Kayaking the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

Urban Kayaks offers self-guided kayak rentals and guided paddles on the Chicago River in Illinois, United States, from a dock on the Chicago Riverwalk near the Clark Street bridge in the Loop. The activity is flatwater kayaking between the downtown towers, passing under the city's bridges at water level. Difficulty is easy to moderate: basic fitness and the ability to swim are expected, and paddling skill is not required because staff give an introduction to strokes and steering. Minimum age and weight limits apply to the operator's kayaks, and minors normally paddle with an adult, so families should confirm the rules at urbankayaks.com. Kayak, paddle and life jacket are provided. Visitors should wear quick-dry clothing and closed shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof phone pouch. Rentals are typically one hour at about $25 USD, while guided tours last about two hours and cost from about $65 USD, covering roughly two to three miles of river. Urban Kayaks is a dedicated paddling operator, and its guides handle route choice around boat traffic. Before launch the staff give a safety briefing on life jacket use, signalling and staying clear of larger vessels and tour boats. The river's wakes can be choppy near busy sections, and guides or the dock staff can assist paddlers who need to return to the Riverwalk landing. The season runs approximately from early May to October 1, with the best window from May to September, when water and air temperatures are comfortable. Conditions to avoid are thunderstorms, high wind, lightning and the aftermath of heavy rain, when river conditions may be unsafe and the operator may close the dock. Early morning and weekday sessions have less boat traffic and calmer water, while evenings give attractive light on the skyline. Visitors paddle in the shadow of buildings such as the Merchandise Mart and Marina City, and many say the perspective of looking up at the towers is the highlight of the trip.