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Runners in the Old First Night Run/Walk

Sports Club

Open June 21–Aug. 24, 2025
Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.

The Chautauqua Sports Club offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational and leisure activities during the Summer Assembly Season. If you enjoy being on the water, you will love taking your family out on one of our beautiful pontoon boats from the Main Dock just steps away from the Athenaeum Hotel. The Sports Club also offers kayaks, SUPS, canoes and paddleboats for rent, guided kayak sessions and sunrise paddling. If you prefer to stay onshore, Sports Club is the place to go for fishing rods and live bait, sports equipment, shuffleboard, lawn bowling and outdoor ping pong. Fees vary.

Contact Information

Sports Club
Deb Lyons
Director of Sports Club  
716.357.6281 (summer only)
sportsclub@chq.org 

Recreation
Meg Pickard
Director of Recreation Services  
716.357.6351 (year-round)
mpickard@chq.org

Pontoon Boat Rentals

(Weekly/Multi-Day/Daily/Half Day)

• Two New 23′ Pontoon Boats available  
• Prop insurance available 
• Pontoon Boats docked at Chautauqua Main Dock 
• All safety equipment included with rentals 


Weekly: 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve. Reservations accepted in the pre-season by emailing sportsclub@chq.org.

Multi-day: Reservations accepted up to 2 weeks prior to rental date with full non-refundable payment either by email to sportsclub@chq.org during pre-season or by calling the Sports Club at 716-357-6281 during the season.

Single day: Reservations accepted up to 1 week prior to rental date with full non-refundable payment. Boat reservation times must be within Sports Club daily hours and returned 30 minutes prior to Sports Club closing time.  

Half day: Reservations accepted 1 day before rental date with full non-refundable payment.


Boats are docked at slip at Chautauqua Main Dock. Slip is included in the rental.   

Prices do not include tax and gas. 12-passenger maximum.  

Valid ID, signed contract and credit card is required for all rentals. Renters are responsible for any damages or missing equipment. Boating safety certificate required in 2025.

All safety equipment included with rentals. Prop insurance also available. 

Click here to watch our video about renting a pontoon boat.

Kayak/SUP/Canoe/Paddleboat Rentals

Sailboat rentals available at John R. Turney Sailing Center. 

Valid ID, credit card and signed waiver is required for all rentals. 

1 or 2 hour rentals. Boats must be returned during Sports Club hours of operation.  

Life jackets and paddles included with all boat rentals.

Special 1 hour Sunrise Kayak/SUP held on Wednesdays and Fridays. Weather permitting. Reservations required!

Group Kayak tours are held on Mondays (Eco Tour) and Wednesdays (Historic Tour). Weather permitting. Fee applies. Reservations required.


Frequently Asked Questions

View a list of frequently asked questions regarding renting kayaks, SUPs, canoes and paddleboats. 

What are the age and weight restrictions for your kayaks, SUPs, canoes and paddleboats? 

All renters and occupants of the kayaks, canoes, SUP’s and paddle boats are required to sign a waiver and wear a lifejacket. Minors must have their parents or legal guardians fill out the waiver and accompany them on their trip. 

One must be 14 years or older for single kayaks and SUPs. Children 10 to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on tandem kayaks and canoes. Children under 10 years are only permitted on paddle boats and must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. 

Single kayak maximum capacity is 250 lbs. 

Tandem kayak maximum capacity is 400 lbs. 

Stand Up Paddleboard maximum capacity is 220 lbs.  

Paddleboat maximum capacity is 545 lbs. It can hold max 4 adults and 1 child.    

How far in advance can I book a reservation? 

You can book 1 day ahead for kayak, SUP, canoe, paddleboard rentals.  

I’ve never been on a SUP, should I try it? 

Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUP) are great for adventurous and free-spirited individuals.  Excellent core workout.  Sit down if you get tired. 10-foot and 11-foot boards available. No experience necessary, however, you must get in the water first and be able to get yourself on your SUP.  Life jackets are provided and must be worn at all times. First timers may especially enjoy our sunrise SUP hour as the lake this time of day usually the calmest.  

What kind of kayaks do you rent? 

All our single and tandem kayaks are sit-in vessels (with the exception of one sit-on tandem kayak). 

How far out on the lake can I go?  

For safety reasons, all rentals must not go past the Packard Manor (to the north) or the John R. Turney Sailing Center (to the south) and stay within 100 yards of shore.   

Can I swim from the boat and pick up others at the beach? 

For safety, no swimming from boats or deliberate capsizing.  Beach docking is not allowed. Boats must depart from and return to Sports Club slip on the Service Dock. No switching passengers.  

What if it’s raining or windy? 

Boats embark at the discretion of the director and staff. Boat rentals are always dependent on weather conditions. 

What if weather conditions force the Sports Club to halt launches? 

In the event the Sports Club needs to halt new departures due to severe weather, participants will have the ability to reschedule for later time (within current summer season) or receive a monetary refund.  If participants are already out on the water when the Sports Club halts new departures, users are strongly encouraged to seek safe shelter and come back when safely able. Staff will wait for you to return and help as needed.

What if I am late or fail to show up for my reservation? 

We recommend that you plan on arriving 10 minutes earlier than your reservation start time. This will ensure you have enough time to find the Sports Club, buy concessions, complete any paperwork that is needed, get suited up, and use the restrooms at the Central Dock before your start time. Late or no-show policies apply, so be sure to give yourself enough time!  

