SUP Yoga at Montrose Harbor: Chicago Paddleboard Yoga with Mary Lou Cerami

At Montrose Harbor on Chicago’s lakefront, Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga offers a calm, focused way to meet Lake Michigan’s surface and the city skyline. Located at 200 W Montrose Harbor Dr, Chicago, IL, this 90-minute class blends beginner-friendly paddling instruction with guided yoga sequences led by RYT and ACA-certified instructor Mary Lou Cerami. The session welcomes all levels; boards act as wide, buoyant yoga mats where balance becomes part of the practice.

On a calm morning the harbor’s protected basin feels like a small inland sea. Key features include the marina breakwall, the sweep of open water, limestone riprap and marina pilings that frame practice zones. Nearby Montrose Beach and the Montrose Bird Sanctuary bring grasses and migratory birds, and you may spot ring-billed gulls, terns, and herons.

Mary Lou Cerami brings structured teaching and technical expertise—she is both an RYT and an ACA Level 2 SUP instructor who runs classes and instructor training through www.epicyogaflow.com. Her method emphasizes breath, core engagement, and gradual progressions from kneeling to standing, so students build strength and confidence safely. Group size and meeting point can vary; check the booking link for details.

Why choose SUP Yoga here? The harbor’s sheltered waters make it a forgiving classroom compared with open-lake sessions, and practicing on water beneath Chicago’s skyline is a distinct urban outdoors experience. It’s a low-impact, full-body workout that improves balance, mobility, and mental focus—ideal for visitors who want fitness with memorable waterfront time.

Arrive 15–20 minutes early to be briefed on board setup and paddling strokes; instructors demonstrate mount techniques and simple fall-recovery so you stay comfortable. The practice emphasizes breath-synced movement—expect standing sun salutations adapted for a moving surface, core-strengthening balances, and restorative stretches while floating. Beginners can work from kneeling or seated postures until they feel steady; advanced paddlers can explore flowing sequences and longer holds.

After class, many paddlers linger on the dock to watch the city light shift over the lake or walk the shoreline at Montrose Beach. The experience pairs well with a casual bike ride along the lakefront path or a visit to the Montrose Bird Sanctuary for migration viewing. Bring quick-drying layers, a water bottle, sun protection, and a willingness to fall into the lake—everyone tips over at least once, and instructors make it part of the class. Classes run seasonally and are best on calm, wind-light mornings; cancellations occur when conditions aren’t safe. Book through the supplied referral link to confirm space and timing.

Mary Lou Cerami’s ACA training and yoga certification make this class a standout on Chicago’s lakefront, combining safety and skill development with approachable challenges. It’s an excellent way to try urban paddle practice and return to shore stronger and calmer.