All experience levels welcome • 4 Hours
Spend half a day learning sea kayaking skills on Lake Michigan at Montrose Harbor. This four-hour beginner course teaches strokes, wet exits, and rescues with certified instructors and quick confidence-building drills.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 Hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; must be able to sit and paddle for up to four hours with short breaks
Wildlife
History
Montrose Harbor sits along Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline and provides a protected entry point to open water used by local paddlers and boaters.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid disturbing shoreline bird habitat, and use designated launch areas to reduce erosion and habitat impact.
All experience levels welcome • 4 Hours
Arrive early for gear fitting
Get to the meeting point at least 20 minutes early so instructors can fit life jackets and explain safety before hitting the water.
Dress in layers and expect spray
Wear quick-dry layers and a windproof outer layer; temperatures on the lake feel cooler than onshore.
Practice wet exits calmly
Treat the wet-exit drill seriously—practicing calmly makes real-world capsizes less alarming.
Watch the wind direction
Wind can create chop quickly on Lake Michigan; follow instructor guidance and stay toward the harbor side when conditions pick up.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
A properly fitted PFD keeps you safe and is required for all on-water time.
Quick-dry clothing
Synthetic layers dry quickly and keep you comfortable if you get splashed.
summer
Closed-toe water shoes
Protect feet while entering and exiting on rocky or sandy shorelines.
Sunscreen and hat
Sun reflects off the water—bring high-SPF sunscreen and a secure hat.
summer