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    Wingra Boats

    4.8 (39 reviews)
    Open • 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Jessi Z.

    Had a great experience at morning mindfulness and meditation through Wingra boats. Super easy and quick check in process. Very helpful employees and all the equipment was great. Really enjoyed this experience, looking forward to doing it more this summer. Parking was easily accessible and free.

    Max M.

    One of my favorite spots for going paddle boarding in Madison! Wingra boats offers a variety of vessels (such as paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, peddle boats, etc.) for fun on the water. This spot is kinda slept on because a lot of people like going to Brittingham/other places in Madison, but it's such a fun, chill time on the water. Lake Wingra is more calm than Monona and usually this place has plenty of parking and equipment for some outdoor fun. The prices were pretty affordable with paddle boards renting out for around $16/hr. Overall, great place - will be returning!

    Gabby Z.

    easy to book online and easy service to receive paddle boat. we paid $20 for one hour use all you have to do when you get there is sign a waiver and drop off your id. parking is a little busy because there are other things to do at the lake other than paddle boats. i recommend.

    Hanging out on a Standup Paddle Board (SUP) on Lake Wingra on a calm May morning
    Lisa G.

    Wingra Boats is a magical place, where friendly faces are happy to push you off on an adventure on a no-wake lake. The lake is rich in wildlife: many species of fish (Gar, Musky, Bass and a million little Bluegills!), birds (white Pelicans, Ducks, Geese, Sandhill Cranes, Blue and Green Herons, etc.). There is a sandy area across the lake where it is fun to swim and wade. There are only three houses on this lake; most of the lakeshore is park or part of the UW Arboretum. The culture at the boat house is customer-focused and friendly. Go on a relatively calm day and you will not regret it! Lake WIngra is a great swimming lake in the middle, so take out a paddle boat or standup paddleboard and take a swim. The lake is spring fed, but is shallow so warms up quickly in the summer.

    The rental process was very easy and the staff were very helpful. Free lockers available at the docks for your stuff. Thanks for the great experience!

    Wingra Boats - Fun for all!

    We had the best time! Definitely recommend for anyone. My cousin was in town and we took our kids paddle boating. Beautiful day on the lake and everyone had fun (6, 14, and "adults"). Calm enough and no motor boats so everyone felt safe no matter where we were on the lake. Staff is super friendly and helpful with recommendations and tips.

    Dog in a boat!
    Ari W.

    I love kayaking at Wingra Boats! I've been kayaking out here several times now. I try to get out here at least once a summer, if not more. The pricing is fair, the service is good, and the lake is the perfect size. It's relatively small, but that's really nice for the novice boater. Never have to worry about getting washed out too far or anything. Wingra Boats has several water vessels to choose from. Single kayaks, double kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddle boats, even stand-up paddle boards. Whatever you're looking for, they got it! Each type has an hourly fee. Your first hour is $XX and then they round to the half hour for time after. Every time I have been in, if I have been over just a little on time, they have rounded down. Very nice of them! I have taken my dog kayaking out here several times now as well. The first time I showed up with my dog I wasn't sure if they were even going to allow in a boat, but they sure did! They thought it was awesome. I always end up renting a double kayak. Doggo up front, me in the back. It works out super well - and he is not a small guy by any means. There are shallow areas around the lake that are great for hopping out the boats and splashing around in. Or if you're like me and have an animal with you, it's nice for them as well instead of swimming in the deeper waters. The lake also bumps up to the Arboretum, so you can hop out and explore over there too. Just make sure your boats don't float away!

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    5 years ago

    Clean equipment. Everything ready on time. Awesome, personalized service. Incredible competent and friendly staff. Highly recommend.

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    5 years ago

    We rented a paddle boat and had a great time. The staff was helpful and friendly. I will certainly go again.

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    Ask the Community - Wingra Boats

    Review Highlights - Wingra Boats

    “These guys have found a way to keep their staff and patrons safe during Covid without sacrificing on summer fun.”

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Brittingham Boats - Sup yoga

    Brittingham Boats

    4.6(40 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    They have all the paddle options but best of all they also have sup yoga!…read more How does this even work? They have buoys with carabiners where you clip the end of your paddle to so you don't drift off. The instructor and staff helps you get clipped in. And then from there the instructor guides you through a yoga session in water, sun, wind elements.

