SUP Salutation!
| From: |
Gillson Beach, Wilmette, IL |
| Price: | $
70 |
| Duration: |
2 Hours. Select any of the dates below for times. |
Or book a Custom Trip | |
Duration: |
2 Hours. Select any of the dates below for times. |
|---|---|
Activities: |
Yoga Stand Up Paddle Boarding |
Skill Rating: |
1 |
From: |
Gillson Beach, Wilmette, IL |
Price: |
$
70 |
|
Included:
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Equipment and instruction. | |
|
Not Included:
Transportation or personal clothing and equipment. Cancellation policy applies.
| |
This 2 hour program is a yoga session led by a certified yoga instructor, coupled with Stand Up Paddle Board lesson and session on the water. Join us and find your true balance while doing yoga on the clam waters of Lake Michigan. This program will challenge beginners and experts alike. Come join us and start your morning off right!
Itinerary:
Schedule: The lesson will run for two hours. We will meet 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the lesson at the southernmost part of Wilmette beach at Gillson Park in Wilmette (primary location) or the Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka (back-up location) depending upon the weather conditions and the temperament of Lake Michigan.. We ask participants to meet 15 minutes early to allow us to properly outfit you and ensure that you’re prepared. Our instructors begin the program promptly at the scheduled start to the program. We cover a lot of material and important safety information right at the beginning of the clinic! If you are not there at the scheduled start time, you will be considered a no-show.
Parking: Parking is available on Michigan Avenue or on Middle Drive just off Sheridan Road at the park entrance. The Wilmette Police will ticket any cars parked right along the beach on Overlook Drive if they don’t have Wilmette stickers. Make sure to check your parking location! Upon arrival, walk down the main drive east into the park, continue heading straight for the Lake and look for the NWP kayaks and personnel at the end of the drive. You can also check with the park officials who will meet you just inside the main entrance to the park. Please call if you need additional information.
Location: All Stand Up Paddle Board programs will be held on the beach at the south end of Gillson Park in Wilmette. However, if conditions on Lake Michigan are too rough for paddling (wind and wave conditions), we will cancel the program and allow you to reschedule for a future date.
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Swimsuit or shorts and T-shirt
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Water
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Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, raingear
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Croakies or something else to tie glasses on with
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Shoes- Water booties are ideal and sport sandals can also work. Flip-flop sandals are not useful as they will come off in open water. Shoes with laces are not appropriate.
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Extra warm layers- remember that cotton will not keep you warm if it is wet (it will actually make you colder), so bring some extra layers that are made out of a synthetic material (such as fleece, Coolmax®, polypropylene, etc.) Come prepared for warm, cold and/or wet weather; we will be paddling rain or shine!
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Dry clothes to change into after
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If you have a wetsuit, paddling jacket or booties, bring them along. We will have wetsuits available for rent for $5 per session. Please contact our office in advance if interested in renting. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to provide adequate time to change into the wetsuit.
We will provide all other necessary paddling equipment.
What is special about this trip?
It’s an adventure, a workout and a relaxing way to spend the morning on the water!
How do I get there?
We paddle out of Gillson Beach in Wilmette. Upon registration we will send you a map and detailed driving directions.
How and where will you meet me?
We will meet you at the predetermined launch site, which is by the break wall on the southern end of Gillson Beach.
What money should I take?
None. You will have settled your balance prior to the outing.
How much should I tip my guides?
Tipping is strongly encouraged. Within the adventure travel industry "tipping" is a standard practice. The amount of "tip" depends on numerous factors and should start at 10% of your fees.
What's the weather like?
Plan for Chicago summer air temps, and water temps between 60 and 70 and even 80 degrees. In the event of inclement weather or lake conditions your Northwest Passage guide and office team will alert you prior to the program at which point you will have a chance to reschedule. We will e-mail and/or call the contact information provided.
What do I need to bring?
Swimsuit or shorts and T-shirt, towel, water bottle filled with water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, raingear, and one pairs of shoes (which may get wet). It is the Northwest Passage’s policy to wear footwear while on shore. Remember that cotton will not keep you warm if it is wet (it will actually make you colder), so bring some extra layers that are made out of a synthetic material such as fleece, Coolmax®, polypropylene, etc. In cool weather, a nylon jacket, pants, and synthetic long underwear can all be helpful. Come prepared for warm, cold and/or wet weather; we will be paddle boarding rain or shine! If you wear glasses, be sure to have something with you to tie them on, such as Croakies. Bring along a jacket or warm sweater and a change of clothes for afterward.
How can people reach me in an emergency? Can I call home?
The guides will carry cell phones and a marine radio.
What kind of equipment do you use?
We use high quality epoxy-sandwich (EPS core) construction boards and blast molded plastic boards. Personal Floatiaon Devices, and paddle board leashes are worn during the programs.
How many people are on this trip? How many guides? Who are the guides / what are their qualifications?
Our guides are experienced outdoor professionals and paddleboarders who hold certifications in Wilderness First Aid. Some of our guides even contributed to the American Canoe Association’s SUP Instructor Certification criteria. Our certified yoga instructor teaches classes locally and internationally. Programs are capped at 16 participants.
How can I prepare physically for the trip? How much prior experience is needed?
No prior experience or conditioning is necessary. Yoga positions can be accomodating for beginners and experts alike.
We had a great time, Keith! Kristen is an excellent teacher. Her instruction was wonderful and she was very responsible and helpful. Besides, I love her warm sense of humor.Thanks,
- Amy, Wilmette, IL Summer 2012
Check out the Latest News on the popular sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Summer 2012