Adult Sailing Class Review…read more I just completed their four week adult sailing class and found it to be very enjoyable. Each of the classes cover basics and then (except for the first one) everyone participates in rigging boats and then it is time to go sailing to work on skills until the class ends. Mostly you sail a 420 (it is 420 cm long), which is a sailboat for two (or sometimes three) people. The in later classes you sail a laser, which is a boat for one person as well as some sailing on 3 and 5 person boats. With the class you get one month membership which allows you to use 420s and laser sailboats anytime the center is open and weather permits and the boats are available (i.e., when not in use and not reserved for a member or a class). The membership starts the day you learn how to upright a capsized 420. I recommend that at the first class you seek out potential sailing partners for sailing outside of classtime. The more sailing you do out of class using the one month membership, the better you will be. Sailing with friends is also allowed. I used the membership a lot! I was able to attend all eight scheduled classes, as weather was good enough to do so. If a class falls on a day that the weather is unsuitable for sailing (no wind or too-rough conditions or lightning in the radar area) they have the right to cancel up to two such classes without offering makeup classes. It is clear from my experience that the teachers and staff are friendly, competent and interested in being helpful. I highly recommend that you get a good book or two on sailing to read and refer to as you are learning. The class's emphasis (good!) is on getting you hands-on experience rigging your boat and getting you out on the water with basic sailing knowledge. You will want to supplement that with the knowledge you can get from a book or two so you have more depth. Happy sailing!

Very helpful and friendly staff. People are always watching if your in trouble and in general is…read morevery safe and beautiful.

I have been with this program since the early days and have never been happier. The company…read morecontinues to expand and become ingrained into the Chicago boating culture. Respectful, professional, and charitable, Pinnacle as a family has been a pleasure to be apart of. All the boats are kept spotless and well maintained. The program is really put together well from the training to picking your calendar, it runs like a well oiled machine. We started on their 37ft sail boat and now moved up to bigger and better. They welcome even the most novice to the saltiest of sailors and power boaters. I highly recommend experiencing what it's like to have the feeling of owning your own boat but without the boat yard hassle and or $$$ our of your pocket.

If you don't want to own the boat, just looking for summer fun - Pinnacle Yachts would be the right…read morechoice for you. No experience necessary. Last summer I was leasing a 37ft sail boat and it was a blast. Learning to sail was on my bucket list and I finally did it with the help of this fine organization. Everything is well organized, any problems or needed repairs were done swiftly. I want to thank Pinnacle Yachts owners once again for the wonderful experience - greatly recommended!

Great service. Brought my equipment in for a tuneup, reasonably priced and timely…read more They have a large selection of products as well as a training pool.

My husband and I first walked in 01/2026 to sign up for the Open Water class. We just finished our…read moreconfined water dives this past weekend with Dale Rush. The attention that he has to safety is absolutely incredible. His focus on our wellbeing while showing us the skills we needed was a wonderful experience. If we did anything wrong he corrected us with an outstanding amount of patience, and told us the reasons why. He stays calm even when you're not, reassuring you that he's got your back. I had plenty of options to select the right size wetsuit, and BCD from the rental gear. Their store also has amazing gear that I can't wait to buy. Dale went over features to look out for in our gear, so I'm looking forward to making my first kit purchase with Underwater Safaris. I purchased some gear prior to completing my class online and I regret that. The mask I bought online from a different store did not fit comfortably so it is absolutely recommended that you go into the shop and let them help you fit gear so you're not wasting money in the long run. Be mindful, if you want to purchase your own gear for classes, plan days ahead. I believe we got a great value in our training so far, most importantly because I felt safe. We also learned skills that we are going to be able to use for the rest of our life. Can't wait for the 4 quarry dives with Dale!

I called for information. The young lady, Colleen, who answered the phone was very helpful and…read morefriendly. I plan on sending my son there next year.

This is a wonderful crew team in the heart of Chicago. I had my best Masters Rowing experience…read morehere, and I love their emphasis on accessibility. They offer learn to row classes, and you can get scholarships to row in their competitive team.

