Kayak, Canoe or Sail into Summer - The Ultimate Guide to Water Adventures This Season

Kick off with a 60-minute paddleboards session at edgewater, then retreat to your terrace for a quick reset and plan for a week ahead.

With right equipment, youre ready to progress: switch from paddleboards to canoeing routes, add a small boat crossing for variety, and refine blade angles for efficiency. Include sups as a stepping stone between board drills, and keep a deck-side warmup; log progress on a desk-ready checklist so members at each level stay aligned.

In september, daylight stays longer, so schedule weekly practice blocks along edgewater and across calm coves. Events calendar fills quickly–watch a short video about technique and safety before heading out, then record notes on your desk to track progress and set targets.

Membership grants you a level-based plan: front-dock check-ins, deck space for prep, and land-side gear racks. You can borrow boats, sups, or a compact craft during weekend sessions; head out with your partners, then return to land for a post-session review. Across this period, build confidence across different zones.

If youre unsure where to begin, contact your desk team for a personalized plan, then head to edgewater with the right gear–paddleboards, sups, or a boat–and share a video of your progress with members this summer.

The Edgewater Pier and Madison Lakes: Port-of-Call Essentials

Reserve a two-night stay at Edgewater Pier boathouse and join the local club for guaranteed access to paddleboards in multiple sizes. Early booking locks in a weekly lineup of events on thursdays, with peers ready to share routes, tips, and a great photo.

Madison Lakes offer a two-mile loop around two basins connected by channels; mornings are typically calm and beginner-friendly, with light breezes building in late afternoon. The shorelines provide spots for another photo and friendly company for after the ride.

Building next to pier houses clean showers and changing rooms; boathouse docks a free grill station and several picnic tables. A free grill area is available for use with your own charcoal, and there are seating clusters along the water for a short break after a ride.

Equipment and sizes: paddleboards range from 8 to 12 feet. Rentals are stored on the board rack at the dock, and you can make reservations at the desk. Rental rates start at $12 per hour or $20 for a two-hour session.

Safety and etiquette: standing paddling is allowed in clearly marked lanes; keep to the right and yield to slower paddlers and motorized craft. After you started, maintain a safe back distance from others and wear a PFD.

September adds weekly events that run through that month, with a focus on skill drills, rescue basics, and photo opportunities around the piers. Here, many folks grab a quick workout on the water and return to shore ready for another paddling session on several days each week.

Getting there and what to bring: arrive by 8:30 am, bring water, sunscreen, and a towel; the grill area is free to use with charcoal you bring; parking is free on weekdays, with additional spots near the building.

Edgewater Pier: Access, Parking, and Onsite Amenities

Recommended: park in Lot A and access via West Gate to minimize walk and maximize time on deck.

• Access options: gate near plaza, crosswalk over canal, and ramp for barrier-free ascent; signage points toward rental area and memorial.
• Plaza-centered layout keeps activities in a single walkable zone, with clubs meeting near water during warm days.
• Visiting groups can choose from experiences spanning outdoor workouts, guided tours, and self-guided strolls along decking.

thats why proximity to plaza matters for visiting groups.

• Lot A: 120 spaces, near plaza; hourly rate $1.75, daily max $12; free after 6 pm on weekdays.
• Lot B: 180 spaces, farther but cheaper; weekend max $8; payment via card or mobile app.
• Street parking along waterfront offers extra option; 2-hour limit; posted restrictions apply in September.

• Deck area with shade and seating offers views over lakes; outdoor events occur near plaza; some days feature back-to-back experiences, ranging from kayaking and canoes rentals to club gatherings.
• Boathouse building houses rentals for kayaking and canoes; eligible visitors can join workshops or guided outings led by captain.
• Memorial feature with plaques honors a local captain; plaza space supports visiting families and outdoor workouts.
• Outdoor workout area with fitness stations and running path; some days host visiting clubs and organized runs between dock and building.
• September rotates schedules with family-friendly entertainment and instructional programs; join update list for picks.

summer activities at Edgewater Pier include concerts, family days, and clubs staying active after dark.

Outdoor UW: Programs, Equipment, and Safety

Rent paddleboards at Edgewater boathouse in Mendota plaza, join a beginner canoeing session led by a captain, and book online to explore package deals that include gear, instruction, and tours.

Outdoor UW runs programs through university clubs, safety workshops, and guided tours. Eligible students join clubs or register online; equipment packages include paddleboards, PFDs, paddles, and dry bags. Some sessions start near Edgewater building or at Mendota plaza, with routes across calm coves led by a captain. Many options help you try boating with minimal risk.

