What do you wear to the urban kayak?
Wear athletic clothing, preferably no jeans or cotton pants. Water-resistant clothing/quick-drying materials are suggested. We have a customer changing room on-site for your convenience. Protect your skin and wear sunscreen. Avoid cotton in all layers, because it absorbs water and stays wet; seek quick-drying fabrics instead. For any clothing layer that touches your skin, go with wicking, quick-drying nylon or polyester (or another synthetic fabric).
Can I wear jeans while kayaking?
Anyone going in the kayaks and onto the water should wear clothes that can get wet. Not jeans! Though they will be allowed to kayak, they will be uncomfortable if they get soaked. Short and tops made from a synthetic blend are best. Kayakers should wear close-toed water shoes or old tennis shoes that can get wet! Please no flip-flops or sandals. It is a safety issue.
When should you not kayak?
Wind can create choppy conditions on lakes, making paddling difficult and increasing the risk of capsizing. Lightning is especially dangerous on open water, as kayaks and paddles can act as conductors. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, and be prepared to return to shore if conditions worsen. Avoid kayaking in extreme conditions such as strong winds, thunderstorms, or dense fog. If the weather changes while you’re on the water, return to shore immediately.You can typically kayak for 1 to 2 hours in a session on a lake, which will allow you to cover a distance of 2 to 4 miles, depending on your speed and stamina.
Do you need a permit to kayak in Illinois?
In Illinois, you must have an Illinois Certificate of Number (registration), expiration decals, and Certificate of Title to operate a vessel legally on public waters. Exceptions to the requirement to register recreational vessels include: Unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Illinois law requires the following with respect to PFDs. All vessels must have at least one USCG–approved wearable PFD for each person on board or being towed. All vessels 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks, also must carry one USCG–approved throwable device.
Is it safe to kayak on the Chicago River?
All paddlers should wear a personal flotation device, more commonly known as a lifejacket. Keep your craft under control at all times. Be a responsible paddler. Stay as close to shore as safely possible and do not paddle down the center of the channel, especially in high-traffic areas. There, an unfortunate number of them capsize or fall in—and drown. Cold-water immersion is the leading cause of death in paddlesports, yet thousands of paddlers are unaware of the danger.