

The Intermediate Program is designed for the beginner to the next step in kayaking technique and skill. Prerequisite either Introduction to Sea Kayaking course (or the equivalent)

Cost $125 Length - 6-7 hours

We will quickly review the skills learned in the Intro class, and move into techniques and rescues.

-Hip snap development
-High and Low Braces Continued
-Bow/Eskimo Rescue
-Paddle Float Rescue (self rescue)
-All in Rescue
-Stirrup Rescue
-Stokes Continued (power, touring, reverse, sweep, draw)

Other topics covered..
-- trip planning
- group leadership.

5. Illinois River Day
Join us for a clean up at the Skokie Lagoons
Sept 17th from 8-11am
Tower Road Boat Launch
Supplies provided by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County

6. Donations for Domestic Abuse
So far this year, we have donated $300 to the Evanston Police Department's Victim's Unit. These funds have gone directly to people in need, who are victims of domestic abuse.

7. Special Thanks to Members!
Thanks to Michael D for all his tireless help with the boats, trailer, and maintancene issues we have.

Thanks are also due to Austin, who has been volunteering all summer with our at risk children's program. These children get to go out with us each week for a kayak class, building their skills as they go. It is amazing to see their progress, and their self confidence build as well. We will be looking for volunteers for next years program!

8. Alaska Bound!
Our Alaska trip sets sail in 10 short days. Packing, re packing, planning, and charting our course has been a ball. We fly intoAnchorage, then drive 8 hours to Homer. From their, we will rent a water taxi, which will take us, our gear, and our boats to Kachemak Bay State Park. We will be left on Yukon Island, and have a week of paddling and hiking along this remote coastline. Wish us safe travels!