Reminders!
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. Fritz Hedges Waterway Park, East Montlake Park, the Washington Park Arboretum, and the Montlake Community Center are the closest options to launch 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
Important Dates with Adjusted Hours
- Early Closure (Friday, May 9) 10am-5pm
- Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) OPEN 10am-7pm
- Home football games (August 30, September 6, 27, October 11) CLOSED
- SeaFair Weekend (August 2nd-4th) CLOSED
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 | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|
| April 19th – May
(No paddleboard rentals) |
Thursday – Sunday
Monday, May 27, OPEN – 10am-7pm |
10am – 7pm |
| June-July | Wednesday – Sunday | 10 am – 8 pm |
| August | Wednesday – Sunday
SeaFair Weekend – Fri-Sun August 1st-3rd CLOSED Home Football Game – Saturday August 30th CLOSED |
10 am – 7 pm |
| September | Wednesday – Sunday
Home Football Games – Saturday September 6th and 27th CLOSED |
10 am – 6 pm |
| October (specific days only)
(No paddleboard rentals) |
October 4th, October 5th, and October 12th OPEN | 10am – 5pm |
| October 13th – April | CLOSED | CLOSED |
General Public Rental Rates per Watercraft
| Boat type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Canoe | $21/hour |
| Single Kayak | $25/hour |
| Paddleboard | $25/hour |
| Double kayak | $29/hour |
UW Student Rental Rates per Watercraft
| Boat type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Canoe | $15/hour |
| Single Kayak | $19/hour |
| Paddleboard | $19/hour |
| Double kayak | $21/hour |
UW Employee Rental Rates per Watercraft
| Boat type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Canoe | $18/hour |
| Single Kayak | $22/hour |
| Paddleboard | $22/hour |
| Double kayak | $24/hour |
What to Expect When Renting
- 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 for each boat type are as follows:
| Boat Type | Occupancy Requirements |
|---|---|
| Canoe | 1-4 people allowed (3rd and 4th passengers must be children aged 2-12 and weigh under 90 lbs each) Max passenger weight capacity: 560lbs |
| Double Kayak | 2 people only. (We do not rent out our double kayaks for solo paddling) Max passenger weight capacity – 500lbs |
| Single Kayak | 1 person only. (Adult paddler 18+ years of age) Max passenger weight capacity – 350lbs |
| Paddleboard | 1 person only. (Adult paddler 18+ years of age) Max passenger weight capacity – 300lbs (210lbs for beginners) |
| All Boats | 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. |
Rental Details
Rental Eligibility
- 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
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.
Sound Transit Light Rail has arrived at UW. Avoid parking issues and use a light rail, conveniently located by Husky Stadium and the WAC.
Discounts and Payment Methods
- 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.
Important Dates and Hour Changes
Event closures:
- Windermere Cup/Opening Day Weekend (May 4 and 5)
- 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)
Contact Us
Waterfront Activities Center Information
206-543-9433
wacboats@uw.edu
Emergency Line for Capsized Boats – 206-543-2217