Aurora festival features 'wide world of paddle sports'

Phillips Park in Aurora soon will play host to canoeists and kayakers camping overnight and art enthusiasts sipping wine — all in one weekend.

The Illinois Paddlesports Festival, and the corresponding Art in the Park show June 9 and 10, will bring crowds of recreational paddlers and artists to the park at 1000 Ray Moses Drive on Aurora's south side.

“The mission of the fest is to introduce the general public, people who are curious, to the wide world of paddle sports,” said Gary Mechanic, Illinois Paddlesports Festival coordinator.

This year, the festival is bringing more retailers and paddling clubs so novice paddlers can get a full introduction to the sport all at once.

“This year, we've really brought all the major paddle sport retailers to one place,” Mechanic said, adding REI, L.L. Bean, Paddle and Trail and other companies will sell gear and offer test rides and demonstrations during the festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Well-established paddling groups such as Prairie State Canoeists will have a presence at the festival, as will newer online-based groups such as Float Your Boat Chicago-area Kayak Meetup.

A two-hour paddling lesson will be offered free to the first 200 registrants, sponsored by the city of Aurora. While some lessons will be geared toward new paddlers, those with more experience still can benefit from practicing their technique, said Tom Lindblade of Rockford, the festival's instruction and safety coordinator.

“You can work on a forward stroke pretty much throughout your whole paddling career,” Lindblade said.

Paddlers also can practice body mechanics and learn about flotation devices and water safety.

“We're very conscious of safety on the water,” Lindblade said. “We have two safety boaters out at all times when people are paddling.”

And as canoeists and kayakers are stroking their way across the 28-acre Mastodon Lake, others will be enjoying an experience that's more cultural than recreational at Art in the Park.

Introducing the art event with vendors, live music, food and a wine tasting sponsored by Fox Valley Winery from noon to 5 p.m. June 9 and 10, should broaden the event's appeal, Mechanic said.

Camping overnight in Phillips Park is free June 9, so festival organizers like Lindblade say they'll be staying the night on-site before another day of passing along their passion for paddling to anyone interested to learn.

“For people who want to begin paddling,” Lindblade said, “this is a great opportunity.”

Illinois Paddlesports Festival

<b>When</b>: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10

<b>Where</b>: Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora

<b>Who</b>: Hosted by the Illinois Paddlesports Festival committee

<b>Cost</b>: Free entrance and one free paddling lesson for the first 200 registrants; additional lessons are $20 for 2 hours

<b>Info</b>: illinoispaddlesports festival.org