There are many trips local and across the country.  The club also does free rescue clinics for members each month during the summer season, and some free training in the winter pool sessions. We also work with numerous non profit children's groups to introduce kids to kayaking. These programs are offered free to these groups hat work with intercity kids, at-risk-youth, and other similar groups. If you have a group that you think would benefit from this, please have them contact us!

Starting in 2006, we set very strict time guidelines.  If you need to use a club boat for an outing, you must be there at the launch, with a minimum of 30 minutes leeway in order to unload your boat, adjust footpegs, gather gear, etc.  That is the time our group takes to get ready to launch. If you are running late, you can call us (numbers are on the back of your membership card) and we can ready your gear for you. This is for the special circumstance, and should not be abused.  If you have not called, and are not at the launch 15 minutes prior to launch, you will not be able to attend. Period. Please do not try to negotiate with the trip leader or the person who hauled the trailer. This is a no exception rule.

The goal is not to punish members, but rather ensure that everyone is on time, so that we can spend our time on the water, rather than having the whole group waiting for people who are not there.  Leave early, bring a map, or even check out the launch site sometime prior to the paddle to ensure you know how to get there. Plan for traffic - holiday traffic, rush hour, sporting events, or special events (Blues fest etc)  Chicago is a busy city!

No call/No Show: If you do not call, and you do not show to 2 paddles for which you have rsvp'ed, your membership will be terminated. Your leaders bring the correct number of boats for each outing. Kayaks left on the trailer can be stolen. You must let us know that you are not attending, or lose your membership privileges. 99% of Club members are courteous and show up on time. Of course last minute things can happen such as your car not starting, so that is why there are 2 chances, instead of one.  Not showing up is hard on leaders, who volunteer their time. If it is too much work to volunteer, and we lose trip leaders, we can't continue to do outings. It is very important to be conscious of everyone else.

• RSVP's are required to attend a club event
   
• Times posted are launch times.  Arrive a minimum of 30 minutes in advance to get dressed, pick your boat, adjust footpegs, get your spray skirt and safety gear ready, etc.
   
• We leave the beach promptly at the launch time.  If you do not arrive on time, you will not be able to participate. No exceptions.  If you ever have had to organize a group, you would understand how hard it is to get everyone together and ready to go at the same time. We can't hold up the whole group for late arrivals, so to ensure you get to go, please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before launch time. If it is your first paddle with the group, plan to arrive even earlier.
   
• You must wear a life vest, fully secured, anytime you are out on the water.
   
• You must have completed the full Intro to Kayaking  This is a fee based class that teaches the basics, and the assisted rescue (T-rescue) this requirement is set in stone. You must have taken the class and successfully completed the rescue portion in order to participate in any kayak outings.
   
• If you are using one of our boats on a local outing - there is never a charge - but you must rsvp with a minimum of 24 hours notice.
   
• If you are using your own boat - for Lake Michigan kayaking outings, you must have bulkheads and proper floatation.
   
• You must be properly dressed during cold water paddling events - no cotton! Wetsuits or drysuits in early spring and fall. - We provide wetsuits and paddle jackets, so just ask to borrow one!  When the water is warm, it is a whole different ball game, but cold water kills, so be safe!
   
• You must respect each trip leader. They have a hard job!  If they make a decision to turn around, return early, or change the float plan, please respect that decision. There may be a situation that you are not aware of.  If you have questions, please ask!  Trip leaders are looking out for the safety of the entire group.  If you see a potential hazard or problem, please alert the trip leader. If you are having problems out on the water, also, please alert the trip leader.