Surf Illinois! Kayaking Horseshoe Lake, Madison County, Illinois, March 17th, 2011

If you get a chance, watch this short clip all the way towards the last few minutes.  All I have to say is that there is a reason we paddle against the wind to start.  The waves started to wip up and white cap with some incredible waves (at least for Illinois) and we rode the kayaks all the way in.
Landing at the dock was a challenge, but we were able to get it done.  This lake is REALLY influenced by the effects of wind shear.  Great time kayaking!

Paddle ON!

MLT

Urban Kayaking! Nameoki Slough, Horseshoe Lake, Illinois: Urban exploring with kayaks!

This is the first of (2) videos shot at Horseshoe Lake, Illinois in Madison County, Illinois.  The first half of the kayak trip was dedicated to exploring the Nameoki Slough that empties into Horseshoe Lake.  I always wanted to know what it would be like going under roads and railroad tracks with a kayak....now I know!
Horseshoe Lake is a very urban paddle.  You can see the skyline for metro St. Louis, as well as see, hear and smell the U.S.Steel- Granite City Foundry.  The main part of the slough is very shallow (I would guess 2 feet or less), so this would not work with a traditional boat. 
The second half of the paddle we explored the main lake.  It was INCREDIBLY windy, and so when you watch that video, you will see us almost surfing the kayaks back to shore.

Paddle ON!

MLT

Horseshoe Lake, Monroe County, Illinois: Great urban kayak trip- wind made paddle very interesting!

Urban Kayaking-Surf Illinois! Horseshoe Lake Illinois

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

This was a great trip...I am producing (2) film clips.  One is of us kayaking under road and railroad tracks in the Nameoki Slough, the other film is kayaking the main lake and then the "surf" we road coming back to shore.  Very, very enjoyable trip with my good friend, Ray Schroeder.

Paddle ON!

MLT