Kayaking Fundamentals II
10am - 4pm
Gillson Beach or Skokie Lagoons
$120
Take your paddling to the next level. This kayaking class focuses on intermediate and advanced techniques like rescue, self-rescue and paddling effectively in conditions. Certified kayak guides lead this full day course on one of Chicago’s local waterways. This course is sure to make you a more effective, thoughtful and confident kayaker.
Schedule: Fundamentals II courses will run for 6 hours. We will meet 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the program at the southernmost part of Wilmette beach at Gillson Park in Wilmette (primary location) or the Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka (back-up location) depending upon the weather conditions and the temperament of Lake Michigan. We ask participants to meet 15 minutes early to allow us to properly outfit you and ensure that you’re prepared. Our instructors begin the program promptly at the scheduled start to the program. We cover a lot of material and important safety information right at the beginning of the clinic! If you are not there at the scheduled start time, you will be considered a no-show.
Parking: Parking is available on Michigan Avenue or on Middle Drive just off Sheridan Road at the park entrance. The Wilmette Police will ticket any cars parked right along the beach on Overlook Drive if they don’t have Wilmette stickers. Make sure to check your parking location! Upon arrival, walk down the main drive east into the park, continue heading straight for the Lake and look for the NWP kayaks and personnel at the end of the drive. You can also check with the park officials who will meet you just inside the main entrance to the park. Please call if you need additional information.
Location: If conditions on Lake Michigan are too rough for paddling, we will move the clinic to the Skokie Lagoon. Sometimes conditions inland are far different from conditions on the water. Please call our location hotline at 847-920-4409 on the morning of your course after 9:00 AM to confirm its location.
Keith, thanks a bunch. It was a great day, and I learned a ton. I think the biggest impact we gaining a level of comfort in more turbulent waters outside my comfort level. What seemed intimidating to me on my paddle over to the lesson became almost a source of relaxation by the end of the day. That is maybe a slight exaggeration, as I still have high respect for Lake Michigan and need to learn to self rescue, but I look forward to getting better with practice and having the confidence to move forward. Thanks also for the follow up resources... Chris, Wilmette, IL
Discover the beauty of Skokie Lagoons, a nature preserve, located in Glencoe and Winnetka, Illinois. There are seven inter-connected lagoons totaling 190 acres. The water flow in the lagoons is controlled by the main control dam.
History Trivia: The site of Skokie Lagoons was previously a marsh.