    Brittingham Boats has been one of my favorite summer traditions for years. I drive from the…read moreMilwaukee area at least once every summer specifically to kayak here, and I've always loved the whole experience. They offer kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and pedal boats, plus a beach for swimming. There's a cute little snack shop with really yummy grilled cheese sandwiches and beverages, T-shirts for sale, and a deck with tables and chairs, plus chaise lounges where you can relax in the sun. They also offer special events like burgers on the bay, where you kayak out to a pontoon boat where they're grilling burgers and other special event events throughout the summer. One of the things that makes this spot so special is the location. Brittingham Boats sits on Lake Monona, just west of John Nolen Drive, with largest section of Lake Monona and the Monona Terrace on the other side of the drive. In a normal summer, one of my favorite paddles is heading east, under the railroad bridge and John Nolen Drive, and out onto Lake Monona. From there, you can paddle along the shoreline and hang out near Monona Terrace, enjoying the views, watching the other kayakers and boaters, and even spotting plenty of open-water swimmers--many of whom I imagine are training for IRONMAN Wisconsin, held right here every September. There are also several different routes available depending on how far you want to explore, including paddles that can take you toward Lake Mendota and Lake Wingra, as well as routes in the direction of Olbrich Botanical Gardens and other scenic areas around Madison. **A note for summer 2026:** construction along John Nolen Drive appears to have interrupted that usual route, and I don't believe you can currently paddle through to Lake Monona. When I got there last Friday the weather turned and I didn't go out but from the looks of the construction going on, you can't get under John Nolan Drive Here's why I was especially disappointed when I visited last Friday, for the first time this year. Unfortunately, the property looked tired and neglected. It felt as though it had been opened for the season but hadn't received cleaning-just opened the doors--areas needed sweeping, weeds and landscaping needed trimming, cobwebs needed removing, and several things could really benefit from cleaning, fresh paint and general maintenance. The bathrooms were especially disappointing. They were very rundown and so wet that I honestly didn't want to touch anything. I'm sharing this because I really DO love this place and want to continue coming back. Brittingham Boats has so much going for it--the location, the activities and the atmosphere are wonderful. I just hope some time, attention and investment can be put into cleaning up and refreshing the place. A little TLC would go a very long way toward bringing back the charming place I've enjoyed making a special trip to visit every summer.

    Photos
    Brittingham Boats - Sup yoga

    Sup yoga

    Brittingham Boats - Sup yoga

    Sup yoga

    Brittingham Boats - We help you launch and land, and take care of cleaning and sanitizing all equipment after every use. All you have to do is have fun.

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    We help you launch and land, and take care of cleaning and sanitizing all equipment after every use. All you have to do is have fun.

    Jet Ski Madison - Dog friendly!

    Jet Ski Madison

    3.6(29 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    Do not rent from this company. Rented a "luxury" 14 person pontoon in July 2024, and it was junk…read more Please see the pictures: the boat was literally held together with packing tape in places, including the canopy which was flapping in the wind after we opened it. Additionally, the reverse gear did not work...the employee told us before departure that the reverse was " a little tricky, it doesn't always take." The reality was that the boat did not operate in reverse and we had to use manpower to avoid running into other boats when we attempted to dock/anchor. This was the most disturbing aspect of the rental because it was a safety risk, never mind the damaged and taped sections. We tried to discuss with Madison Jet Ski, but good luck reaching someone. There is no one to call, and slow or non-responsive to email. As a last resort, we attempted to find resolution with our credit card company, but were presented with legalese that we signed away any recourse in event of a complaint. Buyer beware, you have to sign off on everything BEFORE you take the boat out. Once you get on the water and discover any issues, you're stuck. My attempts at recourse began in July, and it is now mid-October. I will not waste any more of my valuable time dealing with this company, but it is my hope that sharing my experience will help others avoid the same fate. You can do better than Madison Jet Ski and your ~$700 with other firms on Lake Mendota or Monona.

    Cannot recommend enough! We booked last minute and Larry was more than accommodating. Super…read morefriendly and helpful, everything was perfect. The boat was gorgeous and ran beautifully, and they are even dog friendly! Thank you again Kaia and Larry.

    Photos
    Jet Ski Madison - Side of boat held together with packing tape.

    Side of boat held together with packing tape.

    Jet Ski Madison - Canopy flying the wind, notice the packing tape.

    Canopy flying the wind, notice the packing tape.

    Jet Ski Madison - Ripped upholstery

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    Ripped upholstery

    Redline Watersports - From his 'craft via mondays child's good times.

