Moss Bay Rowing & Kayaking Center

I went on a company outing to Moss Bay for a «kayaking lesson.» However, we received zero instruction, aside from assistance in getting into the kayak. The staff did not give us rain covers for our kayaks. Mine was filled with tons of water by the time we were done.
Our «guide» seemed to be on a trip by herself and paid us no mind, despite some of our group having some difficulties. Halfway through our trip, my husband asked for some tips, and she gave some minor directions about how to paddle, which were actually very useful. Would have been great to know these tips *before* we started our «lesson.»
The location is lovely for kayaking. That’s the only part of the experience I can recommend.

Arrived on the dock — 4 staff were eating crab and ignored me. Finally noticed me and after one sentence the phone rang, so she answered the phone mid-​sentence and left me. Waiting… After several minutes of the staff ignoring me, I asked the remaining 3 and finally got help. Staff were indifferent.
Their rates are competitive, so it’s worth trying the competition right around Lake Union — Agua Verde on the North (expect line-​ups), and NW Outdoor Center on the West side of Lake Union.

I used to like them a lot. Until 2008 they had Catalina 16.5s and I love them. Then they got rid of them and I had a gift certificate, so I took out a HobieCat. Now, I’m willing to accept that perhaps I’m not so experienced on the catamaran sailing vessel, but that was ridiculous.
For the novice sailor, this location is horrible and they do nearly no instruction. They’re more than happy to let you kill yourself. For the not-​so-​novice sailor, HobieCats are a PAIN to maneuver out of their bay because you’re embarking upwind, which is a challenge. Add that to the fact that your typical tacks in a HobieCat will bring it to a DEAD STOP and you have a recipe for disaster. It’s pretty much a miracle that we made it out of the bay at all.
What’s better? Sailing out upwind means you’re sailing back… downwind. Hobiecats LOVE going downwind, and these are no exception. It was not nearly as enjoyable as working with the Catalinas and I’m very sad they decided to get rid of them.
Beginners, go to CWB and get some lessons on some good boats with a decent point of sail heading out. You’ll save your hide. The rest of my certificate will be used for Kayak rental.

This place is great! I went there this past weekend, during a beautiful Seattle day and was expecting a line-​up to the street, but was pleasantly surprised to just hand over my ID and jump into a kayak. In the past I have gone to Agua Verde, and where their location and dining is fantastic, waiting for an hour to get on the water is not my idea of a good time.
Very easy to do, very fun, but not much direction when you jump on the boats… luckily I have been out on the water a lot in my life, but if I hadn’t I would have been scared half to death!
I will definitely go back, and was keeping my eye on one of the Hobie sailboats… that has to be a blast.

I rented a Hobie sailboat here for a day this summer. Lake Union, while not a sailor’s paradise, is awesome on a sunny Seattle summer day, chasing ducks, dodging sea planes, and nosing around house boats. I think the whole thing cost $ 25 for an hour and a half, which is completely reasonable.
They lost a star for total disorganization. Granted it was kids sailing camp day and they were outnumbered 10 to 1, but when checking me out they had misplaced my ID. In an office that is 3×5.
They also have kayaks and rowing shells available, though that sounds like a whole lot of work when I could be sitting back letting the wind do the work while I watch the world float by.