Features at a Glance

Discover Boating Puts You at the Helm

Nothing beats hands on experience when it comes to improving your boating skills and learning new ones. This year the Chicago In-Water Boat Show features a selection of on water learning events designed to add more fun and excitement to your boat show experience…and take your boating skills up a notch. Whether you are interested in sailing or powerboating, there’s something for everyone —from absolute beginners to seasoned skippers!

Choose Your Event

There are several hands-on, skills building CLINICS that provide instruction on specific powerboating or sailing skills. Choose one...or several. You'll learn skills that will last a lifetime. There is a nominal registration fee for each session.

For a more in depth experience and more practice time, there are several 3-hour, underway SEMINARS available. Sailors can choose from Introduction to Sailing or Advanced Sailing Skills while Powerboaters may participate in Powerboating Made Easy and Advanced Docking & Precision Boat Control.

Registration fee for each SEMINAR includes complimentary boat show admission for the day participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Learn From the Experts

These hands on, underway events are taught by USCG licensed captains who are professional, certified instructors. Space in these popular events is very limited and advance registration is highly recommended.

CLICK HERE for more detail on these on water educational opportunities

Fred's Shed Interactive Learning Center

DIY seminars and workshops covering boat and motor maintenance, repair and upgrades.

Watch, learn and do! If you're a do-it-yourselfer or boat owner interested in maintaining, repairing or upgrading your boat or motor, head to Fred's Shed for free seminars and workshops. Daily sessions will cover a variety of topics, including demos and question/answer sessions. Certified marine service technician "Fred", brings more than 35 years of boating and marine service experience to the Shed.

Stop by for professional, practical advice, participate in hands-on clinics, ask questions, and see the cutaway boat and motor. It's all FREE!

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule and session descriptions.

Try It Cove - Paddles Up and Family Fun!

See and learn everything you’ll need to know about the exciting world of paddle sports. From kayak fishing to stand up paddleboarding, experts will be on hand to demonstrate why these healthy outdoor activities have become all the rage. Bic Sup riding waves

Learn what’s hot in fishing kayaks, recreational kayaks, stand up paddleboards and whitewater kayaks. Free expert instruction offered throughout the show. Come see the boats in action and try one out for free!

What’s SUP? Check out the fastest growing paddlesport – Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP). Learn how SUP’s are used to catch fish, catch rays and catch waves! Test one out during demo time. If fitness is your thing, then check out the SUP Yoga & Fitness programs being offered daily at 11:30am & 2:30pm.

Free Paddlesport Demos offered daily – Test out kayaks, fishing kayaks, canoes, Stand Up Paddleboards for free.

Bring your swimsuit or wetsuit and towel to the show, or use gear available onsite—your choice!

Are you a competitive stand up paddler? Do you want to test your skills against other paddlers? Here's your chance!

The Amped UP Midwest SUP Cup Series provides a professional competitive platform for stand up paddlers of all /lib/img/gallery/img1342282242.png backgrounds and skill levels. This new seven SUP race series is a traveling series that combines both some of the best lake and river paddling throughout the Midwest. /lib/img/gallery/img1342282420.png

Join us on Sunday, June 16 to compete in these categories:

Race #1 – Elite SUP Race

Race #2 – 14′ SUP and 12’6 SUP Open Race

Race # 3 – Sprint BIC One Design Youth Race

Race # 4 – Sprint BIC One Design Amateur Race

Race # 5 – Coed Tandem SUP Race

CLICK HERE to learn more and register for the race!

It's not a bird. It's not a plane. It's not a boat. It's a Flyboard!

Ever dreamed of being a Super Hero—flying through the air or speeding underwater? Flyboard can make that dream a reality! Flyboard combines the thrills of jet skiing, snowboarding and acrobatic diving and lets you fly like a bird and swim like a dolphin.

Developed by Zapata Racing in Spring 2011, Flyboard works with a PWC. Once strapped onto the Flyboard , users control movement by tilting their feet. Handheld nozzles help with stabilization, similar to ski poles.

You have to see it to believe it! Click here. You can also see the Flyboard in action at Try It Cove. Demos will be held daily .

Chicago Banana Boat Rides

Jump on the longest, coolest, wildest, wettest ride in all Chicago! Depart from Chicago’s 31st Street Harbor and zoom around the Alder Planetarium and back! You’ll see The John G. Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, Navy Pier and the entire Chicago skyline on a banana boat ride! These banana boat rides are fun for the whole family! Space is limited so you’ll need to sign up at the Chicago Water Sports Rental booth, 141, to reserve your spot. There is a $10 fee per person.

Antique & Classic Boat Display

Presented by the Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society of America

Take a step back in time and admire the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage craft as they're displayed as intended...on the water.

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