Green Lake
Green Lake Small Craft Center
5900 W Green Lake Way N.
206-684-4074
Head to Green Lake if you're a novice looking to take a turn on the peaceful waters. The Small Craft Center is located at the southwest corner of the lake and provides instruction in rowing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Generally classes meet about 10 times for 2 - 3 hours each.

Lake Washington
Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center
3800 Lake Washington Blvd S.
206-386-1913
Come here if you're new to Lake Washington. Affiliated with Green Lake's Small Craft Center, the Mount Baker center offers classes in rowing and sailing. No boat rentals at either of these places, though.

Magnuson Park
6500 Sand Point Way NE
206-684-4075
Great spot for windsurfing; also a popular place to launch sailboats and to jet-ski.

Lake Union
Aqua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club
1303 N.E. Boat St.
206-545-8570
Hourly kayak rentals and food.

Puget Sound
Alki Beach Alki Ave. SW
Alki Point and Duwamish Head, 1 mile to the east, are both popular spots for windsurfing in West Seattle. More on Alki Beach