An annual event since 2003, Kanoe the Kazoo and its many hosts work together to offer guided paddle trips along the Kalamazoo River, tributary streams, and local inland lakes to area citizens. Our mission is to introduce residents and visitors to the beauty and recreational opportunities in our own backyard. This year we are excited to announce many fun and unique paddle trips from June – September.
Check out the roster below for specific information on each paddle trip. Grab your kayak or canoe and join us on the river this summer! (Rentals available for select trips, see full details below). All trips include Kanoe the Kazoo swag (i.e., sunglasses and stickers) and some instruction on local ecology or pollution issues facing the community.
2019 KANOE THE KAZOO Schedule
Kanoe the Kazoo is supported in part by our many paddle trip hosts, a few local sponsors, and the TMDL committee. This support allows us to offer most of the Kanoe the Kazoo paddle trips at no cost to participants. Consider giving a donation to the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council to support future Kanoe the Kazoo events. Become a River Giver and support important river programming and protection projects. Even a $5 donation per paddler is an important investment in the future of our local water resources.
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Safety
At certain points and during certain times of the year the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries are prone to flood conditions. It is important to be aware of water conditions before you enter the river. You can search for the daily water conditions of the river at several locations on the
USGS National Water Information Website. Click the map to find water gauge stations along the Kalamazoo River and many rivers throughout Michigan. Each station will have current water level, along with average levels as a comparison. Typically river water levels are at their highest in the spring, although any large rain storm can cause water levels to rise rapidly in some areas of the river (and especially smaller tributary streams).
We want everyone to enjoy the Kalamazoo River and our inland water resources in a safe and fun way. It is important to remember you are in charge of your own safety when using the river. There are some important safety reminders in the documents below that we find helpful for individuals and groups looking to enjoy the pure Michigan waters of our state.
Basic “Paddle Safe” tips
Full “Paddle Safe” guidance
Host Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires a Special Event Permit for any public event that is organized on inland lakes and rivers. The permit application must be submitted to DNR 30 days prior to your event. There is no fee to apply. This permit helps make agencies like the DNR aware of large groups on the water and is a good safety measure for our paddle events. Your event might require other permits from the DNR (e.g., if using DNR properties). A link to the DNR recreation permits website can be found below.
Download the DNR River-Use Permit application:
Marine Special Event Application & Permit
Download other DNR permits:
DNR Permits Website
All Kanoe the Kazoo paddle hosts should have each participant sign a liability waiver as part of check-in the day of the event. A parent or legal guardian should sign a form for any minors under their supervision. Download and customize a liability waiver template for your paddle:
Liability Waiver Template
This year we are hoping to collect information after each paddle event on the number of participants, feedback, and future recommendations. All paddle hosts should fill out a post-paddle evaluation form after each paddle event.
Go to the Post-Paddle Evaluation Form
You can also report your participation and post event photos on our facebook page during and after the paddle event.
Visit the Kanoe the Kazoo facebook page.
Help advertise your paddle with Kanoe the Kazoo posters and brochures. We have both digital and paper copies available.
Contact Jamie for brochures, posters, and giveaways (269-447-1580 or krwc@KalamazooRiver.org).
Download promo files:
Poster (PDF)
Brochure (PDF)
Kanoe the Kazoo is supported by many local governments, nonprofits, and conservation organizations that have been working for almost 20 years on reducing pollution to our waterways. Please consider recognizing their efforts and support of Kanoe the Kazoo at your event.
Download the “script” to use at your paddle event
Supporters
Kanoe the Kazoo hosts and supporters provide many resources and volunteer hours to make Kanoe the Kazoo successful each year. A special thanks to our 2018 supporters:
- Lake Allegan/Kalamazoo River TMDL Committee and Signatories
- Battle Creek Clean Water Partners
- City of Battle Creek
- City of Charlotte
- City of Marshall
- City of Olivet
- Four Township Water Resources Council
- Kalamazoo River Cleanup Coalition
- Kellogg Biological Station (MSU)
- Marshall Area Conservation Committee
- Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality
- Plainwell Kayak Company
- Schlatter Design, Inc.
- Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
- Village of Bellevue
- Arcadia Ales
- Lee’s Adventure Sports
Check out other KRWC-related events or chart your own trip down the Kalamazoo River!
An annual event since 2003, Kanoe the Kazoo and its many hosts work together to offer guided paddle trips along the Kalamazoo River, tributary streams, and local inland lakes to area citizens. Our mission is to introduce residents and visitors to the beauty and recreational opportunities in our own backyard. This year we are excited to announce many fun and unique paddle trips from June – September.