Kayak and Coffee

Source: www.weather-forecasts.com

Duration:	3 hours, 9am - 12pm
Skill Rating:	1
Van Supported:	Yes
From:	Gillson Beach or Skokie Lagoons
Price:	$ 65
Included: All sea kayak equipment and instruction.
Not Included: Transportation or personal clothing and equipment. Cancellation policy applies.

Forget the morning blues on our popular Kayak and Coffee outings. Combine a tranquil guided kayak tour on a local waterway with robust coffee and tasty treats from Wilmette’s own Link’s Sweet Bean. You’ll be more than ready to take on the day after fun kayaking adventure chased with some steamy java. And better yet, after paddling your kayak through beautiful seascapes you’ll have more than earned a pastry or two to pair with that delicious coffee!

Upon arrival (arrive 10 minutes prior to start), we will ask everyone to check-in with one of the instructors. Once you have checked in and all your paperwork is accounted for, you will begin your lesson. If you have personal belonging that you do not want to get wet you should either leave them in your car, seal them in a dry bag, or check with the instructor to see if there is another alternative. We will brief you on where to go and what to take with you. Once you check-in you will move on to the outfit station where we will fit you with a PFD (personal flotation device), spray-skirt and a paddle. From there you will move on to an instructor who will give your group a brief shore lesson on equipment, outfit, safety, techniques and program goals. Finally, you will be fitted in a kayak and move on to the water section of the course.

We will spend most of our time paddling along the lakefront (or around islands at the Skokie Lagoons), admiring the scenery and enjoying the tranquility of sea kayaking. These programs are designed to be recreational, not speed races but a relaxing paddle in a beautiful spot. We typically get participants at all levels of kayaking abilities from total beginners to experienced paddlers just looking for more time on the water.

Schedule: The program will run from 9 a.m. to approximately 12 p.m. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, so we can have everyone outfitted and ready to start promptly. If you are not there by the scheduled launch time, you will be considered a no-show. We will meet at the southernmost end of Gillson Park in Wilmette. A map is enclosed. Parking is available on Michigan Avenue or Middle Drive just off Sheridan Road at the park entrance. Check with the park officials who will meet you just inside the main entrance to the park. Upon arrival, look for the NWP kayaks and personnel. Please call if you need additional information. If conditions on Lake Michigan are too rough for paddling (wind and wave conditions), we will move to our alternate location of the Skokie Lagoons (also shown on enclosed map). Please call our office (847-256-4409 or 800-RECREATE 732-7328) anytime after 8:15 a.m. to confirm the location of the program. We will paddle from 9-11 a.m. and then head to Links. We will then spend the next hour or so there relaxing with some delicious coffee, tea and goodies.