Crovar

The class is free online (and super easy). You can take the course at your leisure here: http://www.boatus.org/courses/ I feel your pain though as far as a boat not being in the cards yet.

There are a ton of spots to go that are really popular. Most popular is probably Jerome road near sidecut park. I'm the person CybrSlydr was talking about. I can let you know of more areas to go and park if u would like.