Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Editor
Welcome to Chicago, Illinois – where the vibrancy of city life meets the tranquility of Lake Michigan, creating a paddleboarder’s paradise. As the Windy City, Chicago promises a unique SUP experience with its dynamic waters and skyline backdrop. Stay tuned as we guide you through the ins and outs of paddleboarding in this bustling metropolis, showcasing why Chicago should be on every SUP enthusiast’s bucket list.
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Chicago River
Paddleboarding on the Chicago River offers a unique urban SUP experience like no other. As you glide down the river, you’re surrounded by the city’s impressive architecture, with skyscrapers towering over you, creating a stunning contrast with the serene waterway. The river’s calm currents make it accessible for paddleboarders of all skill levels.
Naperville
Apart from the visual feast, the Chicago River also provides a bustling aquatic pathway that takes you through the heart of the city, revealing a side of Chicago that can’t be seen from the streets. Be prepared for the occasional thrill as the river traffic adds a fun challenge, making paddleboarding on the Chicago River an exciting blend of tranquility and adventure.
Naperville, a charming suburb of Chicago, offers a delightful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle for paddleboarding enthusiasts. Here, the DuPage River flows gently through the heart of downtown, providing a serene setting for SUP adventures. As you glide along the tranquil waters, you’re greeted by beautiful riverside parks, quaint boutiques, and historic buildings, making the experience visually appealing and relaxing.
Paddleboarding in Naperville is not just about the sport; it’s about immersing yourself in the community’s peaceful ambiance and scenic beauty. With its easy accessibility and friendly atmosphere, Naperville is an ideal spot for both seasoned paddleboarders and beginners looking to enjoy SUP in a picturesque, suburban setting.
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 allows locals and tourists alike to practice their Paddle Boarding skills. Many different companies are 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 fun 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.
Many local companies are 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.
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.
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.
