Kayak/Sailboat Rentals & Lessons

Parks & Recreation

Sailboat or Kayak Rental Information

The Evanston Recreation Division rents watercraft by the hour during the beach swmming season. Our day sailing boats (Barnett 1400's, Lasers and Sunfish) and kayaks may be rented by hour by an adult; children may accompany an adult.

2013 Season General Information

Come to the Dempster Street Beach Office, Dempster St. at the lakefront, during operating hours. Life jackets are provided for all passengers. You’ll need to show a valid state ID. The resident fee is for those living in ZIP codes 60201 and 60202. Scholarships are not available. For more information, please call the Beach Office at 847/866-4167.

Location: Dempster Street Beach Office
Age Level: 18 yrs. and older

New early season days/times May 25-June 14:
Sat. and Sun. 11am-6pm plus Memorial Day (May 28)

Season days/times: June 15-Sept. 2, 2013
Weekday rentals start at 3:30pm, watercraft must be in by 7:30pm (a limited number of watercraft from 3:30-4:30pm); weekend rentals start at 11am; watercraft must be in by 7pm. Holiday hours are the same as weekends.

Fees (please call for multiple-hour discounts)

Kayak (single or double) rentals start at $25/hour, Evanston resident and start at $35/hour, nonresident
Stand Up Paddleboard rentals start at $25/hour, Evanston resident and start at $35/hour, nonresident
Barnett, Laser, Sunfish or Force 5 sailboat rentals start at $30/hour, Evanston resident and start at $40/hour, nonresident
Hobie 16' and 420 sailboat rentals start at $50/hour Evanston resident and start at $60/hour, nonresident.

Punch pass fee:* 15 one-hour rentals, with a maximum of two hours on a single day is $275, Evanston resident and $375, nonresident. Passes are valid during the season purchased.

Unlimited rental* during 2013 season, with a maximum of two hours on a single day is $600, Evanston resident and $800, nonresident.

* Note: To use your punch pass or season pass, we will need at least 24 hours advance notice (so the boat will not be rented to someone else during your reservation period).

Learn to Sail or Kayak

You can take private lessons scheduled at your convenience!

The Evanston Recreation Division offers lessons in sailing and kayaking on Lake Michigan. You can sign up for private sailing lessons on our day sailing boats or group lessons in kayaking. The resident fee is for those living in ZIP codes 60201 and 60202. Fee assistance is not available. For more info., please call the Beach Office at 847/866-4167 during the season or 847/866-2913 preseason.

Location: Dempster St. Beach (1251 Lakeshore Blvd.)
Age Level: 14 yrs. and older

Fees, private sailing classes, four 1-hour lessons
Dates: June 15 through Sept. 2 (Labor Day), 2013
Evanston resident fee: $200 Nonresident fee: $250

Fees, group kayaking classes (minimum 2 students, maximum 4 students)
Fee per student for two 1-hour lessons: Evanston resident, $60; Nonres. fee, $80