Where to Take Kayaking Lessons in Chicago

Chicago has so much beautiful water. The Chicago River, Lake Michigan and kayaking is a great way to go out and explore right in your own city. Lessons are necessary. Kayaking may look easy, and it is when you have had the right lessons, but it takes a special knowledge to do it right. Take a look at these schools in Chicago that have kayaking lessons, Each one is a bit different, with a different approach. One even had a special children's program. Contact them and go take a look at what they have to offer. Find the one that has the right classes and schedule for you and most importantly, the people you feel most confident in, the ones you know will be able to teach you your new passion.

Chicago Kayak has sea kayaking lessons for ages 9 and up. Beginner courses at the Skokie Lagoons, a wildlife refuges just 20 minutes north of Chicago and a beautiful place to learn. You can go kayaking and explore the refuge at the same time. More advanced courses are taught on Lake Michigan. The beginning kayaking lessons include Introduction to Sea Kayaking. It is four hours long and gives you all the information needed to start kayaking. After this one, you take the Mini, which is held on Sunday evenings. Here you get to practice paddling almost exclusively. The Intermediate Kayaking Lessons consist of two four hour classes. And two additional four hour classes, Advanced Rescues/Techniques and Cold Water Paddling. They also have women's only kayaking lessons and for the kids, with separate levels just like in the adult classes. You can contact them at 847.425.9925

Kayak Chicago has a nice., warm indoor pool to get your first lesson in. Not a bad idea. Look at the schedule It gives you a chance to get your first lesson or two in while it is still too cold to go on the river. Pool classes are every wed. from 7-9:30 at the U.I.C. pool in Chicago(Nov.- May) and every sun. from 3-5 and 5:30-7:30 at the I.B.C. pool in Lisle.(Nov.-March). After you have gotten your feet wet, so to speak, and you are ready to hit the water, start with the Intro to Sea Kayaking. You need to take at least this course to be eligible for the special trips. Then the Intermediate and Advanced lessons. When you reach this point, you are ready for the specialized lessons. Advanced Race Training, Kayak Surfing and Eskimo Roll. You can also take private and semi private lessons. If you can get a group together, you could arrange for your own semi private group lessons.