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Watercraft Rentals & Lessons

Sailboat or Kayak Rental Information - Summer 2026

The Evanston Recreation Division rents sailing boats (Barnett 1400), kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards by the hour during the beach swimming season. 

WatercraftGeneral Information

Come to the Dempster Street Beach Office, during operating hours. Life jackets and all equipment 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. Access Evanston scholarships are available for rentals and lessons.

Location: Dempster Street Beach Office

Lakefront Rentals

Paddleboards and kayaks (single and double) are available now through September 6. Rental hours are 11 am-8:00 pm, with the last rental beginning no later than 6:45. Rental availability will be limited between the hours of 11 am-4 pm Monday-Friday due to camp. 

Rentals are done by the hour, for up to 3 hours at a time. Fees for the first hour are below. Each additional hour is $15. Proof of residency will be required at the time of rental to receive the resident rate. 

  • Paddleboards: $30R/$40NR

  • Kayak: $30R/$45NR

  • Barnett 1400: $40R/$50NR (Sailboat rentals are no longer available for the summer)

You must be at least 18 years of age to make a reservation and sign the waiver. Those under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times when using a rental. There is a maximum of 2 people per vessel. 

Patrons can make a rental reservation by:

  • Reserve online for one hour.

  • In-person at the Dempster St Beach Office - walk-ins are welcome based on availability. 

Late/No-shows/Cancelation Policy: 

  • If you are more than 15 minutes late for a rental, lakefront staff reserve the right to cancel the reservation. In this case, the rental can be rescheduled for the same day if available. No refund will be provided.

  • Cancelations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to receive a refund. If rentals are unavailable due to weather conditions, any scheduled rentals will either be rescheduled or refunded.