Paddling Resources

Please forward corrections or additions to:  iowawta@gmail.com

PADDLING IOWA’S WATER TRAILS:

  • What is a Water Trail
  • Iowa Water Trail Association
  • Dam Mitigation and Water Trail Enhancement  Grants
  • “Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun”

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking 

 

HOW TO PADDLE:  Paddling Instruction Opportunities: 

  • Online Paddle Safety Boating Course
  • Wear It Iowa
  • Paddling Regulations
  • Paddle Safely
  • SUP Safety
  • Paddling Safety Tips

ttps://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/How-to-Paddle

 

CANOE AND KAYAK SCHOOLS:

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/How-to-Paddle/Canoe-Kayak-Schools

 

Paddling School, Boone River

 

RIVER AND LAKE GUIDELINES: 

http://www.paddleiowa.org/Waterways.html

 

WHERE TO PADDLE: 

  • Interactive Paddling Map

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle

 

IOWA PADDLING GUIDES AND MAPS: 

  • Iowa DNR Water Trail Maps and Brochures

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures

 

IOWA WATER & WEATHER INFO:

 

 

  • Weather Underground                                                                     https://www.wunderground.com/

 

 

OTHER PADDLING RESOURCES: 

  •  Book “Paddling Iowa,” by Nate Hoogeveen, Otter Run Media, 184 pages, 3rd Edition 2012

http://www.amazon.com/Paddling-Iowa-Outstanding-Journeys-Canoe/dp/0615579477

 

IOWA PADDLER INFO EXCHANGE:

 

  • Paddling.Com 
    National paddlers website; trip reports, boat data, test reports, classified ads, and advice about paddling and paddling activities from around the country, free.
    https://paddling.com/

 

IOWA PADDLER GROUPS & CLUBS:

Back Water Paddlers:  informal paddling group in Eastern Iowa. Schedules area day trips most weekends. Publicizes & records the joy of kayaking. Invites others to join adventures

 

Cedar Valley Paddlers: club based in Cedar Falls/Waterloo. Annual events calendar, membership dues.

 

Central Iowa Paddlers: club based in Central Iowa, members statewide. Annual events calendar, membership dues.

 

Iowa Whitewater Coalition: group based in Central Iowa, membership dues.

 

Saukenuk Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club: based in Quad Cities, membership dues.

 

Skunk River Paddlers: club based in Ames.

 

FULL-SERVICE PADDLE SHOPS, RENTALS, LESSONS, TRIPS:

“CanoeSport Outfitters” in Indianola: est. 1992, hosts the annual February Iowa Paddlesports Expo, stocks boats and gear for paddling, offers training & test paddles on nearby Lake Ahquabi. Trips, classes, demos, & products.  http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.php

 

“CrawDaddy Outdoors” in Waverly, est. 2005, supports new Waverly “Paddle Fest,” stocks boats and gear for paddling, kayak fishing, camping & outdoor activities. Events, classes, trips, demos, & products.   http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/

 

“River Basin Canoe & Kayak” in Burlington: est. 1994, stocks a large selection of canoes, kayaks, and SUP for sea kayaking, floating, and fishing. Classes, demos, outfitted river trips, and livery services on 3 rivers and 3 lakes.  http://www.canoeskayaks.com

 

“Up A Creek” Paddle Shop in Central City: est. 2017, offers kayaks/canoes and accessories, such as lifejackets, paddles, car carriers, dry bags, etc. Main street shop is near the Wapsipinicon River, not far from Pinicon Ridge Park.  https://www.facebook.com/ccupacreek/

 

PARKS, CAMPING, NATURE CENTERS, TOURISM GUIDE:

Iowa State Parks. Locations, facilities, contact info, camping reservations:
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks.aspx

 

County Conservation Boards & Parks: Websites, newsletters, event calendars, parks, nature centers, facilities, camping, lakes, water trails. Centralized access for all 99 Iowa counties:
www.mycountyparks.com

 

Indian Creek Nature Center (ICNC) in Cedar Rapids: Year-round nature education center, sponsor of annual ICNC Paddle Day each January:
http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org

 

Travel Iowa Website:  Official tourism site for state of Iowa. Tour guides, events calendar, food, lodging, festivals and celebrations, trip ideas.                                                       http://www.traveliowa.com/