KAYAK CLASS

Urban Kayak’s youth “Kayak Class” is a learn-to-paddle kayak and paddle board program for kids and teens ages 9-16 designed to help children get comfortable on the water. Children will have the opportunity to learn about kayaking and paddleboarding in the safe, calm waters of our Lakefront location at Monroe Harbor, all while enjoying new activities and favorite lessons! Our mission at Urban Kayaks is to provide a customized class for middle schoolers that teaches kayaking fundamentals in a fun and safe learning environment. We aspire to inspire confidence and capability in young people through experiences for friends and families to recreate together.

The Urban Kayaks youth kayaking and paddleboarding class has been a staple of the Chicago lakefront for 5 years. Our class is uniquely designed and led by Chicago educators with 20+ combined years of experience in education. All instructors are CPR & First Aid certified with AED training and an on-site AED. Each week is tailored to reflect student interests and take advantage of the best our wonderful city has to offer. In addition to kayaking and paddle boarding instruction, we offer a diverse selection of activities that give students the chance to learn something new, have fun, challenge themselves, and build life-long friendships. Some favorite class activities include kickball, volleyball, capture the flag, bracelet making, puff paint decorating, water balloon fights, tie dye parties, millennium park adventures and free swim in our protected harbor.

Over the course of the week, your child will receive personalized attention from our experienced instructors. Your child’s confidence and ability will grow as they learn and embrace new challenges! Each week, students get the chance to put their new skills into practice when they tour the famous Chicago River. At the end of the week, students will also have the opportunity to participate in a student kayak race to and from the Adler Planetarium. 

“Urban Kayak is a fabulous summer camp option for kids. Safety is the top priority. The kids are outside all day learning new skills on the kayaks and paddle boards. My daughter went every summer and loved it so much that now she works there!”

• Lisa B., member, summer class mom 2019-2021

“We loved our Urban Kayaks summer class.  Our son could not wait to get up and go in the morning! It was a super fun wholesome experience. The best part was our son was able to meet some new kids while gaining skills as a kayaker and having fun on the lakefront.”

• Dawn L., summer class mom 2020-2022

“The camp was one of the highlights of my summer last year, I had a great time both on the water and land. I absolutely would recommend it.”

• Alex Z., summer class student 2020-2022

Several of our students have enjoyed their time at summer class so much that they have gone on to become employees at Urban Kayaks and now contribute to the vibrant and enthusiastic culture we have built. We hope you can join us this summer to adventure with us. Now… let’s go kayaking!