Editor’s Note: Originally published May 3, 2021.

Hitting Everett waters just got easier.

KayakShare.com has set up a kiosk with one-person and two-person kayaks for rent, as well as stand up paddle boards. Oars, life jackets (with whistles), and everything you need to get paddling is included. 

My toddler and I recently rented a two-seater kayak. It was a sunny Sunday and we decided we wanted to get out on the water that morning. I wasn’t sure how to find a boat on short notice, though. That’s when I remembered the rental options on the Everett waterfront. Bingo! This gave us the ability to head straight to the water without missing a beat.

Okay, signing up for a boat did take a little time. The entire checkout process is automated through the KayakShare.com website. You have to select your vessel, select your time (both for departure and return), watch their safety videos, input payment info, sign your life away, etc etc etc. 

Once registered we were texted instructions for how to unlock our kayak (with a key from a secured lockbox on site), and also how to lock it up when we were done. 

Time slots are available in 15-minute blocks. The cost was $7.50 per 15-minute block for our two-seater kayak. A one-seater or a stand up paddle board runs $5 per 15-minute block. 

KayakShare.com also has a handy weather app on their site that shows wind speed and direction, which was a helpful resource for a novice like myself. 

It was such a calm and beautiful day, we ended up going over to Jetty Island. We tried pulling ashore south of the dock, but the sand was so wet and muddy I was sinking to my knees with every step. We retreated and opted for the north side of the dock which had drier sand and offered a quick respite for a snack. 

We went out for an hour total. It was a short but enjoyable excursion. And a good workout for me since my toddler let me do all the paddling!

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and am so thankful to have this resource for locals and visitors alike.

My biggest challenges I ran into:

1. There were no dolly wheels provided for transporting the kayak to the water. Without another adult to help me transport, this was challenging.

2. While life jackets were provided, the smallest youth sizes were more for “big kids” than a toddler. You will need to bring your own Coast Guard Approved personal floatation device (PFD) for toddlers and babies. Learn more about the proper sizing and fitting of PFDs for kids here.

3. The kiosk is located right next to the main boat launch, but there’s also another dock immediately south of there. So I actually wasn’t sure exactly where to launch. I saw some other folks with kayaks using the main boat launch, so we went with that.

4. As soon as we started paddling we went to the south, and I didn’t realize it but we were directly in front of the fishing pier. It became apparent when a fisherman’s line nearly hit my face and I had to duck under it. Oops. I gave an embarrassed wave and was thankful we didn’t get tangled in his line.

As someone who hasn’t explored the Everett waters much, this was a great gateway experience. It has even got us talking about getting our own kayak or small boat. Thanks to KayakShare.com for making it possible. What a fantastic way to enjoy a sunny day on the Everett waterfront.

Looking to launch your boat in Everett? Check out our list of boat launch spots! Or learn about crabbing in Port Gardner (currently closed until Summer 2021).

In the mood for a paddle? 
Check out KayakShare.com for more info.

Garret is the co-founder of Live in Everett.