Last summer, temperatures were hardly hot enough to encourage lying around on the beach, let alone jumping in the water. But that’ll all be different this time around. Right? Herewith an optimistic list of things to do in, on, or near (yes, there is a remote control option) Chicago’s bodies of water. —Sam Worley
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 rental are also available. Burnham Park Harbor, 708-442-2670, fairwindsail.com.
Chicago Radio Controlled Sailing Club This sailing club uses 39-inch boats—raced by remote control. Members meet in Humboldt Park Mondays at 5:30 PM during the summer, and sometimes elsewhere on other days. There’s a “club boat” available to use if you don’t have your own. 773-988-5436, chicagorcsailing.org.
Diving and Swimming
Northwestern University As part of its adult swim program, the college offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes for ages 13 and up. Sunday session classes start 6/13, Wednesday classes 6/23. Norris Aquatics Center, 2311 Campus Dr., Evanston, 847-491-4300, www.fitrec.northwestern.edu.
