Agua Verde Paddle Club FAQs

Have questions before you paddle? Here are the most common things to know about reservations, rentals, age rules, what to bring, gear, pets, launching, parking and more.

Reservations & Rentals

Do you take reservations?

We have lots of equipment, so reservations are not required for singles or small groups of 1–11 people. Kayaks are rented by the hour on a first-come, first-served basis.

We offer limited hourly kayaking and stand-up paddleboard reservations for groups of 1–6 people. Please see our How to Rent page for additional Limited Hourly Reservations information. We also offer Large Group Reservations for groups of 12 or more paddlers.

Please see our Group Reservations page for additional information. We are also able to accommodate smaller groups as a private or custom tour.

How does the hourly rental process work?

We have lots of equipment for hourly rentals and will be able to get your group on the water.

  • Hop in line and we’ll sign people up in small groups of 4–6 people at a time.
  • If your group is larger than 6 people, we’ll make smaller groups launched right after one another.
  • When you return, you’ll check out with the small group you signed up with.
  • Check out our How to Rent page for more information.

For groups of 1–6 people, you have the option to make a limited hourly reservation. Large Group Reservations for more than 12 people can be requested on our Group Reservations page.

Do you sell used equipment?

Equipment sales are available throughout our season. Detailed information is available on our Gear for Sale page.

Age, Experience & Preparation

How old do you have to be to go kayaking?
  • 18 or older: Can rent a kayak or paddleboard.
  • 17 years and under: Must paddle in the front of a double kayak with someone over 18.

We do not have a minimum age requirement. A child can be in the front of a double kayak as long as they are comfortable and able to sit up on their own.

Do I need any experience?

Absolutely not. First-time paddlers are welcomed and encouraged. Agua Verde is a great place to learn, and we rent to paddlers of any level.

What should I wear?

Wear clothing that would be appropriate for any outdoor activity, such as hiking or biking. On cooler days, layers such as a fleece jacket or an extra sweatshirt are a good idea.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing as little as possible. Paddles, life jackets and spray skirts are provided with the rental.

Gear, Storage & On-Site Details

Do you have lockers? Can I bring my phone, laptop or camera?

We offer cubbies to store items for free, but locks are not provided. Dry bags are provided with your rental for phones, wallets and keys.

Where can I park my car?

Where Should I Park?

Tell us when you plan to paddle and for how long. We’ll suggest the best parking option.

What day?
What time do you plan to arrive?
How long do you plan to paddle?
See all parking options
1. W24 — 1400 NE Boat StFree after 4 pm weekdays and anytime on weekends. Not available on UW Husky football home game days.
2. Marina — 1401 NE Boat StClosest/easiest access. Pay at kiosk. $2 up to 1 hr; $4 for 1–2 hrs; $10 each additional hour.
3. 1200 NE Boat StPrivate pay lot. Paid Mon–Fri 5 am–3 pm; free weekends. $4 up to 1 hr; $8 for 1–2 hrs; $12 for 2–3 hrs; $10 each additional hour after 3 hrs.
4. W36 — 1011 NE Boat St2-hour parking, 7 am–6 pm. Free on Sundays. Check posted signs.
5. Street ParkingPayByPhone. 2-hour max; pay 8 am–8 pm; no time limit after 5 pm; Sundays/holidays free. Posted signs control.

Always check posted parking signs and hours. School buses use portions of NE Boat Street during select weekday hours.

  • Limited Free Parking: W 24 Lot. Entry is across the street from Agua Verde. This lot belongs to the University of Washington but is available for Agua Verde customers to use for free after 4 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays. This is the best option on weekends and weekday evenings.
  • Pay Lot: 1401 NE Boat Street Marina Lot. Park here anytime; this is often the best option during busy times. Pay at the kiosk at the entrance, then use the sidewalk west to reach the Paddle Club.
  • 1200 NE Boat Street Lot. Located on the corner of Pacific Street and Boat Street, one block west of Agua Verde across the street from the bike shop. Paid parking is in effect Monday to Friday, 5 am to 3 pm. Parking is free on weekends.
  • Street Parking. Two-hour max paid parking is available on weekdays and Saturdays. Street parking is free on Sundays. Pay careful attention to signage and hours, as school buses park on the right side of the street during select weekday hours. This is best for short-term parking on weekends and evenings.
How do I get to the Cafe?

The Cafe is located above the Paddle Club and is accessible by the stairs west of the Paddle Club.

Rules & Policies

Can I bring my dog on a kayak or paddleboard?

While we love all dogs and pets, they are not allowed on our equipment. Unfortunately, our insurance does not cover animals.

I’m renting a kayak, but my friend has their own. Can they launch from AVPC?

Only AVPC equipment can be launched from our dock. Other boats can be launched from the public dock nearby.

Can I go fishing?

No. We do not allow fishing equipment on our kayaks or paddleboards.

Still have questions?

Start with the How to Rent page, or contact Agua Verde Paddle Club before your visit.