BEST VIEW OF CHICAGO FROM A PADDLE BOARD!!!! The Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at North Avenue beach is by far the best in Chicago. The North Avenue beach location offers an uncomparably breathtaking view of the city. It's truly stunning. Locals and tourists, beginning to advanced paddlers, will all love this hot Chicago attraction. The staff is extremely knowleable and friendly. read more

Great service, and I recommend the lesson. I hadn't ever paddleboarded or surfed before, so I didn't know what to expect. What surprised me about the experience is that even though it's at North Avenue Beach, the area that is being used for boarding is further out toward the pier. It made the experience more tranquil--and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I will definitely return. read more

Regardless of a previous review, I had a blast. I got a deal through livingsocial.com, a lesson for 2, as well as staying out on the lake after. I made a reservation, we went down to north ave beach, however that day was super foggy so the beach closed. It wasn't a problem rescheduling our lesson, the owner(?) and the two girls working were super chill & awesome. So. We came back the following week, and Ian (found out yes-he is the owner) took us out, explained what to do/safety, where to paddle, etc. He clearly knows a lot about surfing & SUP, and was really cool to hang out with. The experience had made me a huge fan, I'm looking to purchase my own SUP board, but until I do, I'll continue to rent w great lakes. Overall it was an experience i'd recommend to everyone (&i do :) read more

I've been doing SUP with this company for 2 summers now and I love it. I started with a lesson and that was a great introduction. Now I go about once every 2 weeks with my dog on the board with me as part of our morning walk. It feels like i'm on vacation from a hectic city life every time I go out. Couldn't recommend it more for people who want to take in the city from a different vantage point while getting a great core workout! read more

I stumbled upon ChicagoSUP last summer when I moved to Chicago. I was instantly impressed with the vibe of the hut on the beach. Like a little hidden gem of beach culture in Chicago. Staff is super friendly fun and informative about the sport. I was new to stand up paddling last summer, now I'm paddling every chance I get. On a second note, they put the safety of the customers first, which is what really made me give them the 5th star. There are always friendly and familiar faces on the water to make sure things are going smoothly during your paddle. They're also awesome at keeping you informed about the weather conditions and winds, in case you are a beginner. I Highly recommend ChicagoSUP, Aloha read more

This location and business was awesome. I just visited Chicago for a quick business meeting, and was able to get on the water with Ian for an afternoon, He was extremely helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable. Paddling at North Ave Beach was amazing and beautiful- I live in Oregon, so I have a good appreciation of great places to paddle and surf. Highly recommend this spot if you are in Chicago. read more

Best place to sup in Chicago! North avenue beach with the city skyline as your backdrop...Unreal!!

My friends and I went here today and it was so much fun. The staff helped the first timers and made sure everyone was prepared before going out. Staff were nice, helpful and there to answer questions. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun water activity! Best paddleboarding company in Chicago! read more

I loved it! The staff were really nice. My instructor was very helpful. I really thought i wasn't going to be able to do it. Especially when i fell off and couldn't get back on board. But he helped me back on and encouraged me and, I did it! I will be doing this again. read more

Per the website directions, I used their online reservation request system to make a reservation for 2 days out, understanding it was just a request and that I would hear back from the company if my paddleboard time with an instructor was available on the day and time I was asking for. When I had not heard from the company, I call the afternoon before my requested reservation only to be told " The girl who responds to the online reservation requests isn't on the computer 24-7 and is currently in Las Vegas" I was taken back by the cavalier attitude and sarcasm expressed to the customer. I will find another company to try paddleboarding! read more

took a lesson with Gregory, he was super patient and very informative. i had a blast. ive been out 5 times since. Gregory and the entire staff is great. read more

I learned how to do standup paddle boarding last August. One Summer evening Greg took a friend of mine ( both first timers on standup paddle boarding )and out Lake Michigan for a beautiful night it was somewhat truck choppy but he got us both up to enjoy the beautiful summer evening. Greg taught us all the safety routines and was very patient with us. I was a bit stupid and had my eyeglasses on which ended up falling in Lake Michigan. Greg give me said he would dive for them another day and gave you a call. Two days later he rescued my glasses from Lake Michigan and contacted me. What an amazing ride it was that night and what a great guy Greg was to follow up and find my glasses! Thanks SUP!!! read more

Originally I came on a Thursday with my brother but it was so foggy we tried waiting it out but it just wouldn't let up. So we came back on a Saturday morning, nice and hot..it was perfect. The check-in process was kind of confusing because the guy at the desk was handling people who were coming in and going out and it took about 10 minutes before we got assistance. After filling in some paperwork we were told to grab a vest and we placed our stuff in the back. There was a small shelf but we just placed our stuff on the ground and hoped nobody would mess with our things. Anyway the guy at the desk first told us to wait, then he said go to the water. When we got there, another guy was helping us but there were only 4 boards when there was 5 of us. So he told us to wait until people were coming back in but to claim a board. From when we checked in to when we all finally got a board 15 minutes passed by. We really didn't know if the rate for the board started when we checked in until we checked out or if it started when we got a board. But luckily my friend had a watch and kept time from the time we got our boards and into the water. Anyways, the experience was awesome and so was the view. The water was kind of choppy but it was a great workout. The weather was perfect and an hour was just enough for us. Overall a nice experience. I really don't know how they determined the length of time, but we did keep track ourselves. I will come again! read more

Paddle Boarding was so fun & relaxing. They said it would be hard but it was pretty easy. Can't wait to go again.

Came back for another amazing season with Gregory, Ian, Eli and the team...can't say enough about how awesome my experience was every time I came out. My second year with a season pass and I truly felt like one of the family. More than once they squeezed me in for a late paddle when they were closing down...all the way up to the last paddle of the season. It made my day, week and month. Boards are great. Instructors are passionate, knowledgeable and really want every one to have a great experience. And they are super careful to ensure safety procedures are followed..I've seen them more than once chase down paddlers that went too far afield. They keep an eye out and truly care. Before you try anywhere else, check these guys out...a real class act... read more

Had a great lesson with Eli at the Great Lakes Board Company. Maybe a little pricey to get a lesson for paddle boarding but Eli was great and I thought it was worth it. He showed me the basics and then let me go at it. Helpful but relaxed and gave me a long leash. I would suggest a lesson for a first timer, but you'll get the hang of it in that hour and then you can just rent boards yourself the next time. We paid $60 per person for an hour. read more

I went to North Ave for SUP on a Sunday morning and have the best time. It is one of the most peaceful ways to get exercise. The skyline looks amazing! The crew helps show you exactly how to paddle if you are a first-timer and you can even get a private or semi-private lesson where they will go out on the water with you. I cannot wait to go back - afternoon, after work, or on the weekend! Check their FB pages for daily updates. read more

Currently store a board at Chicago Sup but used to rent here when new to the sport. By far the best location and best service for Paddleboarding in Chicago especially for beginners. read more

Beware of using their inflatable belts. They'd inform you of the $5 additional charge (vs the regular life vests) but they don't tell you that once you inflate them you have to pay an additional $25 for the charger. If I were informed of this, i would've opted using the regular life vests. I just hope next time they'd inform the guests of the fee whenever these belts are inflated. read more