Tacoma, WA

Ever watched wistfully as athletic-looking people glided by on kayaks or canoes, feeling healthy and invigorated? Well, you can BE one of those people, without possessing special skills and equipment, for just an hour or two, if that’s all you have. Renting a boat is simple, inexpensive, and a great outing, in the uncrowded and safe Gig Harbor marina area. Located beneath and just beside Anthony’s restaurant, Gig Harbor Rent-A-Boat has free parking in the lot across the street. You can easily slip right into a kayak that’s tied up and waiting for you, for just $14 an hour.

I had driven by the sign many times, and even watched the boats coming and going while eating crab appetizers upstairs at Anthony’s, but always assumed that kayaking was a specialty sport and something I definitely didn’t have time for. But on a whim one day, when the sun was brilliant and the wind was gentle on the harbor, I walked down the ramp and told the girl on deck that I wanted to rent a kayak. She said, “Sure, what color do you want? The green one matches your shirt.” I knew right off that this was my kind of place.
Within about 10 minutes, I had been fitted with a lifejacket (equipped with a whistle in a zippered compartment), an oar, and suggestions to not leave the harbor area, since I was a beginner. But the harbor area is a beautiful circular display of yachts, coves, herons and otters, and a view of Mt. Ranier – why would I ever want to leave the harbor area?

Though I was being adventurous on my own that day, you can also rent a two-seater kayak and bring along a friend. If you prefer, they do rent canoes, pedal boats, and even power boats. The power boats are great for family get togethers, or for a day out with your kids – or a fantastic way to impress a date! Rather than an expensive dinner out on the town, have a much more romantic picnic on a Larson boat, with a cozy kitchenette and lounging area below deck.
I returned to the area with my husband a few days after the kayak outing , and convinced him to venture onto the water with me – but he chose the power boat option as the deciding criteria. Both were fun, and a fantastic way to indulge a South Sound summer day.

With the opening of the brand new Tacoma Narrows bridge, getting to Gig Harbor is easy and quick; only about 9 miles from Tacoma.
Gig Harbor Rent-A-Boat, 8829 N. Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, Wa 98332.
Tele: 253-858-7341
Visit their website for all rental prices, and information about charters and kids’ kayaking day camps. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. www.gigharborrentaboat.com