Paddleboarding coming to Blackwell Forest Preserve

Stand-up paddleboarding will be allowed on a trial basis from June 1 to Aug. 31 at Blackwell Forest Preserve's Silver Lake in Warrenville.

At the request of fans of the activity, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County decided to launch a test program allowing paddleboards this summer.

Paddleboards must be less than 20 feet long and visitors must have valid private watercraft permits, which are $5 a day or $30 a year for DuPage residents and $10 a day or $50 a year for nonresidents.

Paddleboarders must wear properly fitting, wearable Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices. If they fall in the water, they must get back on their paddleboard immediately. For more information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

"We're thrilled to be able to provide a venue for this water sport that keeps growing in popularity and gives people another way to connect to nature," said Anamari Dorgan, forest preserve director of community services and education.

Standup paddleboarding is a combination of kayaking and surfing that combines a full-body workout with a fun way to get out on the water. Regardless of age or fitness level, paddleboarding works the core, improves cardio fitness and challenges balance and flexibility.