Does anyone know any easy access put-ins to the lake or ponds nearby?  I know that you can go to the city beach, park on the far north end of the parking lot and carry over the top of a small mound of grass and sand and put in there, which is okay, but not very convenient.  I'm not sure about the campground at Cumberland Bay State Park, though I know there is an access, whether it's allowed during camping season, I'm not sure.  I'd like find some easy, quick put-ins that are close by and comfortable for an inexperienced kayaker with an even lesser experienced friend along.  Saranac River accessed at Cadyville beach is great, but it's not nearby, so you want to make a longer trip of it.  I'm more interested in some that can be done daily after work or on lunch hour.

Kayaking is soooo relaxing, and it's an "invisible" workout too.  You never even feel like it's an effort, but it's good for your muscles. 

Ausable Point is a good spot.  That have a small "boat launch" there, as well as near the parking area before the entrance to the campsite. 

I never have gone kayacking.  Where would one take lessons around here?

How come my spell check doesn't work, lol, oh well.

Plattsburgh State offers a 5 day credit course every summer in June, and they have a few 4-hour classes whithin those days which are non-credit.  They are excellent.  (look up on PSU website, called "Sea Kayak Institute".  You've probably missed enrollment for this year, but the Kayak Shack on Route 9 south (Valcour area) offers them on an ongoing basis and even per request, along with tours to Valcour Island.  All of these lessons include equipment.  Another good place to go is the Wooden Ski & Wheel.  They have demos once a week, or as interested, and they'll gear you up, explain the basics and put you in the water for a 5-10 minute try-out.  It gives you an idea of whether you want to pursue kayaking or not.