If you and/ or your group are 15 minutes late or later for the reservation, the booking is considered a no-show and subject to the No-Show Policy. No-shows are not eligible for monetary refund, credit, rescheduling of the reservation, or any other reimbursement. The entire reservation cost will be forfeited.  The No-Show Policy is applicable to all participants, including individual participants within a group reservation.  Reservations are considered a no-show 15 minutes past a reservation slot.  We must respect the other reservations for the day.

Softball Leagues

All are welcome to join the men’s and women’s slow pitch softball league. Softball Co-commissioners Wes Delancey and Carrie Zachry will help you find a spot on a team. Fee per team for softball league.

Kids drop-in softball will available.

For more on Sharpe Field softball, kickball, and whiffleball sports, go to CHQrec.org.

Activities

Recreational Activities

Fees vary

• Shuffleboard (Must be 12 to play without adult supervision)

• Lawn bowling (Age 14 and older)

• Fishing (live bait and fishing poles for sale)


Free Activities

• Outdoor Ping Pong

• Small equipment loan (basketballs, volleyballs, frisbee)

• Cornhole

• Cross Net


Indoor Activities

Fees vary

• Duplicate Bridge

• Guided Mah jongg

2025 Special Studies Catalog Cover

Special Studies Class Registration Now Open!

Whether you’re returning to the familiar joy of Gentle Yoga with Kate Junker or Wine Tasting with Sam Whitmore, or exploring something new—like gluten-free baking with Om Nohm’s Jessamine Daly-Griffen or crafting a CLSC Graduation Hat with Toby Schermerhorn—this summer’s catalog is filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and rediscover the rhythms of a Chautauqua summer.

Please note that you can use the zoom in and zoom out buttons at the bottom of the document to make the fonts larger or smaller as an accessibility feature.

browse catalog
Register for Classes

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062822_PickupSoftball_DT_09

June 26 @ 5:30 pm

Adults Drop-in Softball

Sharpe Field

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  • Adults Drop-in Softball
Adults Drop-in Softball
Adults Drop-in Softball
Thursday, June 26th 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Sharpe Field
How To Access This Event Traditional Gate Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
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CHQ Assembly
There is no online version of this program.

Adults Drop-in Softball

Interested in playing slow pitch softball? Contact co-commissioner Carrie Zachry at carriezachry@gmail.com

This is a free event.

Call or email us to reserve your seat at this event.

Phone: Email:

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062822_PickupSoftball_DT_09

July 3 @ 5:30 pm

Drop-in Softball

Sharpe Field

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  • Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Thursday, July 3rd 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Sharpe Field
How To Access This Event Traditional Gate Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Grounds Access Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Single Tickets
Price: Gate pass or single ticket required
CHQ Assembly
There is no online version of this program.

Drop-in Softball

Interested in playing slow pitch softball? Contact co-commissioner Carrie Zachry at carriezachry@gmail.com

This is a free event.

Call or email us to reserve your seat at this event.

Phone: Email:

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062822_PickupSoftball_DT_09

July 10 @ 5:30 pm

Drop-in Softball

Sharpe Field

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  • Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Thursday, July 10th 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Sharpe Field
How To Access This Event Traditional Gate Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Grounds Access Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Single Tickets
Price: Gate pass or single ticket required
CHQ Assembly
There is no online version of this program.

Drop-in Softball

Interested in playing slow pitch softball? Contact co-commissioner Carrie Zachry at carriezachry@gmail.com

This is a free event.

Call or email us to reserve your seat at this event.

Phone: Email:

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062822_PickupSoftball_DT_09

July 17 @ 5:30 pm

Drop-in Softball

Sharpe Field

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  • Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Thursday, July 17th 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Sharpe Field
How To Access This Event Traditional Gate Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Grounds Access Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Single Tickets
Price: Gate pass or single ticket required
CHQ Assembly
There is no online version of this program.

Drop-in Softball

Interested in playing slow pitch softball? Contact co-commissioner Carrie Zachry at carriezachry@gmail.com

This is a free event.

Call or email us to reserve your seat at this event.

Phone: Email:

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062822_PickupSoftball_DT_09

July 24 @ 5:30 pm

Drop-in Softball

Sharpe Field

View Details
  • Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Thursday, July 24th 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Sharpe Field
How To Access This Event Traditional Gate Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Grounds Access Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Single Tickets
Price: Gate pass or single ticket required
CHQ Assembly
There is no online version of this program.

Drop-in Softball

Interested in playing slow pitch softball? Contact co-commissioner Carrie Zachry at carriezachry@gmail.com

This is a free event.

Call or email us to reserve your seat at this event.

Phone: Email:

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062822_PickupSoftball_DT_09

July 31 @ 5:30 pm

Drop-in Softball

Sharpe Field

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  • Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Drop-in Softball
Thursday, July 31st 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Sharpe Field
How To Access This Event Traditional Gate Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Grounds Access Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
Single Tickets
Price: Gate pass or single ticket required
CHQ Assembly
There is no online version of this program.

Drop-in Softball

Interested in playing slow pitch softball? Contact co-commissioner Carrie Zachry at carriezachry@gmail.com

This is a free event.

Call or email us to reserve your seat at this event.

Phone: Email:

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CHQSS19_JB-204

August 12 @ 1:00 pm

Mah Jongg Luncheon

Sports Club

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  • Mah Jongg Luncheon
Mah Jongg Luncheon
Mah Jongg Luncheon
Tuesday, August 12th 2025 @ 1:00 pm
Sports Club
How To Access This Event Traditional Gate Pass Holder
A single ticket purchase is required for this event.
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Single Tickets
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There is no online version of this program.

Mah Jongg Luncheon

Drop-in mah jongg at the Sports Club directed by PattyArmstrong

This is a free event.

Call or email us to reserve your seat at this event.

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