Kids, families put paddle power to work

In what organizers say is a sign that paddle sports are on the verge of taking off in Aurora, Mastodon Lake in Phillips Park on Saturday was overrun by kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boats (think gondoliers on a surf board).

The third annual Paddlesports Festival brought children and adults of all ages and skill levels to the lake, which is usually a fishing draw.

“The purpose is to introduce the general public to the wide world of paddle sports,” said one of the festival’s organizers, Gary Mechanic. “There is much more to it than just canoeing and kayaking.”

The festival offered free classes for anyone who wanted to learn the ins and outs of the disciplines. Mechanic said he especially wanted to see youngsters try the classes.

Although overcast skies cast a pall on the event and kept some people home, Mechanic said he was happy with the eventual turnout. Additionally, he said, seeing families is the most encouraging thing.

“This is not just 20-year-olds kayaking or 60-year-olds in their grandpa canoes,” he said. “This is a whole family lifestyle.”

As vendors lined the lake and bands performed in a newly installed dog park, Mechanic said he envisions the event to grow in the coming years into the largest of its kind in the Chicago area.

The city’s chief operations officer, Rosario DeLeon, said the event is starting to grow into one that exposes Aurora residents to an activity most would not otherwise see.

“It’s very exciting, and it’s unique and gives a different perspective when you see boats on the lake,” he said.

Mechanic said he had visited six middle schools to promote the event and paddle sports.

“It just warms my heart to see those kids who are from all different cultures getting out and experiencing nature,” Mechanic said. “We are just humans on the planet, and it’s nice when we see the differences fall away.”