AROUND HOME : Boating

BOAT-RENTAL AGENCIES are prevalent at Southern California lakes, and all kinds of boats can be rented. At Big Bear Lake, for instance, the marinas rent out canoes, kayaks, rowboats, wind surfers and pontoon boats. Jet skis are also available. Isabella Lake, in Kern County, has water-ski boats for rent; and paddle boats, canoes, aquacycles and now sailboats are available at the lower lake at Castaic Lake. Lake Elsinore’s selection includes rowboats, pontoons, pedal boats, surfboards and floats. Lake San Antonio, 30 miles from Paso Robles, is one of the few lakes featuring houseboat rentals. Charter and excursion boats are available at Lake Arrowhead.

Among the lakes with standard-size fishing boats operated by man or motorized power are Lower Otay Lake in Chula Vista; Lake Cachuma, 21 miles from Santa Barbara; Salton Sea in Riverside County; Lake Casitas near Ventura; Anaheim Lake in Anaheim; Lake Hodges near Escondido, and Lake Piru in Ventura County.

Pedal boats are available at recreation areas including El Dorado Park Lake in Long Beach (on the east side), Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, in Victorville, and MacArthur Park in Los Angeles.

And for those who want to learn how to paddle a canoe, a course is now available at Echo Park Lake in Echo Park.