Flatwater Classic
Friends of the Chicago River
7th Annual Chicago River Flatwater Classic
Paddle and Pedal
At a Glance
Founded just six years ago with less than 200 paddlers racing from Clark Park to Ping Tom Memorial Park, this year’s Flatwater is expected to attract over 1,200 volunteers and participants including corporate teams, first-time paddlers, and seasoned competitors. With last year’s addition of the non-competitive bicycle courses, families and friends can now choose between paddling the river course or cycling one of two courses around the City and the river.
Festivities at the Finish at Ping Tom grow larger each year. There are refreshments for sale, performances by local community groups, and ample opportunity to get to know the people who compete, or just float through, in the Flatwater Classic.
Who
Friends of the Chicago River, 200 volunteers, and 1,000 participants of all skill levels ranging in age from six to 89, either paddling 26-foot long voyageur canoes and standard canoes and kayaks or bicycling along city courses.
What
Chicago River Flatwater Classic Paddle and Pedal canoe and kayak race and bike ride
When
Sunday, August 13, 2006. The paddling race begins with the Corporate Voyageur Challenge at 10 a.m.
The bicycle courses open at 9 a.m.
Where
All paddling starts are at Clark Park (3400 North). Paddlers will travel approximately 7 1/4 miles through residential and industrial neighborhoods and downtown Chicago on the Chicago River. The Finish is at Ping Tom Memorial Park (1800 South). Cyclists will begin and end their choice of 10-mile or 25-mile looped courses at Ping Tom Memorial Park.
The Finish
Festivities at the Finish at Ping Tom grow larger each year. There are refreshments for sale, performances by local community groups, and ample opportunity to get to know the people who compete, or just float through, in the Flatwater Classic. Past years’ activities include free canoe rides, music, massages, Chinese food and gift venders, and sponsor promotions.
More Information
- Boat Rental Information - Need a boat? Here’s where to go to rent one. (.pdf 64kb)
- Boat Class Guidelines - Now that you have a boat, do you know what kind it is? (.pdf 64kb)
- Boat Class Identification Chart - Here is where you pick your class for registration. (.pdf 64kb)
- River Course Map (.pdf 844kb)
- Bike Course Map (.pdf 96kb)
- Registration Information (.pdf 116kb)
REI is a proud partner of the Flatwater Classic Pedal.