The Lincoln Park Boat Club is completely member run by passionate folks who love boating -…read morespecifically rowing and paddling. I was into stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) so I was considered a paddler. SUP in Chicago can be hard. Lake Michigan is unfriendly to beginners so the lagoon used by the Lincoln Park Boat Club is perfect. The water is smooth, shallow and dirty enough to motivate you to keep your balance! The equipment at the LPBC is great too. There are a variety of SUP boards ranging from foam beasts that would never tip over to slender racing boards. Most of the storage was taken up by other boats. Some vessels were owned by members and others were owned by the club and could be used by anybody. Since the LPBC is completely run by volunteers, everybody has a lot of responsibility and autonomy. A lot of it is run on the honor system. For example, keeping the dock clean of goose poop and locking the garage was everyone's responsibility. To my knowledge, there was no cleaning or maintenance crew. There are no bells and whistles. The LPBC members I met were friendly. The SUP folks were competitive. It just wasn't my scene. I wanted a place to relax, skim across the water, and be outdoors. The other people I met were perfecting their techniques, getting stronger and racing. I ended up going only about four or five times, or about $100/visit. I'd remain a member if I could pay less than the competitive, more dedicated people. I asked if there could be a modified membership or a pay-per-visit deal but (as of this review) those aren't options.

Learn Scuba Chicago is a great company that provides NAUI courses that are top notch. Good value…read morefor money. But much more than that they provide a lot of individualized instruction, are very patient and give chances to redo a lesson if you need more practice. They are flexible and responsive to questions and fun to hang out with. A big shout out to Danny and Ginevra who are great teachers. A special acknowledgement of Robert Huff, the lead instructor, who is also a great organizer, and a very, very special thanks to Chris who helped a very nervous student get her certification thus she is now heading into the ocean deep!

I got to experience a Discovery Dive through LSC last night and it was an absolute blast! I had…read morebeen interested in Scuba but honestly never expected to actually try it, so when I got the chance through a Yelp event, I was SO excited! Before attending, make sure you watch the intro video- it's super informative and saves tons of time when you get there so all your time can be spent in the water vs going over all the information. Bob and his team were so incredibly helpful, welcoming, and were great coaches for those of us who had never Scuba-d before. We got into the UIC pool with wet suits and all our gear, went through a quick orientation with Bob underwater, then spent the rest of the time swimming around the pool. Scuba diving in a pool doesn't seem that exciting at first, but trust me, it is way more fun than you'd expect. Everyone who helped us was so helpful and nice, and they really made the experience amazing. What an incredible organization led by a great person. Will absolutely be back to get certified some day!!

Had the most incredible experience on seabird sailing! Eric is an amazing captain and makes…read moreeveryone comfortable, the boat was stunning, and the views were immaculate. We came for an engagement shoot but will be back every summer!

I could not recommend Seabord Sailing enough. I chartered a private trip with them to propose to my…read morenow fiancé and it was a phenomenal experience - I would trust them to celebrate any event. They prioritize safety and are amazing hosts. If you're going to sail Lake Michigan, sail with this outfit, they're incredible.

Captain Lynda is a gem of a human: professional and focused, compassionate and kind, and most of…read moreall, she makes sure everyone has a wonderful time. The Joy of Sailing provides a unique experience for women to learn and grow together, bonding friendships and developing self reliance. Lynda's curriculum is thorough and well structured. She offers a perfect blend of skills training and pleasure sails in a community setting of supportive ladies! The best way to spend the summer in Chicago!

Highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a way to unwind, relax and escape for a little bit…read more I did the "Anything Goes" sailing and it was just what I needed. Relaxing music, wind in my hair, beautiful views and good company with like minded women. Even got to sail for a little bit and take a dip in the lake. Vacation of the mind. Lynda was great and she offers two different experiences, pleasure sailing and skills training. Depending what experience you are looking for, Lynda has it covered! Can't recommend her enough. Definitely check out her website for more information on her different programs. Plus right now she is offering a code, "Mermaid" for 25% off, if you are unsure and need the extra push. You won't regret it!