Chicago is located on the shore of Lake Michigan with its vast beaches and strong winds all year round. Since it gets freezing in Chicago during winter, the kiteboarding and windsurfing season here lasts from June through August. But you can also catch an excellent wind in March, April, May, September, October, or November. Many city beaches are crowded during the summer and are not suitable for kitesurfing.
Montrose Beach on Lake Michigan in Chicago is an excellent kitesurfing spot with N, NW, NE, ENE, and SE winds. The winds can be gusty and change direction suddenly. Summer winds are mostly SW/W winds, while spring and autumn bring side onshore winds blowing for 10-20 knots. Waukegan Beach is located in Waukegan, Illinois. It features one mile of sand coast and some unique natural dunes. It is also known for the clearest and cleanest water in lake county. The lake is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and sand volleyball. The Northern-most area of the beach is occupied by kitesurfers. Zion Beach is located in Illinois Beach State Park. There is a small area on the beach protected from the wind where kitesurfers rest and socialize.
Windsurfers like kitesurfers prefer to get on the water during the warm season. The most popular spots are Montrose Beach and Greenwood Beach in Evanston. There are a windsurfing shop and school at Northwestern Sailing Center. Another option is to go south of the city to Wolf Lake, located on the Illinois-Indiana state line. Wolf Lake gets strong winds off Lake Michigan and has become a favorite spot for Chicago windsurfers. It also has free parking.
Practical info
When is the best time to go kitesurfing in Chicago?
Chicago is a great place for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The popular season is summer, lasting from June through August. However, March, April, May, September, October, or November months can also provide excellent winds. The best winds occur during SW/W in summer. Have your gear ready to enjoy the side onshore winds blowing between 10-20 knots in spring and autumn. Show more
Which beaches are suitable for kitesurfing in Chicago?
Montrose Beach situated on Lake Michigan and Waukegan Beach are top kitesurfing spots in Chicago. Montrose Beach has winds mainly coming from the NW, N, NE, ENE, and SE for windsurfing and kiteboarding, while Waukegan Beach offers one mile of sandy coast, natural dunes, and the clearest water in Lake County. Show more
What is the average wind speed for kitesurfing in Chicago during the summer?
Kitesurfing in Chicago is possible year-round, and wind speed mainly comes from the direction of SW/W in summer with a range of 12-20 knots. Spring and autumn bring 10-20 knots of side onshore winds, suitable for kiteboarders. The winds are sometimes gusty and shift suddenly in various directions like N, NW, NE, ENE, and SE. Show more
Where can I go windsurfing near Chicago?
Northwestern Sailing Center is a popular location for windsurfing classes, rentals, and equipment, and it is located at Greenwood Beach in Evanston. Montana Beach is also a favorite windsurfing spot in Chicago. For those in the Indiana-Illinois area, you can go windsurfing at Wolf Lake, which is a haven for Chicago windsurfers. The lake is known for strong winds and offers free parking for visitors. Show more
Are there any rental options for windsurfing equipment in Chicago?
Visitors and residents of Chicago can rent windsurfing equipment from Northwestern Sailing Center. They provide beginners and experienced windsurfers with rentals and classes. Lighthouse Beach Park in Evanston is also an excellent option for windsurfing classes and rentals. Visitors can also rent windsurfing gear, kayaks, and paddleboards from 3rd Coast Sailboards, which is situated in Lighthouse Beach Park. Show more
