You have questions. We have answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join the NW Indiana Paddling Association (NWIPA)?
Help NWIPA continue to advance paddling opportunities in NW Indiana. Beginning in 2009, the NW Indiana Paddling Association is an all-volunteer 501 (c) 3 non-profit that helps promote paddling, education, and stewardship of our water trails. Here is a list of some of NWIPA's accomplishments.
Spearheading the creation of the Lake Michigan National Water Trail;
Creation of more universally accessible ADA kayak launches than any place in the world in a given geographic area;
Spearheading the creation of Kankakee River National Water Trail;
Organization of a nationally renowned paddling community in NW Indiana that helps put forth a regional agenda for the advancement of paddling;
Organization of hundreds of community paddling events over the past decade of existence that have introduced paddling to tens of thousands of adults and youth;
Helping to catalyze efforts between regional conservation organizations which have helped lead to thousands of acres of natural areas preserved and permanently protected while providing public access along the East Branch of the Little Calumet River;
Organization of 100+ canoeing and kayaking educational programs that helps to provide instruction to thousands of new paddlers who have learned necessary skills to paddle safely;
Provide much needed ongoing stewardship opening hundreds of log jams and cleaning up thousands of pounds of garbage dumped into the East Branch of the Little Calumet River, Deep River, and Trail Creek;
Development of approximately 300 miles of new water trails in Northwest Indiana over the past decade;
Developed dozens of new public access points across Northwest Indiana;
Helped drive Northwest Indiana being named as an Urban Waters Pilot area by the Federal Government leading to millions of dollars of resources being invested into our lakes, streams, and rivers.
Do I need to have a canoe to kayak to participate in NWIPA events?
NWIPA has a fleet of 15 kayaks and 8 canoes that they make available at most of our sanctioned events that are available to be used by participants that don’t have boats. They are typically preserved prior to the event. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, NWIPA has suspended all sanctioned events for 2020. We hope to return strong in 2021 with our events.
What are my dues used for?
NWIPA is an all-volunteer non-profit organization. 100% of NWIPA funds and dues are invested in enhancing our paddling, education, and stewardship programs in order to make our region a premier destination for paddling.
Am I required to wear a life jacket (PFD) at all NWIPA paddling events?
Yes. It is a requirement from our insurance carrier and a best practice for paddling safety that NWIPA promotes.
Does NWIPA rent canoes and kayaks?
No, we do however make our fleet of boats available as loaners during our events.
Are there places in Northwest Indiana that rent kayaks and canoes?
While not an endorsement of these liveries, there are a few places that rent kayaks and canoes in NW Indiana. On Wolf Lake, the Hammond Port Authority rents canoes and kayaks during the paddling season. More info can be found at https://hammondportauthority.com/activities/paddling/. Additionally, Harbor Country Adventures rents kayaks on Trail Creek in Michigan City. More info can be found at https://www.harborcountryadventures.com/
Where does the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association maintain water trails?
NWIPA has been actively maintaining and developing water trails on the East Branch of the Little Calumet River in Porter County for several years now. We have the section open from Brummit Road to Howe Road. We and our partners have developed improved public access points at Brummit Road, Taylor Street and Howe Road. We are actively working on trying to expand the water trail past the ~6 miles we have already opened.
We also maintain Trail Creek from Lake Michigan to Friendship Gardens, 3 miles of water trail.
Finally, we help maintain Deep River from Festival Park in Hobart to Veteran’s Park in Lake Station. There are accessible launches at both parks. If you encounter a log jam, please help NWIPA by taking a picture, if possible get the GPS coordinates, and email the info to Dan Plath at dkplath@gmail.com. Our volunteer crew will try to take care of the problem area as soon as possible.
Where are some good places to go paddling in NW Indiana?
Please see the website’s Places to Paddle page.
I am new to kayaking. What sort of kayak should I get?
Paddlesports enthusiast and blogger Derek Lenze recently wrote this outstanding piece on buying a kayak. https://floatingauthority.com/informal-reviews/ultimate-kayak-buying-guide/
Does NWIPA offer classes for canoeing and kayaking?
Yes under normal years, NWIPA offers several instructional paddling classes to help enhance paddling skills of our members. We have several volunteer instructors that are American Canoe Association certified to provide this service. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, NWIPA currently has no classes scheduled for this season. We hope to have a schedule of classes in the future as conditions improve.
Are kids allowed at NWIPA sanctioned events?
Yes, we seek to promote a family friendly atmosphere. We ask that kids always wear their life jackets while around the water or paddling and be accompanied to a parent or guardian.
Are pets allowed at NWIPA sanctioned events?
Yes, but please keep them on a leash. It is the responsibility of the pet owners to make sure that their animals do not cause problems.
Can I drink alcohol during NWIPA sanctioned events?
No.
Who do I contact if I would like to get involved as a NWIPA volunteer?
NWIPA is an all-volunteer non-profit. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. Please contact Dan Plath at dkplath@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a volunteer. Roles vary from helping to organize or run events to working on our river stewardship or education programs. We are always interested in talking to members interested in joining our Board of Directors as well.
Where can I get more information about NWIPA?
People who sign up as members and those who request to be included in our email list will receive information about upcoming events. This is most often the best and up to date info. To receive this information, please click here (please insert the signup). Additionally, NWIPA has a Facebook page and events group. They can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/71821271791 and https://www.facebook.com/Northwest-Indiana-Paddling-Association-Events-103810444355905