Four Winds paddle boarding fun event was held the morning of Sunday July 21, 2024 at the beautiful, 350-acre natural Vulcan Lake inside Three Oaks Recreation Area located in Crystal Lake Illinois.
Seven club members; Phil S., Kelly O., Diane B., Russ & Sheri B., Lindsey W. and Gregg S. arrived by 10 AM at The Board House owned by Rick Pasturczak. Rick gave us all a beginner lesson as to where to stand, kneel, paddle methods including basic turning, and safety on dry shore.
Around 10:30 AM, Rick and his staff fitted us with correct paddle size, water board and life jackets for each of us. We then started to get into the water. Rick asked everyone to first start on our knees then paddled out to a nearby island. We were so happy that owner Rick P. wanted to go out with us to experience this fun activity. Once we all got just outside the island in about 10 ft of water, he asked one at a time to paddle fast then start to stand up on board. With his correct instructions prior in the lesson on shore we succeeded to stand on the board without tipping or falling off.
Russ & Diane B. elected to stay back and relax at the Board House watching us on the water. Thanks to Russ for taking pictures to share from shoreline. Also, thanks to Lindsey for taking "in action" photos while we were on the water. Rick took us around the lake to show points of interests including a beaver hut being built by a 4 ft beaver.
As we went paddled around, Phil S. was trying to turn his body towards Kelly was, when we heard a kerplunk in the water. Phil fell in and loved the nicely warm water of 76 degrees. With the great training that Rick gave us, it only took Phil only one try to get back up on the board without any challenge.
It was a peaceful morning on the calm waters of Three Oaks Recreation that was enjoyed by all Four Winder's.
After our session of paddle boarding on the lake, Rick said we should check out the newly opened Quarry Cable Park (mechanical wake board) facility and grab some lunch at Quarry Lakeside Grille just a short distance away. We all grabbed some delicious, inexpensive food and enjoyed conversations of our paddle boarding outing along with upcoming club social events and meetings.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and the weather couldn't have been any better.