SUP Chicago: How to Paddle the Chicago River
Imagine paddle boarding through an urban canyon with world-famous, unique architecture acting as the walls of the canyon while paddling under historic, moveable bridges. Sounds like a dream, right? Paddling the Chicago River is just that - a dream. If you time your trip just right, it feels like the city is on display just for you! In fact, it’s number one on my top five places to paddle in Chicago!
I've lived in Chicago for 12 years and just when I thought the city couldn't get any better, the Chicago Riverwalk was developed. The Chicago Riverwalk is located on the south side of the river from Lake Michigan to the Lake Street Bridge. You can find food, drinks, gelato, kayak rentals, river cruises and more along this stretch of the riverwalk. You can also use this space to launch your paddle board.
Keys to paddling the Chicago River:
View of Navy Pier from the Ogden Slip
Launch Spot - I don't advocate swimming in the Chicago River, so it's important to find a launch area where the water is high enough to easily launch and pull your iSUP/SUP board out of the water. Here are a couple options for launching your board into the river:
Ogden Slip: The Ogden Slip is located in Streeterville just south of Illinois Street on N McClurg Court. Due to the popularity of the Riverwalk, this is my preferred launch location. The Ogden Slip is located just south of a Target and down steps to a easy launch platform. Paddle east towards Navy Pier and around to the Lake Shore Drive bridge where you will begin paddling west on the river.
Clark Street Bridge: This location is on the Riverwalk. Just under the west side of the Clark Street bridge, you will find concrete stairs leading into the water that provide easy access to the river.
Bring a Dry Bag - I pack my paddle board, iSUP pump and anything non-valuable inside my iSUP backpack and strap it to my paddle board. The dry bag is essential to pack anything of value and secure to your board, as well.
Start Early - The best time to paddle the river in the summer is early in the morning - before the boats are humming along the river and the tourists invade the riverwalk. I recommend starting by 8:00 am, at the latest.
Be Aware - Even if you start early, you might encounter a boat or two. Be aware of boat traffic and make yourself visible.
Life Preserver - This should be a no brainer, but bring a lifejacket, and use your leash.
Looking towards the Lake Street Bridge and the South Branch of the river
Paddling towards the Lake Shore Drive Bridge to start my journey west on the Chicago River
If launching from the Riverwalk, paddle east to the Lakeshore Drive Bridge, then back west to the split and choose to paddle the North or South Branch. If you want a long paddle, you can go all the way to Chinatown by way of the South Branch and to Goose Island by way of the North Branch. Each way from the east end of the river is about 4 Miles one way.
If you decide to paddle the Chicago River, you won’t regret it. Enjoy the architecture and don’t forget to bring a camera - you’ll want one, trust me. Remember to start early to get the best experience. Check out my feature in the community section of Red Paddle Co for more details about paddling the Chicago River, recommended inflatable paddle boards and places to stay and eat in the area. Enjoy paddling through the heart of my city!