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Our Mission: 

  • To provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for sea kayakers of all abilities in the Chicago area
  • Free use of  Kayaks on all local Club Trips 
  • Free rescue clinics for Members held in the summer and pool sessions in the winter
  • Chicago Sea Kayaking Classes throughout the year thru our affiliate Chicago Kayak Inc.
  • Opportunities to participate in multi-day kayak trips to various locations
  • Organized volunteer projects benefiting conservation

Club T-shirts/Stickers

All Membership Questions:
Bob Steffen Membership Director
Membership@chicagokayak.org

Rsvp for club outings - www.chicagokayak.org

Member Application
Member Waiver

         How it works

Chicago Kayak Club Membership
Sign up online

Things you need to know once you have joined:
Your first trip and...
Locations, Directions, &Tips and...
Club Calendar and trip rating system

 
  • Free use of kayaks on all local Chicago kayaking outings
  • Access to our e-mail forum to communicate with other kayakers
  • Access to storage for your boat (fee based)
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • Discounts at other local and online retailers
     

Rules of the Road
  We don't have many rules, but here are a couple:

  • You must wear a life vest, fully secured, anytime you are out on the water.
     
  • You must have completed the full Intro to Kayaking 
     
  • If you are using one of the club boats on a local outing- there is never a charge - but you must rsvp with a minimum of 24 hours notice.
  • When arriving at an outing, you must be there a minimum of 30 minutes before the posted launch time.
     
  • If you are using your own boat - for Lake Michigan kayaking outings, you must have bulkheads and proper floatation.
     
  • You must be properly dressed during cold water paddling events - no cotton! Wetsuits or drysuits in early spring and fall. -

After you have signed up, read our Getting Started Group Paddling Info

Discounts for CKC Members
Gear and boats

Uncle Dan's 700 W. Church St. Evanston, IL  847.475.7100 www.uncledansonline.com
Get 10% off when you show your Chicago Kayak Club Membership Card. Higher discounts may be applied for larger big ticket items. This will be determined on an individual basis, just ask at the counter! Discount is at the store only, and not for online purchases.

Fluid Fun and Kayak in Bristol, IN - CKC members get 10% off when you show your card.  Fluid is situated along a river bank and has around 400 kayaks in stock, all of them available for a test run before you buy!  www.fluidfun.com

Outdoorplay.com 10% off all gear and merchandise - plus there is no sales tax - a real deal ( CKC has a special member code to enter on the web site when ordering) www.outdoorplay.com

 Great Lakes Kayak - Lake Bluff, IL
Erehwon- Three locations in the Chicago Area
 Geneva Kayak Center

Outfitters
Chicago River Canoe and Kayak  

Canoe and Kayak Rental - 10% off!  They rent boats at 3400 N. Rockwell in the city and at 3220 Oakton on the Evanston-Skokie border, and run occasional trips on the Skokie Lagoons and elsewhere.   Their website is www.chicagoriverpaddle.com, which lists their hours and prices.

What is not included in your membership fee?

  • Transportation to/from activities or trips
  • Park/Camping fees
  • Meals
  • Camping, hiking, and biking equipment
  • Personal items
  • Personal Gear

 

 

 Chicago Kayak Club outings are held in season (April-Oct) Out of season, not only do we keep kayaking (less frequent trips though), but we also snowshoe, cross country ski, or simply travel somewhere warm for kayaking. This year we are going to the Everglades!
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Kayaking in Chicago is a great way to quickly leave the city behind and take in the beautiful skyline.  Chicago Kayak paddles all year as long as the water is not frozen!  The Chicago Kayak Club gets out on local paddles between 1-3 times per week. We alternate between the city and the suburbs, and do week days, as well as kayaking on the weekends. There are tons of opportunities to kayak and improve your skills. 

As far as physically challenging, our activities range from easy or moderate to advanced. 
 

Trip planning and last minute changes will be posted to our Yahoogroups e-mail list.  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chicagokayak/

    
Memberships are non refundable and start the day you purchase them. 
Chicago Kayak Club Membership (12 months)  Member Dues: $100
 Sign up for membership
Sign up for class and a membership and save $40 on the Member Dues!


After you have signed up, read our Getting Started Group Paddling Info