{"id":30343,"date":"2022-10-22T11:28:17","date_gmt":"2022-10-22T15:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yurasko.net\/wfy\/?p=30343"},"modified":"2022-10-22T11:28:17","modified_gmt":"2022-10-22T15:28:17","slug":"a-tourist-guide-to-chicago-kayak-rentals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yurasko.net\/wfy\/2022\/10\/a-tourist-guide-to-chicago-kayak-rentals\/","title":{"rendered":"A tourist guide to Chicago kayak rentals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHICAGO \u2014 <\/strong>When I learned I would be headed here for a mid-October conference, I investigated whether I could rent a kayak. I found several options though given the time of year, the weather would be a big factor, just as it is in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, the day I arrived, Sunday, October 16 the weather was just good enough for rental availability. I rented from two separate vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kayak Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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My first destination was Kayak Chicago<\/strong><\/a> on Goose Island. I rented a bicycle at Navy Pier and biked up. Kayak Chicago wasn’t busy on the overcast, windy day. I was welcomed warmly by staff and had the most thorough instruction from a kayak vendor to date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I paddled the North Chicago River around Goose Island in a clockwise direction. The skyline loomed in the distance with the Willis (nee Sears) Tower in the distance straight. The John Hancock building was off to my left. In the foreground, drawbridges, new big box development, old industry, a few docks and trees in their autumn glory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All told, it took me about 40 minutes to circumnavigate the island. I was told 45 to 60 minutes was more typical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kayak Chicago offers tours and covers more than just the Goose Island loop. If I get back again, I’d be inclined to head down to the confluence of the two branches of the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conditions are suitable for entry level kayakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n