Lake Michigan · Highland Park
We paddle the open water of Lake Michigan in a Hawaiian outrigger canoe — six paddlers, one hull, one wake. New to the water or chasing your next race, there's a seat for you.
Who we are
Outrigger Chicago Canoe Club is the original outrigger club in Chicago. We're based on Lake Michigan along Chicago's North Shore and paddle out of the North Shore Yacht Club in Highland Park, IL.
The club was founded in 2012 by a group of Windy City dragon boaters and a transplanted California outrigger paddler to compete in the 2012 Catalina Crossing. Our mission is to promote the sport and lifestyle of outrigger canoeing — and the spirit of Aloha — across the greater Chicago area and the Midwest.
Members have paddled local, national, and international events, from Midwest river marathons to the OC-6 world championship in Hawaii. We're open to all experience levels, so come give OC a try.
What is outrigger paddling? →
Two ways in
No experience, no gear, no problem. We'll get you in the boat, teach you the stroke, and you'll feel the canoe surge on your very first session. Come as you are — curiosity is the only requirement.
Book a first paddleDragon boat, canoe-kayak, surfski, or OC background? Train with paddlers who race the Catalina Crossing, the Liberty Challenge, and Lake Michigan downwinders. Push pace, dial your huli recovery, and chase the next regatta with a crew.
Paddle with the crewWhy paddle with OC
First-timers and national competitors share the same canoe. Everyone learns the stroke, the timing, and how to read the lake together.
Glassy mornings, downwind bumps, and the occasional huli — Lake Michigan builds skill fast and rewards a crew that moves as one.
Born for the 2012 Catalina Crossing, OC members keep showing up — from Midwest rivers to the Molokaʻi channel.
On the water
The women's crew at Nish in Miami.
The club at NSYC
The crew · Chattajack 2024Races we've paddled in
Come give OC a try
Reach out, pick a session, and we'll see you on the beach at the North Shore Yacht Club. Bring a change of clothes and a sense of adventure — we've got the canoe.