Don't be intimidated by the process. My boating started at age 9 with a row boat on Lake Winni. I graduated up from there. The size of the lake is not a real big issue if you know your limitations and safety issues. They apply everywhere.
An interesting read on "boating", and even more on life is this book...
"First You Have To Row a Little Boat"...
http://www.windtraveler.net/2013/02/...ttle-boat.html
I can't recommend this enough. The metaphor of boating and the journey through life is worth your time. A great summer read.