Paddle and Trail has announced they will be opening the Outdoor Leadership
Center (OLC), a world‐class paddlesport and outdoor skills school with its primary location in Yorkville, IL along the Marge Cline Whitewater Course. The OLC serves the region and nation with educational programs that can take beginners to the highest level of their chosen sport. On May 3‐5 the Outdoor Leadership Center is celebrating their grand opening by hosting Eric Jackson, president of Jackson Kayak, who is also a four‐time whitewater freestyle world champion. Jackson will be training OLC whitewater coaches, and then holding 3‐ hour Strokes and Concepts Clinics. If you want to learn basic moves, run creeks or improve your freestyle skills, this clinic offers the perfect opportunity to learn these skills from a world champion. The clinics are limited to 8 participants and cost $200.

The paddlesport school at the Outdoor Leadership Center will be a Jackson Super School. The OLC staff will be trained by Eric Jackson, and OLC students are taught in Jackson kayaks, one of the leading manufacturers of whitewater kayaks.

“The Outdoor Leadership Center offers the Chicago and Midwest adventure seekers the opportunity to learn
to kayak in true Jackson Kayak style! Finally a strong, dedicated, professional kayak instruction and livery
program in the Chicago area! Paddle and Trail has also committed to using the best kayaks on the market as a
Super School for Jackson Kayak. We are very excited about this partnership.” said Eric Jackson, president of
Jackson Kayak.

The Outdoor Leadership Center staff will be on hand all weekend to talk about the plans for the center and the instructional opportunities that will be available year round.

Grand Opening events at the Outdoor Leadership Center, 301 E. Hydraulic, Yorkville, IL
Friday, May 4
1:00 ‐ 4:00 pm ‐ Strokes and Concepts Clinic, reservations required.
4:00‐7:00 pm ‐ Demo time to try out new boats, reservations required.
7:00 pm ‐ Social Gathering and Film Screening, Kendall Pub, 201 S. Bridge St, Yorkville.
Saturday, May 5
9:00am ‐ 12:00 pm ‐ Strokes and Concepts Clinic, reservations required.
10:00 am ‐ 5:00pm – Outdoor Leadership Center Open House
1:00pm ‐ 4:00 pm ‐ Strokes and Concepts Clinic, reservations required.
4:00‐7:00 pm ‐ Demo time to try out new boats, reservations required.
Learn more about the grand opening of the Outdoor Leadership Center at www.paddleandtrail.com or call 630‐882‐9211 to make reservations for the clinics or demos.