Welcome/Contact Info

About Flat Land

Flat Land Kayak started by providing instruction in whitewater kayaking.

Recreational kayaking was added later to meet a growing need in that area.

Flat Land added instruction in river safety & rescue in 2023.

Photo taken from shore of a dozen recreational kayaks of various colors on the pond
Ladies Day 2019, Area No. 1 Outdoor Club, Coal City, IL

Recreational Kayak Series

Picture yourself on flat or slowly moving water, enjoying the weather perhaps bird-watching or fishing? This is the series for you. We take you through a skills progression to keep you safe on the water.

Author and four women under pavilion surrounded by various kayaking equipement e.g. boats, paddles and life jackets.
Author demonstrating proper technique for holding a kayak paddle. Ladies Day 2018, Area No. 1 Club, Coal City, IL

Whitewater Kayak Series

If paddling more extreme water is in your future then the whitewater series is your answer. Lessons are structured to incrementally increase your skill and confidence with a focus on safety first.

Author in orange whitewater kayak, green top, red helmet, blue paddle surfing across a wave.
Author surfing Entrance Wave at Marge Cline Memorial Park, Fox River, Yorkville, IL Date unknown

Safety & Rescue Series

This series is for any paddle craft whether kayak, canoe, SUP, or pack-raft. “Safety” focuses on preparation and prevention, while “Rescue” focuses on how to safely handle an unfortunate situation.

Photo of a person being assisted in getting back into their kayak.
Trainees learning to re-enter a kayak in deep water. Arkansas River, Salida, CO August 2022

To see typical learning progressions, see Course Progressions.

To see the currently scheduled classes, see the Course Calendar.

Notes:

  • Flat Land Kayak provides boats, paddles, personal flotation devices (i.e. “life jackets”) and, when required, spray skirts and helmets, at no additional charge for use during class. Students are invited to use their own equipment subject to instructor approval.
  • Flat Land does not rent equipment. See our friends at Yakshackonline (Fox River at Yorkville) or KayakMorris (Illinois River at Morris or Starved Rock) for rentals.
  • For whitewater rafting, visit our friends at Vermillion River Rafting.
  • Flat Land operates in the north-central Illinois region.