Flatwater 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 7.25 miles
Start times
10 a.m. - Voyageur Challenge
10: 08 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
1.5 to 2.5 hours
Race classes
There 24 USCA sanctioned boat classes and the Friendly Float. See below for the new classes for 2009.
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
canoes and kayaks
Chicago River Canoe & Kayak* (773) 704-2663
canoes and kayaks
Kayak Chicago* (630) 336-7245
kayaks only
Wisconsin River Outings* (866) 41-CANOE
canoes only
* Rentals from this location will include complimentary canoe shuttle service from the finish line.
Fun Activities
Paddle-a-thon
Participate in the Flatwater Classic Paddle-a-thon! Friends invites each paddler to recruit sponsors to pledge dollar amounts for each mile paddled. Stay tuned for prize information.
Print your Paddle-A-Thon form here!
Fig Catering
This year, Fig Catering will be providing all of your delicious lunch needs. As in years past, you will be able to pre-order deliciously hand-crafted sandwiches through our website and this year you will be able to purchase a small number on-site as well, though pre-orders are encouraged.
Each lunch comes with a beverage and the options are as follows:
White Bean Ciabatta
Made with Roasted Red Peppers and Arugula
Housemade Rosemary and Sea Salt Flatbread
Vegan Cookie
Albacore Tuna Salad
Made with Sesame, Wasabi, and Pickled Ginger
Ginger-Almond Cookie
Tasty Turkey
Made with Honey Mustard
Kettle Chips
Classic Chocolate Cookie
All condiments will come on the sandwiches, unless you denote while ordering that you prefer no condiments. Because each of the items, including condiments, are handmade, Condiments on the side will not be an option so as to conserve on wasteful packaging.
Shuttle Service
FREE shuttle service is provided for all participants from the finish line back to the start (from Ping Tom Memorial Park to Clark Park). Service begins at 11:30 a.m. and runs through 4:30 p.m., leaving every 20 minutes from Ping Tom. PLEASE NOTE that there will be NO shuttle service from Ping Tom to Clark Park at the start of the race. If you wish to park at the finish line in the morning, you will need a friend to drop you off at the start.
A boat shuttle service is available for a fee of $10.
Other tidbits
There is a water taxi service to Ping Tom Memorial Park provided by Chicago Water Taxi. Tell your friends and family to enjoy a different kind of river experience by encouraging them to take the taxi from Michigan Avenue down to the park. See a service schedule.
NOTE: Paddlers please be aware of the taxi boat pulling in to and out of the finish line area. The boat will arrive on the half of every hour. Be prepared to call out your boat number to our timing spotters.
Weather
The Flatwater Classic is a rain or shine event. Be sure to dress for the weather. If lightning is present we will pause the race clock and direct paddlers to stay under bridges or exit the river at the nearest exit spot. Safety crews on and along the course will be in touch with all racers if such conditions exist.
More Information
Please remember that even though the Chicago River has come a long way, there are still bacteria and other pollution in the river. US EPA recommends the following general precautions when recreating on the Chicago River.
· Avoid swallowing the water.
· Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or touching anything that might go into your mouth.
· Keep open wounds clean and dry to minimize the likelihood of harmful germs entering the body.
· Finally, children and people with weakened immune systems are especially advised to limit exposure to the water.
You can help make the Chicago River cleaner by letting the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) know that you think the Chicago River should be clean enough to support uses such as canoeing and kayaking.
Send your request for cleaner water to the Illinois Pollution Control Board, which is reviewing water quality standards right now.
John Therriault, Assistant Clerk
Illinois Pollution Control Board
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500
Chicago, Illinois 60601
RE: Rule Making R08-009
To view a sample letter click here.
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