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 Kayaks 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!
SUMMER SCHEDULE & PRICING: Registration open for 2023 Season
SESSION 1
- A: June 12-16 = $650
- B: June 19-23 = $650
- C: June 26-30 = $650
- D: July 3-7 (4 day) = $520
- E: July 10-14 = $650
- F: July 17-21 = $650
SESSION 2
- G: July 24-28 = $650
- H: July 31-4 = $650
- I: Aug 7-11 = $650
- J: Aug 14-18 = $650
- K: Aug 21-25 = $650
- L: Aug 28-1 = $650
AGE GROUPS
- Explorers (Ages 9-12)
- Explorers will have the opportunity to learn about kayaking and paddle boarding in the safe, calm waters of Monroe Harbor, all while enjoying new activities and camp favorites! On water group activities will give explorers the chance to challenge themselves and make lasting friendships. Groups are kept small to ensure individualized attention. All explorers must know how to swim.
- Adventurers (Ages 13-16)
- Adventurers will have the opportunity to learn about leadership and teamwork while embarking on longer kayak and paddle board trips. Adventurers will learn safety and rescue techniques and hone their paddling skills. Groups are kept small to ensure individualized attention. All adventurers must know how to swim.
DETAILS
Age Range: 9-16
Requirements: All students must know how to swim.
Class Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m – 3:30 p.m.
Launch Site: Class will be held at our Lakefront location at Monroe Harbor.
How to Dress: Wear a swimsuit and bring a change of clothes and towel. Athletic waterproof sandals and a hat are also a good idea. If your child wears glasses, please consider a set of croakies so they don’t sink!
Lunch: All children need to bring their own non-perishable lunches, drinks, and snacks. unless they play to purchase lunch from the nearby hotdog stand.
Swimming: Our gifted instructors will ensure students enter the water at an appropriate pace and skill level. We are committed to ensuring a safe and fun experience for every student. Note: All students must be able to swim on their own.
Health & Safety: Before your child may attend class, you will be asked to complete a electronic medical form for your child. Please be certain it contains all the information needed to properly care for your child. Feel free to contact the Urban Kayaks Office prior to registration to discuss any health concerns.
COVID-19 Guidelines:
- Staff and students will NOT be required to wear face masks.
- Extra hand sanatizing stations available for staff and campers
CLASS REGISTRATION
- Registration: Once the embedded registration form to the right is completed, a staff member will be in contact to request a non-refundable deposit of 25% per child with each registration.
- We offer a 10% discount for siblings registered together.
- Registration: Once the registration form below is completed, a staff member will be in contact to request a non-refundable deposit of 25% per child with each registration.
- In the event that we have to cancel class due to COVID-19, we will issue a full refund.
CONTACT US
- Urban Kayaks / 435 E. Chicago Riverwalk / Chicago, IL 60601
- 312.965.0035 / [email protected]
CONTACT US
- Urban Kayaks / 435 E. Chicago Riverwalk / Chicago, IL 60601
- 312.965.0035 / [email protected]
Owner of Urban Kayaks, Aaron is an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructor and has spent the last 15 summers paddling the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. During the winter months, Aaron and brother Asher can be found on the slopes of Colorado teaching children’s ski school and coaching in children’s basketball leagues. When Aaron is not kayaking he is playing fetch with his Chocolate Lab Joni.
Owner at Urban Kayaks, Asher is an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructor and is one of the most experienced and qualified instructors and guides on the Chicago River. Asher has spent many winters and summers coaching children’s skiing and athletics. In his off time, you can find Asher caring for Oliver, his prized Cavapoo.