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Category: Events

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Events

2020 Fishing Trade Shows

Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Fishing Shows

While the Outdoor weather doesn’t exactly scream the word “Fishing,” the action heats up indoors as we head into Fishing Trade Show Season

Area fishing trade shows have the latest and greatest in gear, expert advice from pro anglers, and lodges and resorts that entice you to get away. Get a head start towards creating memorable experiences for the 2020 fishing season and make sure that when the water opens up, you’re ready! 

This year, Rocktown Adventures will be exhibiting at 3 different fishing trade shows. In addition to the knowledge and “sneak peek” at what is new for 2020, experience interactive exhibits providing fun for the whole family! Nothing gets a kid hooked on fishing like feeling their line tug with a fish. Make a point to head out to one of these shows to get your fishing game dialed in for a great fishing season. The fishing trade shows we will be exhibiting at this year are: 

Chicagoland Sports, Travel & Outdoor Expo

Chicago’s largest all fishing show takes place January 23–26, 2020 at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Anything and everything fishing is all under one roof! We will be at booth B2; displaying everything you need for kayak fishing. View the latest fishing kayaks from Jackson Kayak, NuCanoe, Old Town and Bonafide, paddles from Werner Paddles, outfitting accessories from YakAttack, +more! For show details, hours and tickets, please visit the show website.  

Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show

The 49th edition of the Stateline’s largest fishing show takes place February 7–9, 2020 at the Indoor Mercyhealth Sports Center. Enjoy many fun things for the whole family with the Hawg Trough Tank, Trout Pond, Kids Casting Contest and Minnow Races – plus some of the most experienced Illinois and Wisconsin anglers and guides will be presenting informative seminars. We will have everything you need for kayak fishing on-hand, such as fishing kayaks from Jackson Kayak, NuCanoe, Old Town and Bonafide, paddles from Werner Paddles, outfitting accessories from YakAttack, +more! For show details, hours and tickets please visit the show website.  

Wisconsin Fishing Expo

The largest consumer fishing show in the Midwest with 20,000 attendees visiting the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. This year’s show takes place February 28–March 1, 2020. This annual event promotes the sport of fishing to enthusiasts of all ages and a portion of the proceeds from the show benefit fishing enhancement projects throughout the state of Wisconsin. Rocktown Adventures will have the latest and greatest for 2020 from NuCanoe on display, along with paddles from Werner Paddles, outfitting accessories from YakAttack. For more info on the largest consumer fishing show in the Midwest, please visit the event facebook page.  

Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Fishing Shows

If you have any questions about any of these shows, or kayak fishing in general, please feel free to call us at (815) 636-9066, send an us email or send us a message on social media. We hope to see you at one of the area fishing trade shows this season!  

Categories
Events Kayaking

2020 Paddle Pool Classes

Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean paddle season is done. 

Starting in January, 2020, Rocktown Adventures will offer Paddle Pool Classes at Boylan High School 3 Sundays a month, thru April. Paddle Pool Classes are a great way to practice your paddling skills in the controlled environment of a pool. See below for a brief description of each event we will offer. For more information or to register, please visit our events page or give us a call at (815) 636-9066.

Intro to Kayaking

January 5, February 9, March 8, April 5 & May 3 

This 3-hour paddle course will introduce you to kayaking. Learn basic information on a wide-range of topics, such as proper paddling strokes, dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues, as well as entering/exiting a kayak efficiently. If time allows, we will even do a wet exit and entry. This class is for beginners, experienced paddlers looking to refine their skills and kayak anglers. 

Safety & Rescue

January 12, February 16, March 15 & April 19

Imagine you are out for a paddle on a lake or slow moving river, taking in the scenery, when all of a sudden you see a shiny thing passing under the kayak. You lean over to look and….WHOOPS! Now what? This class teaches “Now What!” While taking the “Intro to Kayaking” class is not a prerequisite, this class is viewed as the second in a progression. A basic knowledge of paddling strokes is required.   

Open Pool Session

January 19, February 23, March 22 & April 26 

Our Open Pool Session is a 3-hour open pool time – like “Free Swim” but with kayaks …or canoes …or Stand-Up Paddleboards! – Practice your paddle strokes, master your roll or whatever you want to practice in the comfort of an indoor pool. Experienced paddlers will come out to knock off the rust. This is a good opportunity to introduce your kids to kayaking, as well as a great opportunity to demo some kayaks if you are looking to purchase. 

Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes
Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes
Rocktown Adventures | 2020 Paddle Pool Classes

Get a head start on 2020 or keep the 2019 party rolling at our Pool Sessions!

Categories
Events News

Rocktown Adventures is turning 5!

November 9, 2019 @ Rocktown Adventures

Original Rocktown Adventures Logo

In 2014, we opened Rocktown Adventures with the goal to provide residents and visitors to the Stateline area with quality and specialty outdoor brands, as well as exciting opportunities to ignite their passion for adventure and outdoor recreation (original Rocktown Adventures logo above). Over the last 5 years, we have paddled, snowshoed, skied, camped and hiked. We have highlighted our local recreational assets and embraced new challenges in the Midwest.   

We are able to apply our outdoor passions as our profession due to our customers support and we want to say “Thank You” by inviting you to join us as we celebrate being old enough to attend kindergarten!

Here is what we have planned for our Birthday weekend… 

On Saturday, November 9, 95.3 The Bull will be doing a remote broadcast at Rocktown Adventures, from 12-2pm. In addition to some great country music and ticket giveaways, we will have a bonfire going out front with S’mores and some adult treats (from Prairie Street Brewhouse) on us. Also, get a head start on your holiday shopping or get a gift for yourself with great deals on premium outdoor gear and apparel all weekend long… 

**Spend $100 or more & be entered into a drawing for a kayak  

Winner’s choice between a Dagger Axis 10.5 or Perception Pro 12. Drawing will be on Facebook Live on November 10 @ 5PM. 

**Enter name/email into a drawing for 2 FREE kayak, XC Ski or Snowshoe rentals  

Five winners will be drawn on Facebook Live on November 10 @ 5PM. 

Other great Rocktown Adventures deals include…

  • 20% off Oboz Hiking shoes & Osprey Packs 

  • 25% off all Winter Lifestyle Apparel 

  • 25% off PFDs, Paddle Clothing & Paddle Gear 

  • 50% off select Cross Country Ski Apparel 

  • $100 off any kayak, canoe, or SUP less than $1000, $200 off any over $1000 

  • Enjoy the start of our Pre-Season Winter Sale, which runs from Nov. 9–17 

  • Make a purchase, get a FREE Rocktown Adventures Pint Glass – Good while supplies last 

Thanks Again for your support!

We have covered a lot of ground the last five years – literally and figuratively – and we look forward to enjoying the next five years worth of adventures with you, helping you enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.

We hope to see you this November 9th or on another adventure soon! 

Rocktown Adventures | Gear Up. Head Out.

November 9, 2019 @ Rocktown Adventures

Categories
Events Kayaking

2019 Fall Paddling Series

Fall Paddle | Rocktown Adventures

The shadows are getting a little longer, dew is on the grass, and there is a little chill in the morning…

All of which means one thing…..fall is near! Do not despair as we look at summer in the rearview mirror. If you ask me, fall is the best time of year to paddle.

As we enter the fall paddling season, please keep in mind to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Below 120 degrees combined air and water temperature, precautions need to be made in regards to what you wear paddling. Avoid cotton as it retains water and does not insulate. Waterproof shoes and/or booties let you keep some wool socks on your feet. Gloves and a splash top keep your exposed top half toasty when conditions call for such measures. As long as there is open water, there is apparel to help you paddle it!

Staged Kayaks, Fall Paddle | Rocktown Adventures

We have many opportunities for you to Gear Up. Head Out on the water this fall, from the Fox to the Rock, and a few other rivers in between!

Our group outings include all the equipment you need, refresher on paddling strokes and safety, experienced guides, a relaxed social setting for you to meet like-minded people, and the opportunity to take on new challenges and discover new adventures. If you’d like to join us on a fall paddle, we are going out on the following dates (click for more info):

Oct. 5: Kane County Forest Preserve

Oct. 6: Turtle Creek

Oct. 12: Kishwaukee River

Oct. 13: Sugar River

Oct. 19: Rock River Fur Trader’s Run

Please give us a call or drop by the store if you have any questions on these events or anything related to fall paddling. Still two months left in paddle season. Hope to see you on an adventure this fall!

Categories
Events Kayaking News SUPs

This Summer: Kids on Water

Rocktown Adventures | This Summer: Kids on Water

– EVERY FRIDAY, June 14 – August 23 | 10am-12pM –

Rocktown Adventures | This Summer: Kids on Water

Looking for something fun to do this summer?

