So you’ve always wanted to kayak, swim, jet-ski, surf, or sail. Chicago water sports are for the aquatically adept as well as those who wouldn’t know a paddle from a poodle—plenty of options let you sit back, sip a cocktail, and let someone else do all the work.
Wateriders In addition to kayak rentals, Wateriders offers tours, including a Fireworks Paddle at Navy Pier and a Shady Chicago Tour, in search of the city’s “ghosts and gangsters.” 950 N. Kingsbury, 312-953-9287, wateriders.com.
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Fairwind Sail Charters The options on offer here extend up to the “Summer of Sail Package”—private instruction for two people that includes a summer lease share on one of Fairwind’s yachts. Classes and rentals are also available. Burnham Park Harbor, 708-442-2670, fairwindsail.com
Surfing and Jet Skiing
Chicago Blue Dolphins Lessons, clinics, and a swim team, open to swimmers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. 2220 N. Elston, with swim team practice locations at Moody Bible Institute and UIC, 773-342-7250, chicagobluedolphins.com.
YMCA Aquatics Programs offered at various city Ys include swim lessons for kids and adults, water exercise classes, and competitive swim teams. See ymcachgo.org for details and locations.
