Meet The Paddlers - Urban Paddle Boarding In Chicago With Kirsten Lefeldt

Following the recent launch of the latest Red Paddle Co Compact, our US team packed up their bags and put the new 12’0 Compact touring board to the test with a spot of urban paddle boarding in Chicago. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan the team met up with a few local paddlers and explored the bustling metropolitan city by SUP. One of those paddlers was Kirsten Lefeldt, who fell in love with paddling just under 8 years ago. Since then she’s become an avid urban paddler who regularly takes part in SUP races and has become a key member of the growing SUP community in Chicago… 

Hi Kirsten, thanks for showing us around your city! If you had to pick, where is your favorite place to paddle in Chicago and why? 

Lake Michigan at sunrise. Looking at the skyline of this big city from out there, all by yourself or with maybe a few friends, it’s special. We live in a city of over 9 million people,but we still have this sanctuary. You paddle out and leave the hectic city life on the shore. 

What is the paddling community in Chicago like? 

There is a small group of core paddlers who go out paddling no matter what, even in winter, armed with drysuits. There is also a growing number of people who paddle recreationally, either renting boards or showing up with their inflatables. The pandemic has brought many new people into the sport because everyone was looking for new things to do outside. Lake Michigan is our playground, other than basic SUP safety, there are no rules where you can or cannot go.