Get Up & Go: Boats Ahoy!

Life in Massachusetts offers many recreational activities – including easy access to boating during the beautiful summer weather months. No ocean view outside your apartment home? No problem! A taste of the nautical life awaits—no kayak, canoe or sailboat needed! This week’s “Get Up & Go!” provides suggestions for nearby facilities where you can enjoy boating on a lake, river or the ocean—of course! Whether you are an experienced boater or a novice, there’s nothing like a day on the water when it comes to family fun or recreational pleasure with friends. When you go, don’t forget to tag a digital snapshot on our Facebook page!

Boating in Boston: Natick – Boating in Boston’s Natick location at Lake Cochituate offers kayak, canoe, Standup Paddleboard (SUP), rowboat and pedal boat rentals. Lake Cochituate’s family-friendly park also features a spacious beach for swimming. Visit the website for information on hours and available equipment.

Boating in Boston: Hopkinton – Boating in Boston has shop set up at Hopkinton State Park— which offers 1,500 acres of forest, open fields and a large lake, complete with 2 beaches, 3 islands and surrounded by loads of running trails. This must-visit destination for Central Massachusetts residents has a great boathouse where you can rent a kayak, canoe, SUP, rowboat, or pedal boat.  Fitness classes are available on the water as well – be sure to check their website for specifics!

Regatta Point – Located on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, a brand new fleet of rental boats (paddleboats, kayaks, SUPs, canoes, rowboats) awaits visitors this summer. Lake  Quinsigamond is busy place – so if you are interested in doing a lot of exploring and making a full day of it, be sure to sign up for the safety training class, which gives you access to the entire lake.  Regatta Point is located at 10 Lake Avenue North, Worcester.

Boston Sailing Center – The Sailing Center gives beginners a chance to learn sailing in the open waters of Boston Harbor. In addition to free Sailing Open Houses (including 30-minute sail cruise around the harbor), BSC’s Learn-To-Sail program starts covers nautical sailing and on-the-water experience. The program offers students use of boats outside of class as well!  

Paddle Boston – This canoe and kayak rental service has five different locations along the Charles River in Boston, Cambridge, Newton and Waltham. Offering guided tours, lessons and rentals, Paddle Boston also has Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP). Check out their SUP yoga classes, which provide a full workout on the water!

Courageous Sailing – Courageous Sailing (CS) offers another opportunity to learn to sail on the Boston Harbor but has special focus on children and families.  Visit their website for a full listing of courses, camps and activities.