Welcome to the SC Wisconsin Chapter’s River Touring Section (RTS).  

Interested in paddling some great water with experienced paddlers? If so, the River Touring Section of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Sierra Club is the group for you. Every year our members lead paddling adventures on whitewater rivers and quietwater rivers, streams and lakes. We also offer instructional clinics that teach paddling, safety, and rescue skills. Join us on a trip or at a clinic to perfect your skills, explore new waterways, meet other paddlers, learn from skilled volunteer leaders, and have fun on the water.

All trips are free unless otherwise indicated. Paddle with us once and you become a member of RTS for the next three years. All paddlers are welcome, whether canoeists, kayakers or sea-kayakers. There are no dues. RTS is affiliated with the Sierra Club, and as with all Sierra Club outings, our trips are open to everyone. We want to get you out paddling on rivers and waterways. We hope you grow to enjoy paddling, to love wild, scenic rivers and waterways and ultimately to support groups that work to protect them such as the Sierra Club.

The mission of RTS is to:

1. Encourage the exploration, enjoyment and preservation of recreational waterways for non-motorized watercraft;

2. Protect the wilderness character of waterways through conservation of waters, forests, parks, wildlife and related resources;

3. Promote safety and proficiency in all aspects of canoeing and kayaking activities; and

4. Promote appreciation for the aesthetic and recreational values of wilderness paddling and whitewater sports.

 We do this by coordinating more than 25 paddling trips each year, mostly in Wisconsin; by offering paddling and safety clinics; by requiring basic safety precautions be taken on RTS trips; by including a teaching, conservation, nature appreciation and/or service component to our trips; and by facilitating communication among RTS members.

 A new annual trip list is typically begun at the RTS Annual Meeting in January, which is completed and uploaded to our website's trip page in February and then modified as needed throughout the year. Seasonal lists are also published in the Wisconsin Sierran, which is the newsletter of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Sierra Club. Trips and clinics are also added to the Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter's online event calendar. You may also obtain a trip list by contacting the current RTS Chair.

Click here or on the 'Trips' button at the top of the page for the most updated list of RTS trips and for a detailed explanation of participant requirements. A list of RTS instructional clinics can be found by clicking here or on the 'Clinics' button.

Check out our RTS member Group Facebook page for informal updates and a look at some past paddling adventures.

For any additional information or comments, please contact RTS Chair, Kevin Olson: 608-356-8992, olsonfam44@centurytel.net. 

This page last updated: 01-21-2022.