Stand Up Paddleboarding

The NSYC owns a variety of Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) exclusively for member use on Lake Michigan. Our fleet includes all around and flatwater boards that can accommodate small to large-sized adult paddlers. SUP use is available for members on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Members are required to use the safe boating “buddy system” where no one ever paddles alone and two boards paddle together at all times. A secured, US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required to be worn on the water at all times. Minors 17 years and younger are required to paddle with an adult member 18 years or older. See our Membership page for annual membership rates and full club benefits.

SUP beachfront storage rental is available for residents and non-residents by contacting the Park District of Highland Park directly.

For additional information please contact: SUP@NorthShoreYachtClub.com

SUP Skills and Water Safety Assessment

All members wanting to use club paddleboards must pass a SUP Skills and Water Safety Assessment. Once you have passed the assessment you will receive access to the boards. Alternatively, members who have successfully completed the club’s Intro to Kayaking course or the SUP Basic Skills Class may use the paddleboards and will only need an equipment lesson.

Assessments are free of charge and scheduled at the beginning of the season. Pre-registration is required and dates can be found on the NSYC calendar under Events. Late season assessments are by appointment. Use the REGISTER NOW link to sign up.

SUP Classes & Events (weather permitting)

NSYC offers paddleboard classes and events for beginners to intermediate paddlers Classes are taught by ACA certified paddleboard instructors. Board, paddle and life jacket (PFD) are included. Pre-registration is required. Classes are available to adult members, as well as those ages 13-18 years old, when taken with an adult member

Once qualified, paddleboards are available on a first come, first served basis.

SUP Classes, Assessments, and Events require pre-registration unless specifically marked.

    • Prerequisite: none

    • Fee: See Memberplanet

    You’ll learn about water safety, paddle strokes, basic board balance and control, equipment, board sizing and board types. The remainder of the class will be spent paddling Lake Michigan. Participants who successfully complete this class will be qualified to use club Paddleboards.  Class times and registration links are on the Event Calendar page.

    • Prerequisite: none

    • Fee: none

    All NSYC members wanting to use club Paddleboards must complete our SUP Skills and Water Safety Assessment prior to using club Paddleboards. Participants will be required to swim 25 yards with and without a life jacket, perform simple paddle skills, fall, recover, and remount the paddleboard.