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Boat Rentals

Boat Rentals

  1. Our operations are weather dependent; if it is particularly windy (15mph) or stormy (thunder and lightning), please call before coming down.
  2. There is no public launch for personal watercraft at the UW Waterfront. Here are some local alternatives for launching your own canoe, kayak, or paddleboard:
  3. The Washington Arboretum Waterways are now fully open after 3 years of closure! The only restricted area now is the Montlake Cut due heavy boat traffic in a narrow lane.

Rental Hours

All boats are due back 1 hour after the end of the rental window. For example, boats are due back at 9pm all days in July.

Month Day Time
April 19th – May
(No paddleboards)
Thursday – Sunday 10:00a – 7:00p
June-July Wednesday – Sunday 10:00a – 8:00p
August Wednesday – Sunday 10:00a – 7:00p
September Wednesday – Sunday 10:00a – 6:00p
October (specific days only)
(No paddleboards)
4th, 5th, 12th 10:00a – 5:00p
October 13th – April CLOSED CLOSED

Adjusted Hours

Event Date Time
Early Closure Friday, May 9th 10:00a – 5:00p
Memorial Day Monday, May 26th 10:00a – 7:00p
Independence Day Friday, July 4th CLOSED
SeaFair Weekend August 1st – August 3rd CLOSED
Home Football Games August 30th, September 6th, September 27th, October 11th CLOSED

Rental Rates

Boat Type Student Rate Employee Rate Public Rate
Canoe $15/hour $18/hour $21/hour
Single Kayak $19/hour $22/hour $25/hour
Paddleboard $19/hour $22/hour $25/hour
Double kayak $21/hour $24/hour $29/hour

Expectations

  • There is no food service or vending machines at the Waterfront.
  • PFDs (life jackets) and paddles are supplied with every rental, but we encourage patrons to bring their own Type I, II, or III PFD.
  • PFDs (life jackets) must be worn and buckled at all times while in our boats.
  • Boaters and personal items taken aboard will get wet; please plan accordingly.  We have a limited number of dry bags available for rent ($2.50).
  • We have a limited number of day-use lockers available for rent ($2.50) for those not wanting to take valuables on the boat.
  • Sunscreen is available for sale ($2.50)

Occupancy Requirements

One occupant must be an adult 18+ years of age with a valid photo ID.
Minors are not permitted to be solo paddlers in any boat.

Boat Type Occupancy Requirements Max Weight Capacity
Canoe 1-4 people allowed (3rd and 4th passengers must be children aged 2-12 and weigh under 90 lbs each) 560 lbs.
Double Kayak 2 people only.  (We do not rent out our double kayaks for solo paddling) 500 lbs.
Single Kayak 1 person only.  (Adult paddler 18+ years of age) 350 lbs.
Paddleboard 1 person only.  (Adult paddler 18+ years of age) 300 lbs. (210 lbs. for beginners)

Rental Details

  • No reservations are required.
  • Boat rentals are available to the greater UW Community and the Public.
  • Our single kayaks AND paddleboards are only available to adults 18+ years of age (with photo ID).
  • Our double kayaks are double occupancy only.
  • Our canoes seat two but can be operated by a solo paddler.  We allow a third and fourth paddler in our canoes only when they are under the age of 12 and weigh under 90 lbs.
  • Must be at least 18+ years of age with a valid photo ID to rent a boat. Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Each boat must have at least one occupant that is at least 18+ years of age with a valid photo ID.
  • Children must be at least 2 years old, weigh at least 25 pounds, and be able to walk on their own. We strongly recommend that children have the ability to tread water.

Parking is free after 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturdays and all day Sundays/holidays.

Paid parking is available Monday-Friday in the E-19 and E-21 lots behind Husky Stadium.

Avoid parking issues and use the Sound Transit Light Rail, with a station conveniently located by Husky Stadium and the WAC.

  • Patrons must be UW Seattle Campus students or UW employees and have valid UW Husky Card to receive discounted rates.
  • Only one ID may be used per boat, both for rental and applied discount.  Non-transferrable.
  • Payment must be made by Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, or Discover. Credit card to be charged after rental and return of equipment.
  • Prices do not include sales tax.

Event Closures:

  • Windermere Cup/Opening Day Weekend (May 4 and 5)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Home football games (August 31, September 7, 21, October 5)
  • Apple Cup (September 14)
  • Off-season: Typically October 14 – April 31 (varies based on weather)
  • SeaFair Weekend (Aug 2nd-4th)

Dogs are allowed and welcome in our canoes; we do not allow dogs in our kayaks. No pet life jackets are provided.


Feedback

Report all incidents of bias or suspected bias using the UW’s Bias Reporting Tool.

Kudos? Comments? Complaints? We want to hear from you. Fill the Recreation Feedback Form

Contact Us

Waterfront Activities Center

206.543.9433
wacboats@uw.edu

Emergecy Line for Capsized Boats

206.543.2217