Eight Ways to Get on the Water This Summer

Photo by Emily on Flickr/Creative Commons

Sure, the community pool is great. But don’t limit yourself to days of lounging and swimming laps when there are tons of ways to experience water sports in Boston. Here are eight to choose from:

Boating & Sailing

1. Charles River Canoe and Kayak

With five locations, Charles River Canoe and Kayak is your go-to for summer water sports. CRCK has canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards for rent, with classes and group programs available for all ages. Boats can be rented by the hour or day. 

Prices vary. Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, paddleboston.com.

2. Piers Park Sailing Center

Learning to mount a jib like a pro with a class at Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston. Its private Introduction to Sailing class teaches you the basics in a two-hour lesson. 

$95+. 95 Marginal St., East Boston, piersparksailing.org.

3. Courageous Sailing

Take your workout onto Jamaica Pond. Courageous Sailing rents rowboats, sailboats, and kayaks, starting at noon on summer weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends. Note: Bring cash or checks.

$15/hour. 507 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain, courageoussailing.org.

Paddleboarding & Kiteboarding

4. Surfari Stand Up Paddle & Surf

Head to Manchester-by-the-Sea for some surf and SUP at Surfari Stand Up Paddle & Surf. Sign up for a surfing lesson or an after-hours Full Moon paddleboard excursion. 

$25/hour. 26 Central St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, standuppaddlesurfari.com.

5. SUP YO

Take paddleboarding to the next level with a SUP yoga class. Balancing on the water intensifies your workout, while the gentle drifting adds a dose of calm. Prices for 75-minute classes vary depending on location.

$35-40. Locations vary, sup-yo.com.

6. New England Kite School

Feeling adventurous? Head to Revere Beach for a kiteboarding lesson from New England Kite School. Each lesson is taught by an experienced kiteboarder, with private instruction available for an additional cost. Students are required to provide their own wetsuits and footwear.

$150/hour. Revere Beach Blvd., Revere, nekiteschool.com.

Rafting & Rowing

7. Community Rowing

Pretend you’re a Head of the Charles star at Community Rowing. CRI offers all types and levels of classes, from absolute beginners to experienced scullers. 

Prices vary. Harry Parker Boathouse, 20 Nonantum Rd., Brighton, communityrowing.org. 

8. Gentle Giant Rowing Club

Ramp up your rowing practice slowly, starting on ergometers before moving to the water. You’ll learn the basics during Gentle Giant’s month-long introductory sessions.

Prices vary. 32 Shore Drive, Somerville, gentlegiantrowing.org.