I learned how-to stand-up paddle board (SUP) through a class offered by REI. The adventure class was held at sunrise – it was an amazing experience and an incredibly peaceful way to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning. Since I wake up early anyways with a young toddler at home, the 4:00 am alarm wasn’t as tough as I expected.

REI’s Sunrise SUP class was held at the Jackson Park Harbor, which is about 14 miles south of downtown Chicago. I have run two half-marathons that started in Jackson Park but otherwise haven’t spent much time in the area. What a beautiful place! Jackson Park is over 500 acres and has quite a bit of history – in the late 1800s, Jackson Park was where the World’s Columbian Exposition (World’s Fair) was held and the famous architect / planner Daniel Burnham laid out plans for the event.

The REI class had two very knowledgeable instructors and eight participants. Around half of us had never stand up paddle boarded before, and the others had tried it a few times. We spent the first 30 minutes or so talking about stand up paddle boarding and learning beginner techniques, such as where to stand on the board; how to use the paddle; how to move from a laying down position, to your knees, and eventually to standing. We also learned how to attach the “fin” that needs to be secured to the underside of the paddle board before launching it in the water.

We paddle boarded through Jackson Park’s Harbor and out to the mouth of Lake Michigan. One of the instructors commented that it was the calmest day he had ever experienced on the lake – which I was very grateful for as a beginner. Stand-up paddleboarding is challening. I spent half of the time on my knees but eventually built up the courage to stand up and I’m so glad I did. It was a really fun perspective to “stand” on the water instead of sitting low in a kayak or in a boat. It was also surprising to me how much of a workout stand up paddle boarding can be. I did not feel like I was working out, but my legs were sore for several days afterwards from balancing myself on the board.

I love that REI offers active classes like this – the sunrise SUP class was my first outdoor experience with REI. It was so fun learning stand-up paddleboarding! My husband and I have been REI members for years, and my parents have been members for as long as I can remember. I enjoy shopping at REI but had never thought to try one of their classes or events. This definitely won’t be my last outdoor adventure.

Interesting in more posts about Chicago? Check out:

• Chicago Biking: Northerly Island Park
• 5 Reasons I Love Chicago in the Summer