Rainy days are good for the soul, sure. But when a damp, gray day suddenly turns into a perfect blue-sky afternoon, what’s the fastest way for a Chicagoan to launch an outdoor adventure?
Rent a kayak.
Gifted recently with a few hours of unexpected sunshine on a hot Sunday afternoon, I grabbed a bottle of water and headed for Rockwell Park, a hidden-away patch along the river near Belmont Avenue and the home of Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Within five minutes–after agreeing to the $15 an hour fee (about two hours will get you a pleasant workout along the North Branch) and signing a waiver form–I was handed a life jacket and paddle and gently pushed out onto the river in a solo recreational kayak.
Peace and quiet and as much of a workout as I cared to make it.
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WHERE TO RENT A KAYAK
Chicago River Canoe & Kayak: Lessons and rentals; locations on Chicago River at Rockwell Park and in Skokie. Rentals start at $15 an hour; chicagoriverpaddle.com, 773-704-2663.
Kayak Chicago: Lessons and rentals; various locations on Lake Michigan and Chicago River. Rentals start at $15 an hour; kayakchicago. com, 630-336-7245.
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The Northwest Passage: Sea kayaking; Gillson Beach in Wilmette. $40-$59; www.nwpassage. com, 800-732-7328.
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HOW TO BUY A KAYAK. PAGE 3