Safety first: wear a PFD at all times, check forecast for cold wind, ride with a buddy, and listen to captain commands. A safety briefing happens before trips; hoofers assist with gear checks, line handling, and keeping groups together. Building checks ensure gear is in good shape before each outing. Photo moments are encouraged to capture memories from each ride.

Gear coverage includes life jackets, throw lines, dry bags, and windbreakers; rental options are listed in online catalog. Explore gear by package: entry, standard, and premium, each offering paddleboards as well as safety gear; book a package that fits schedule and budget. On plaza days, balloon displays and grill stations create a social backdrop for learning, with photo corners for memories. This program started here on campus waterfront to connect students with boating across Mendota, Edgewater, and nearby plazas.

Skipper Bud’s Madison Rentals: Pontoon and Sport Boat Options

Opt for Skipper Bud’s Madison Rentals for a social, low-hassle day afloat with Pontoon and Sport Boat options.

Rates vary by model and daypart, with packages including 4-hour half-day and 8-hour full-day sessions; online checkout speeds planning, and some add-ons like paddleboards or a guided tour available for a modest extra fee; between slots, safety briefings run in minutes.

Pontoon models range 20, 24, or 26 feet, with seating for 8–12 and engines from 115 to 150 horsepower; features include Bluetooth stereo, shade canopy, swim ladder, and a boathouse pickup at Madison's north marina. madisons community members from madisons area often book multi-day packages.

Sport Boat choices range 18–22 feet, for 6–9 people, with sport-focused hulls, wake-friendly options, plus onboard cooler and roomy bow seating; add an after-dark cruise for a September fireworks tour lasting about 45 minutes near Madison's memorial district along a lakefront; supsquatch photo stop available after sunset.

Online booking lets you coordinate from yourself to a group, join events, and select a package that fits some outdoor days with friends; boathouse pickup available, with free parking on event days. A welcome hoofer-friendly music set may run after tours.

Weekly Public Cruises: Schedules, Pricing, and Inclusions

Lock in Friday sunset cruise for a nice balance of scenery and value; advance booking ensures a guaranteed seat and smoother check-in.

Schedule runs daily with departures at 10:00, 12:30, 15:45, and 18:15; each voyage lasts about 75 minutes. Boarding begins 15 minutes before start at edgewater dock; desk staff confirm sizes and seating.

Pricing spans $28–$58 per person, depending on time and vessel; kids under 6 free; early-bird discounts of 5–10% apply for clubs or groups of six or more; two-night option available on select weekends, adding a second tour at bundled price.

Each trip includes a licensed captain, life jackets, and guided narration; on-board boating facilities include restrooms, a shaded terrace, standing areas, and outdoor seating; balloon lantern accents light path near dusk.

Guests between ages 6 and 17 qualify for reduced fares; edgewater access easy; some tours offer commentary across water by captain; tours operate rain or shine with light ponchos available.

Practical notes: check-in at desk 60 minutes before departures; consider clubs for 10–15% savings; between tours, edgewater terrace offers quick snacks; some guests report supsquatch sightings across land near balloon lighting by wing rails.

Private Charter Tours: Custom Itineraries and Booking Steps

Book a private charter from mendota to edgewater for perfect, tailor-made itinerary that fits youre group. Our team builds routes around lakes, backwater channels, and boathouse corridors, with options for terrace stops and shoreline views that enhance experience. If youre seeking another date, we can propose alternatives.

Program started as a simple boathouse excursion and expanded into multi-stop journeys.

Key features

• Custom itineraries designed for different members of your party, with flexible pacing and edgewater shoreline stops.
• Equipment options include double-bladed paddles for efficiency; choose kayaking or canoeing gear depending on your group's experience.
• On-site staff, including hoofers who assist with boarding and dockside safety, ensure smooth transitions.
• Free add-ons and events such as shoreline photo stops or a small onboard program, depending on availability.
• Building private charter takes into account start times, weather margins, and safe return to boathouse along back of lakes.

Booking steps

1. Prepare your guest list and preferred date; contact our booking desk to check availability. Private charters can accommodate 4–40 guests depending on craft type, with Thursday slots often available first.
2. Choose activity type: kayaking or canoeing, with double-bladed paddles; blade choices can be tailored to comfort level.
3. Pick a route and stops: from mendota across lakes, with a terrace break at edgewater and a boathouse visit for building logistics.
4. Submit your request and review a proposed itinerary; after you approve, book with a deposit–thats typically 25–50% depending on group size; youre given final confirmation.
5. On day of excursion: arrive at desk, sign waivers, board craft, and join crew for a smooth start.