The NSYC owns a full fleet of Kayaks exclusively for member use on Lake Michigan. Our diverse fleet can accommodate small to x-large size adult paddlers. New and experienced paddlers are always welcome. Kayaks are available for members use on a first-come first-served basis when boats are not reserved for classes or club Kayak outings and events. We take Water Safety seriously and require use of the “buddy system” whereby an adult member is present and two kayaks paddle together at all times, within shouting distance of each other. A secured, US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required to be worn on the water at all times.
NSYC offers classes for beginners and seasoned paddlers including stroke & technique development, rescue skills and more. Each class is taught by our volunteer instructors who have been certified by the American Canoe Association, the nation’s premiere paddle sports organization. Members who use club Kayaks are required to complete the Intro to Kayaking course Part 1 & 2, prior to use of club equipment. Kayak beachfront storage rental is available for residents and non-residents by contacting the Park District of Highland Park directly. See our Membership page for annual membership rates and full club benefits.
Kayak Classes
Kayak classes are scheduled throughout the summer season. Dates and costs can be found on our Calendar under the Events tab. Kayak, Paddle and life jacket (PFD) is included. Pre-registration for each class participant is required through our Membership site. Classes are available to adult members, as well as those ages 13-18 yrs old when taken with an adult member.
| Intro to Kayaking Required 2 Part Course | 4.5 Hours Total | |
| Part 1 is online (1 hour), and Part 2 is in person, on the sand and water (3.5 hours). Access to
Part 1 will be provided to participants upon registration and must be completed prior to
attending Part 2. Participants register and pay for the in-person Part 2 course date by using
the Intro to Kayaking class links offered on our CALENDAR of EVENTS. A Reschedule Fee will
be charged to change the in-person class date once registration is complete. DESCRIPTION: Learn basic paddle strokes, turns, essential equipment and gear care, including the paddle, PFD and kayak features. Participants will learn and practice basic kayaking skills and learn about water safety, assessing conditions and paddling on Lake Michigan. After both classes are completed, participants will have the opportunity to pass the NSYC Kayak Paddle, Swim, Capsize and Assisted Rescue assessment that is required to use any NSYC Kayak equipment. |
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| Kayak Skills Clinic New | 2 Hours | |
| Hone your existing skills and learn some new moves! Our 2 hour clinic will help you become more confident in the kayak and get around faster, with more power and less effort. Focus of each clinic ranges from skills refreshment to rescue practice to learning more advanced techniques. We will also make time in each clinic to develop and learn new skills that are requested by participants. Most of the class time will be spent on the water. Come join us and let’s have some fun on the water. Prerequisite: Intro to Kayaking and paddling experience. | ||
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