    Redline Watersports

    4.4(8 reviews)
    6.5 mi

    Horrible experience with their service and owner. I went to have a boat warranty transferred and a…read morefew other minor things. They told me it would take 2 hours to do and I would be out of there by noon. I drove from 3 hours away. Left my house at 5 in the morning. Got there took the cover off my boat and unhooked it. When I came back around noon they said it would still be a little bit. After sitting in my truck for another couple hours I went in to ask about it. Kept getting the run around. I was finally able to leave at 515 when they closed. They brought my boat out and didn't even clean the algae and scum off of it after pulling it out of the water. Then I look down the side of the boat and a huge scuff mark from hitting up against the dock. So the owner cleaned that rub mark off about 6 ft long. Then they locked up the doors and left didn't even offer to help me put my cover back on the boat. When putting the cover back on I realized why. There was grease all over my seadeck on the back platform. Then when I got inside the boat there was a chip out of my floor gel coat and random cuts in the main piece of seadeck. Also grease from dirty mechanic shoes inside the boat and the battery box covers were left off as well. I took the boat in on sept 11th 2025 and this review I'm finally leaving on Nov 7th 2025. After going back and forth with numerous phone calls that were never returned and text messages left unanswered. I was originally apologized too from the owner and he said he would get it all taken care of for me now the last message he sent me stated there was no way his mechanics caused the damage to my boat and when I responded I never got a response from him. I just simply wanted the damage to be fixed but now I guess I will be more money out of pocket to fix the damage caused by the neglect to my boat by their service team. I just purchased the boat and it had 190 hours on it and was still in like new condition. 2022 Mastercraft nxt24. I have never been ran around so much by a small business owner. He blames it on loosing his service manager. Just nothing but excuses from him. I have gave him more than enough time to remedy this situation and have gotten no where with it. Im honestly surprised my warranty got transferred through ilmor and mastercraft. I made sure to call and verify those things. Also you think that when I called to setup the appt and told him I was 3 hours away and that he was the closest mastercraft dealer to me that he would have looked up any recalls or warranty issues with my boat so we could get those taken care of while I was there also. I learned when I was there that my surf system tab sensors have a replacement for them. They didn't have them in stock so I couldn't get the work done while the boat was there. Now I have to find a different dealership to take the boat to and get this issue resolved. Nothing but bad business. I'm assuming he won't be around very much longer with how he conducts himself. I'm uploading photos and screen shots of messages as well to this review for proof. So disappointed....

    We have visited Redline several times over the past year, and I cannot say enough about their…read moreexceptional customer service. The staff is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They are highly responsive to our needs and always eager to please. Most importantly, when they promise something, they deliver.

    Photos
    Redline Watersports
    Redline Watersports - Always a good time via michael_w_digby.

    Always a good time via michael_w_digby.

    Redline Watersports - Lots of nice skis and wake boards.  Tonic, Hyperlite, Radar.

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    Lots of nice skis and wake boards. Tonic, Hyperlite, Radar.

    Quam's Marine & Motorsport

    Quam's Marine & Motorsport

    4.8(6 reviews)
    10.7 mi

    Just purchased a new Bennington Pontoon from Quam's Motorsports in Stoughton, Wisconsin. This is a…read morefamily owned dealership that delivered an awesome purchase experience. We're new to boating and they made it as smooth as could be. John Quam was there from the beginning and has been there even after the purchase. He personally delivered our boat to Lake Waubesa on his own truck, spent an hour on the lake, showing us all the ins and outs of our new boat. Even though we had ordered our new boat at the busiest possible time, John went out of his way to get us our boat ready for the big Memorial Day weekend. He kept me in the loop, even sending me an email (3.5 hours after they closed) to let me know that they had just completed getting the boat prep'd and it would be ready for delivery the following day! We were thrilled to be able to enjoy our boat for the weekend. After driving our boat, we started getting a warning alarm on our motor. John sent one of his techs right to our dock to diagnose the problem. With no luck, John personally came and picked up our boat and took it to the shop. Turned out to just be weeds in the water intake. After fixing it and a few other minor issues, he personally delivered the boat after they closed. Now that's service! I can't provide a more positive recommendation for anyone looking to buy a new or new to them boat. You just don't find this kind of service these days and when you do, you want to tell people!

    I don't normally write a review on businesses but this time it really is ridiculous not to!…read more We bought a used boat at Quam's mid August. The staff made arrangements to meet us before normal hours on a Saturday in order to get us out on the water in the boat before signing papers. However, there was a hiccup with the battery on that morning. The guys put in a new battery that morning and it started right up. To make a long story short, switching the battery was not the solution. We stalled on the water twice after putting the boat on the water at home. However, after contacting Roy Quam the first time, we took the boat back and work was done on the issue. Next week, we got the boat back, and, on the lake the next day, motor stalled again. I was really upset with the boat to say the least! I said I wanted a different boat and Roy understood completely. If we wanted another boat, they were willing to credit us the full purchase price towards another boat. However Roy stated that he was confident that they could fix whatever the wiring issue was happening on the Ranger. We agreed to try to have the issue fixed. Roy made arrangements to come pick up the boat this time so they could get working on the problem right away and we could get the boat back sooner, ( We live an hour and fifteen minutes away from Quam's.) I appreciated that and was really surprised that he did this. After working on the boat for two weeks, we think the issue is fixed but have only had the boat out once since getting it back. I am happy to say that the motor never stalled on this outing. We did have one minor glitch but Roy said to keep him posted on the issue in case it happens again. I haven't experienced customer service like this in a very long time! On a purchase like this, your heart sinks when you have problems immediately. My husband and I have been pleasantly surprised by the loyalty to their customers and their products that Quam's has shown us repeatedly. We are very glad we bought our boat at this dealership and would/will buy there again without hesitation!

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    Quam's Marine & Motorsport
    Quam's Marine & Motorsport
    Quam's Marine & Motorsport

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    Wingra Boats - paddleboarding - Updated October 2026

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