I live in Palo Alto, and this summer, I want to try a bit of kayaking for fun. I’m 16, pretty athletic, and up for any challenge (fast rivers sound fun). I would like to go on long, whole day scenic trips with my friends and eventually get into kayak fishing. Are there any nice places around the SF bay/Santa Cruz where I can rent a kayak and experiment with kayaking? I have heard that Loch Lomond and Coyote Creek are nice places, but do they rent out kayaks?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

P.s. Is there a kayak forum I can join to ask questions like these?