Have a KOW! Kids on Water, that is. You do not have to pack up the car and make a long drive to find some outdoor adventure. There is plenty of it right here in Rockford and Kids on Water is one of many outdoor activities you can do in the Stateline area this summer.

KOW is a two-hour paddling event for parents and their kids on Windsor Lake, in Loves Park, right in the middle of the greater Rockford area. Parents/adults do not have to paddle (although strongly encouraged to join in the fun), but they must remain on-site. We have plenty of kayaks to go around and a limited supply of youth Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) – both are available during KOW.

What can I expect if I decide to have a KOW?

The first 30-45 minutes, we spend outfitting everyone in his or her Kayak/SUP and Life Jacket (PFD). Once we have ensured a proper fit, we move on to paddling instruction. After this, we head out on the water to practice what we discussed on land. The remaining time is for you to leisurely paddle around the lake, or simply enjoy floating around, being out on the water. Our staff will be on the water paddling as well, so in addition to having a great time, you will paddle away with some knowledge!

Note: This is not a swimming event. But we can practice rescues upon demonstration of paddling ability.

How can I have a KOW?

Every Friday, weather permitting, beginning June 14 – August 23 from 10AM – 12PM. The price for this experience is $30 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under. Parents with their own gear are free. Your fee includes all the equipment you need (kayak or board, paddle and PFD) and instruction. Attend 3 of our Kids on Water events and your 4th one is on us! We need a minimum of four participants in order to paddle. In the event we do not get at least four, or we have inclement weather, you will receive a full refund (or you can apply to another event).

Next time your kids say there is nothing to do in summer, make them have a KOW. They will thank you for it!

Rocktown Adventures | This Summer: Kids on Water

– EVERY FRIDAY, JUNE 14 – AUGUST 23 | 10AM-12PM –

Categories
Events News SUPs

Join Us This Summer for Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga!

Rocktown Adventures | Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga

Yoga on water can seem intimidating…

Rocktown Adventures | Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga

Sometimes even keeping your balance on land can be a challenge – even without a drink (or three) in your system! However, if you can breathe, you can do yoga. And if you can balance on one foot, you can do yoga on water. So if you enjoy yoga (or would like to try it) and you enjoy being on the water, our Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga class is just for you! Both activities have a lot in common; both can be invigorating and strengthening, while demanding balance and focus. Like peanut butter and chocolate, stand-up paddleboards and yoga belong together!

Rocktown Adventures and Namaste Studios will bring SUP Yoga classes to Rockford on various Sunday mornings throughout the summer at Windsor Lake, right in the heart of Rockford, starting June 9. These two-hour sessions begin with on-land instruction where you are taught the proper way to hold the paddle, three-step progression to standing (some skip the first two and go right to standing!) and proper placement on the board. After this, we hit the water to practice what we learned on land. The last hour or so is left for Yoga.

Rocktown Adventures | Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga
June 9th, 16th & 30th
July 14th & 21st
August: 4th, 11th & 25th

Categories
Events News

Demo Days Are Here Again!

 

Paddling season is upon us…which means Demo Days are here again!

Take advantage of the opportunity to paddle multiple kayaks and learn what fits your paddling needs best during one of our Demo Day events. You never know until you paddle it! We hold multiple events throughout the season, on both weekends and weekdays. Demo Days will be held at either Martin Park Lagoon or at the store on the Rock River.

Does our schedule of Demo Days not meet yours?

We also offer Demo Paddles by appointment. It is important to learn how you fit into a kayak and how your body will react, so we encourage you to come out and try. There is a $20 charge for Demo Paddles, with the fee applied towards your purchase when you purchase a Kayak, Canoe or Stand Up Paddleboard from Rocktown Adventures.

What can you expect during a Demo Paddle?

Rocktown staff will be on hand to walk through any particular kayak, give you some paddling tips, and assist with put-in and take-out. Not only will you get to try out multiple kayaks, but you will also walk away with some knowledge on paddling strokes and maneuvers, and hopefully have a few laughs with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

UPCOMING Demo Days

MAY 5 @ MARTIN PARK LAGOON – 2-4PM
MAY 23 @ STORE LOCATION – 5:30-7:30PM
JUNE 1 @ STORE LOCATION – 10AM-12PM
JUNE 22 @ STORE LOCATION – 10AM-12PM
JULY 20 @ STORE LOCATION – 10AM-12PM
AUG. 17 @ MARTIN PARK LAGOON – 10AM-12PM

Take advantage of the opportunity to Gear Up Head Out during our Demo Day Paddles. Memorable outdoor experiences await!