El Cardunal, a 5.9-mile kayak and canoe paddle event on June 22, saw 96 kayakers and canoeists launch at Cornish Park in Algonquin and finish at Bartels Park in East Dundee. Courtesy of Kane County — Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail

Trevor Kroll bought a McHenry County-based kayak and canoeing outfitter in early 2020, right before the COVID-19 lockdowns.

That summer was insanely busy, the Wonder Lake man said, as people discovered the sport as a way to get out of the house. They also discovered his business, Scull & Oars, which offers rental and group outings on the water in kayaks or canoes.

Kroll said the biggest challenge for most people is where they would store a kayak, so they’re able to rent one from him instead.

“They show up and go down in the water with a life jacket on,”

See Full Page