Have you or are you willing to do kayak or canoe in the Chicago River?

[jwaiter]

It;s not limited to the north and south branches, I've seen kayakers right through the heart, by Tribune Tower/Michigan Ave

[jwaiter]

FYI, if you want to go out on Lake Michigan, they rent kayaks at Montrose Beach, I've kayaked there before, it's fun if the lake is calm.

[OyCrumbler]

Is there a common circuit that's done for long kayaking trips in the city? The main one I'm thinking is one that goes through the Chicago River main branch, up through the north branch of the river, through the North Shore Channel out to Lake Michigan and then down the northern lakefront back to the main branch. Is something like this done in the city? It seems like it'd be an amazing workout and way to see a grand tour of a good deal of the city.

A much, much larger circuit through the south side with the calumet river and the south branch of the Chicago river seems also possible, but that seems too ridiculous. Then there's a possible path combining parts of both as a figure 8 of sorts. I wonder how tiring that'd be.

[sipes23]

Originally Posted by jwaiter

There's a place just south of North Ave and a block east of Elston where they rent kayaks for the river and I think go out in groups...

Home

I've rented from them in the past. They are great. You can even go out on your own. It's really not hard.

[Anne C M]

I live on the north branch of the River just south of where it forks by Goose Island. Regardless of how much it may have improved, the river is still absolutely disgusting. For what it's worth, my neighbors and I, people who have a front row seat to the river every day, all agree we would never kayak in the river. On very hot days or after a rain storm when literal sewage overflow is sent to the river, it really smells. If you must kayak the river, do it on a mild day after a dry spell. I hope used condoms don't gross you out

I have kayaked in the lake many times and have no issues with that, though.

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

A much, much larger circuit through the south side with the calumet river and the south branch of the Chicago river seems also possible, but that seems too ridiculous. Then there's a possible path combining parts of both as a figure 8 of sorts. I wonder how tiring that'd be.

It would be awfully ugly, that's for sure.

[Rebecca319]

My husband and I did it, using one of those kayaking companies you see advertised on Groupon. We had never kayaked before, but the instructors made it super easy. The group is given instructions before we get into the kayaks. There is a group guide who explains everything and points out all the sites along the river. I always felt taken care of and was never scared of anything. Remember to wear a hat though, as you'll be out there on the river for an hour or two.

[Gramercy]

Originally Posted by jwaiter

It;s not limited to the north and south branches, I've seen kayakers right through the heart, by Tribune Tower/Michigan Ave

I saw them in that spot and thought it'd be cool to kayak. It's something I definitely want to try.

[hotdogmaker]

Am I the only one who remembers the Dave Matthews Band bus incident? I would stay off that disgusting freeway of E Coli.