Friends of the Chicago River
Chicago River Kayaking

Red FoxFlatwater Classic: Paddler Information

Whether you are an avid racer hoping to improve your personal record or a family of four together in a canoe for the first time, the Chicago River Flatwater Classic provides everyone with the enjoyment of paddling this urban waterway. The Chicago River makes a great paddling course with deep water, easy currents, and no portages (meaning you will not have to carry your boat over low-water areas), not to mention the view!

Come to compete or simply cruise through in the Friendly Float.

General Information

Course length Roughly 7 ¼ miles

Start times 10 a.m. - Voyageur Challenge
10: 04 a.m. - Individuals
Mixed heats of 10 boats will start every four minutes. Start times will be assigned once
completed registration and payment is received.

Average finish time 1 ½ to 2 hours

Race classes There 23 USCA sanctioned boat classes and the Friendly Float. See below for the new classes for 2008

Results Results will be posted by 3 p.m. at the finish line and available online by the following day

Awards Awards will be given at the conclusion of the race to the top three finishers in each class, (except the non-competitive Friendly Float) and also to the best dressed canoe

Do I have to have my own boat? No, there are a number of places where you can rent one for the day.

Chicagoland Canoe Base, Inc. (773) 777-1489

Chicago River Canoe & Kayak* (773) 704-2663

Kayak Chicago* (630) 336-7245

Wisconsin River Outings* (866) 41-CANOE

Shuttle Service

FREE shuttle service at the finish line will take paddlers back to starting line to retrieve your vehicles.

NEW in 2008

Paddle-a-thon

New for 2008 is the option for paddlers to participate in the Flatwater Classic Paddle-a-thon! Friends invites each paddler to recruit sponsors to pledge dollar amounts for each mile paddled.

The top individual fundraiser will enjoy a three day, two night kayaking and camping excursion along the beautiful Wisconsin River! Paddle the river, relax on sandbars, explore nearby bluffs, and observe the abundance of wildlife all before unwinding to hearty meals around a glowing campfire. This trip includes experienced guides, all kayaking and camping equipment, and all meals. Provided courtesy of The Northwest Passage.

PRINT YOUR PADDLE-A-THON FORM HERE!

Pre-order a delicious Goose Island lunch for the finish line!

We know that a good paddle on the Chicago River can create quite an appetite! This year Goose Island Brewpub Catering & Events will be providing pre-ordered lunches that can be purchased for only $7 when you complete your registration. Choose from:

Turkey and chedder sandwich
Roast beef and swiss sandwich
Grilled vegetable sandwich

All sandwiches come with chips and a soda. Order yours today!

New prize opportunity for everyone!

Every paddler and every spectator at the finish line will be eligible to win an Outdoor Adventure Package that will include a tandem kayak, paddles, life jackets, a GARMIN, and much more! Encourage your friends and loved ones to come and cheer you on at the finish line and they too will be entered into the drawing! Each paddler will be entered automatically upon registration. Spectators can stop by the race headquarters tent to fill out their entry.

New boat classes

Be sure to check the new boat classes available.

More Information