Chicago is the capital City of the US State Illinois and is known around by many people as the world as the windy city. With many famous landmarks such as the iconic Navy Pier which was built over 100 years ago as well as some amazing museums dotted surround the city you can see why Chicago has a busy tourism industry. The hometown of many famous faces such as Harrison Ford (better known as Indiana Jones or Han Solo), former WWE Superstar CM Punk and many more; there is no denying the windy city had blown man of its people into the public eye and is proud to admit it!
Paddleboard shops in Chicago
• Windward Board shop– This amazing board shop offers many different exciting experiences around Chicago. If you don’t have your own paddleboard don’t worry as Windward offer SUP rental for $20-$25 an hour or $80 for a full day! If you do have your own board but don’t want the hassle of transporting it every time you go to paddle Windward also offer storage, it costs $300 dollars to store your Sup from May through to October. They also offer Private and group SUP Yoga lessons at a competitive rate. Check out their website in the link below! https://www.windwardboardshop.com/learn/chicago-paddleboard-rentals/#31st/
• Chicago SUP– This is the oldest Paddleboard company in Chicago, which also makes them the most experienced. They offer a wide range of services from your usual SUP lessons to expeditions exploring some of the different beautiful places around Chicago. They also have their very own board shop where you can buy or rent boards should you need one! They have also come up with the amazing idea of community paddles. Not only does this mean you can meet new people in your local area; but it is also a fantastic opportunity to bring the SUP family closer together and make new friends! You could also buy a board from Chicago SUP, they usually have great offers on second-hand SUP’s!
• Chicago Paddle Company– Another cool company which offers a wide variety of different devices. From lessons for begins through to social paddling groups. You can feel safe in the hand of CPco no matter how experienced you are on the water! They also offer board rental and group fitness classes should you want to bring along your friends for the fun water workout. Don’t forget to take a bottle of water on whichever SUP experience you go for as you will use a lot of energy and without enough liquid will easily become dehydrated.
If you do not want to rent a SUP in Chicago, try our inflatable paddle board reviews to find the SUP that suits you.
Best places to SUP in and around Chicago
Lake Michigan– If you live in around the Chicago area you will have more than definitely noticed one of the Five great lakes of North America. With an estimated 6 Quadrillion gallons of water, and you can see why! This beautiful lake also offers the opportunity for locals and tourists alike to practice their Paddle Boarding skills. There are many different companies offering Paddle Board rental, Fitness, group classes and much more along the lake. From the lake, you will get a unique view of the Chicago skyline while having a fun time on the water. It’s obvious there lake has more than enough space for you and your friends so make sure you utilize the free space! Group Paddleboarding can be an amazing way to have fun while burning calories. Maybe there is someone in the family who needs to do a bit more exercise but doesn’t like going to the Gym? SUP could be perfect for them.
Montrose Beach– This is the ideal spot for a fun-filled family day out. The biggest beach in Chicago could be a good playground for the kids while you go out and improve your Paddle Boarding skills! If not everybody in the family loves paddleboarding you could send them on a pedal bike tour of the local area, leave them bathing on the beach or let them grab a drink at the bar.There are many local companies offering Paddleboard rentals should you need one and most also offer lessons if you aren’t the most experienced paddler. Just being on a paddleboard takes a lot of skill, balance, and energy but if you want to take it to the next level why not try SUP Yoga? This will help you relax on the water whilst using different muscles and improve you balance at the same time.
North Avenue Beach– Another beautiful beach which is the ideal spot for the whole family to have fun. Not too far from the center of Chicago and easily locatable this is a great spot for Tourists. In Summer this beach is bustling with volleyballs, sunbeds, and dog walkers taking in the lovely views and going for a refreshing swim in one of Americas biggest Freshwater Lakes. This destination is also where Chicago SUP(link below) offer their community paddles. So if you are from the local area and are looking to meet some more Paddle Board enthusiasts then this a great opportunity.
Conclusion
Chicago is an awesome city with some beautiful beaches, building and SUP spots! There is no denying that Lake Michigan is an ideal place for any type of Paddleboarding, with unlimited space and clean waters you couldn’t wish for much more to be on your doorstep. We hope this article has helped you find some SUPing spots near you and somewhere you can rent/buy a board should you need one. Remember that everyone had to have their first paddle at some point and with professional instructors now around every corner it is hard to turn down an opportunity at trying the world’s fastest growing sport! Also if it’s a hot day remember to pack the Sun Cream and plenty of Food&water.
