Paddlesport Rentals
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Boat
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Shuttle
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Paddle
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PFD: Personal Floatation Device
Looking for a fun new activity for this summer? Curious about canoeing and kayaking? Experience the Fox River from a new vantage point with Howling Wolfe Canoe & Kayak this summer!
Howling Wolfe Canoe & Kayak offers both kayak and canoe rentals, lessons and guided tours on the Fox River in Aurora Illlinois!
The Fox River is home to many different species of wildlife and an abundance of flora and fauna! Howling Wolfe Canoe & Kayak will get you prepared for the Fox River experience of your choosing!
Rental Rules
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Must complete and send the Rental Boat Safety Certificate. (Click Here)Must complete and send the Rental Boat Safety Certificate. (Click Here)
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On land instruction will be given day of, but please watch the Canoe and Kayak Safety video. (Click Here)On land instruction will be given day of, but please watch the Canoe and Kayak Safety video. (Click Here)
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PFD's Must be worn at all times.
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No alcohol permitted in boats but alcohol is served at the Aurora Athletic Club!
North Aurora Self Guided Paddle
$39 Per Person | Trip lasts 30 Minutes to 1 Hour | 2 hour maximum on rental
The North Aurora paddle is a great option for people who have never paddled on a river before or for those who are looking for a short float with no portages.
- Launch at North Aurora Island Park
- Takeout at Aurora Athletic Club
“Under Illinois law, all participants are required to watch the Canoe and Kayak Safety Videos and complete a short 10-question quiz before their rental, lesson, or tour. Once finished, please email your Boating Safety Assessment Certificate to Info@howlingwolfe.com. Please put the Last Name, Certificate, Trip Date, and Time in the subject line.”
Must complete and send the Rental Boat Safety Certificate.
Where To Meet
Tours Begin at the Aurora Athletic Club, where participants will park and be shuttled up to the selected launch listed above. Upon arrival at the park, participants will be given paddles and personal flotation devices, size for kayaks, and receive dryland instruction for the following skills:
- How to kayak in a straight line
- How to steer
- How to stop
- How to stay upright and comfortable
Here are the key details for your North Auror trip:
Meeting Location: Aurora Athletic Club 550 Clearwater Dr. North Aurora, IL, 60542
Route: North Aurora Island Park (North Aurora) to Aurora Athletic Club (North Aurora)
Duration: Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on stops and paddling pace
End Location: Aurora Athletic Club
What’s Included:
– Kayak or Canoe
– Paddle
– Life Jacket (PFD)
– Shuttle upriver
– Paddle instruction before launch
These are your maps needed for your upcoming trip! We will review them before we get you on the water!
🦉 What to Bring:
– Water bottle and snacks
– Quick-drying clothes and water shoes
– Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, UPF clothing
– Dry bag for your phone, wallet, and keys
– Towel and change of clothes (optional but nice for post-paddle)
No alcohol allowed in boats. But feel free to enjoy a cold beverage at the Aurora Athletic Club after your trip!
⛅Weather & Cancellation Policy:
– Customer cancellations: We require at least 72 hours’ notice for a full refund or one-time transfer.
– Weather cancellations: If unsafe conditions like lightning, high winds, or unseasonably cold temps arise, we may cancel, postpone, or delay trips. In that case, you’ll be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.
We will call, text, and email all participants if your trip is impacted by weather.
👉 If you don’t hear from us, your trip is on as scheduled.
Please note: Light rain is not considered dangerous and does not warrant cancellation.
If you have any questions before your paddle, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, we’ll see you at your scheduled time for a day of river fun and relaxation!
Batavia Self Guided Paddle
$69 Per Person | Trip lasts 1.5 to 3 Hours | 4 hour maximum on rental
“Under Illinois law, all participants are required to watch the Canoe and Kayak Safety Videos and complete a short 10-question quiz before their rental, lesson, or tour. Once finished, please email your Boating Safety Assessment Certificate to Info@howlingwolfe.com. Please put the Last Name, Certificate, Trip Date, and Time in the subject line.”
Must complete and send the Rental Boat Safety Certificate.
The Batavia paddle is a great option for those folks who are looking for a half day adventure with lots of sightseeing, wildlife and plenty of time to paddle!
- Launch at Glenwood Forest Preserve
- 1 Portage around North Aurora Dam
- Takeout at Aurora Athletic Club
Points of interest
- Cave at Red Oak Nature Center
- At the dam
- Harners Restuarant and Bakery (Check Hours and Availability)
- Juquilita Tacos
- Brunos Phily Cheesesteaks
- A&W
Where To Meet
Tours Begin at the Aurora Athletic Club, where participants will park and be shuttled up to the selected launch listed above. Upon arrival at the park, participants will be given paddles and personal flotation devices, size for kayaks, and receive dryland instruction for the following skills:
- How to kayak in a straight line
- How to steer
- How to stop
- How to stay upright and comfortable
Here are the key details for your Batavia trip:
Meeting Location: Aurora Athletic Club 550 Clearwater Dr. North Aurora, IL, 60542
Route: Glenwood Park Forest Preserve (Batavia) to Aurora Athletic Club (North Aurora)
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles with one easy portage around North Aurora Dam
Duration: Typically 1.5–3 hours depending on stops and paddling pace
End Location: Aurora Athletic Club
What’s Included:
– Kayak or Canoe
– Paddle
– Life Jacket (PFD)
– Shuttle upriver
– Paddle instruction before launch
These are your maps needed for your upcoming trip! We will review them before we get you on the water!
🦉 What to Bring:
– Water bottle and snacks
– Quick-drying clothes and water shoes
– Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, UPF clothing
– Dry bag for your phone, wallet, and keys
– Towel and change of clothes (optional but nice for post-paddle)
No alcohol allowed in boats. But feel free to enjoy a cold beverage at the Aurora Athletic Club after your trip!
Local eats near the dam: (Check restaurant hours)
– Harner’s Bakery (donuts are amazing!) 🍩
– Juquilita Tacos🌮
When stopping at these locations, be sure to bring your paddle, PFD, and personal items with you. Please pull your boat completely out of the water and away from paths or access points.
⛅Weather & Cancellation Policy:
– Customer cancellations: We require at least 72 hours’ notice for a full refund or one-time transfer.
– Weather cancellations: If unsafe conditions like lightning, high winds, or unseasonably cold temps arise, we may cancel, postpone, or delay trips. In that case, you’ll be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.
We will call, text, and email all participants if your trip is impacted by weather.
👉 If you don’t hear from us, your trip is on as scheduled.
Please note: Light rain is not considered dangerous and does not warrant cancellation.
If you have any questions before your paddle, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, we’ll see you at your scheduled time for a day of river fun and relaxation!
Equipment Available
Single Kayak
Participants must be 15 years old and at least 100 lbs. Maximum weight rating up to 320 pounds. Manufacturers Link
Canoe
Children must be accompanied by an adult and weigh at least 30 lbs. Maximum weight rating up to 1000 pounds. Manufacturers Link
Tandem Kayak
Children must be accompanied by an adult and weigh at least 30 lbs. Maximum weight rating up to 430 pounds. Manufacturers Link