Kayak Chicago

Kayak Chicago is Chicago’s premier full service Watersports outfitter, offering the highest quality instruction and trips, with our fully certified instructors and guides. We pride ourselves in giving you the best customer service, instruction and on-water experience. We love kayaking and want to share the fun and knowledge with you. Let us teach you the skills and techniques so you can get out and explore life from the water.  

In 1999, after studying outdoor education at Northland College, owner Dave Olson found himself back in Chicago after a bike trip across Europe ended in illness. With the vision of guiding trips around the world, Chicago looked to be the perfect venue to share the outdoors and his love of paddling in an urban environment. Dave began teaching classes on Lake Michigan and helping organize the Wild Onion Urban Adventure race.  

Training adventure racers was exciting, but decided to open up the world of paddling to not only athletes, but to people of all abilities. Dave began working with Chicago area rehabilitation hospitals to help people with physical disabilities get a chance to try kayaking.