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Watercraft Rentals & Lessons

Sailboat or Kayak Rental Information

The Evanston Recreation Division rents sailing boats (Barnett 1400) and kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards by the 45 minute period during the beach swimming season. 

WatercraftGeneral 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. Access Evanston scholarships are available for rentals and lessons.

Location: Dempster Street Beach Office

Lakefront Rentals

Paddleboards, kayaks (single and double), and Barnett 1400s are available now through August 17. Rental hours are 11am-8:00pm with the last rental beginning no later than 6:45. Rental availability will be limited between the hours of 11am-4:00pm 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. Punch passes for up to 10 hours are available for $250R/$325NR. Proof of residency will be required at the time of rental to receive the resident rate. 

  • Paddleboards: $30R/$40NR

  • Kayak: $35R/$45NR

  • Barnett 1400: $40R/$50NR

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 max of 2 people per vessel. 

Patrons can make a rental reservation by:

  • Submitting a request online.

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

Sailing Lessons:

  • Lessons are available throughout the summer until August 10. 

  • Lessons must be scheduled at least one week in advance.

  • Please call the Dempster St Beach office to inquire and schedule. A sailing instructor will call you to confirm lesson dates. Lessons consist of four, one-hour sessions for $250R/325NR. 

Late/No-shows/Cancelation Policy: 

  • If you are more than 15 minutes late for a rental, staff have the right to cancel the rental. 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.