Here’s how much it costs to rent paddle boards, kayaks or rafts at Sacramento-area shops
With hot temperatures seeping into the region, it might be a good idea to add some water activities to your Sacramento summer itinerary.
The area offers a wide variety of water sports, ranging from kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding.
Before you head out to the water, the National Weather Service is advising people that snow melt from the mountains is causing cold temperatures and fast currents at rivers, lakes and creeks. Wear a life jacket, the service stated, and be extremely cautious.
Cold water is dangerous! Air temperatures may be hot, but the water temperatures are cold.
Local rivers are still running FAST & COLD.
Always wear a life jacket and adhere to cold water safety!
For current water temperatures check out: https://t.co/QYgFIYspBe#Cawx pic.twitter.com/dRhM658KJf— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) July 4, 2023
Sacramento State Aquatic Center
1901 Hazel Ave, Gold River
Opens 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but last rental is given out at 6:45 p.m.
The Sacramento State Aquatic Center lets people rent equipment to kayak, canoe and stand-up paddle board in Lake Natoma. The center also offers classes to the general public on sailing, windsurfing, rowing, water skiing, power boating, jet skiing and more.
According to its website, rentals are charged by the hour and prorated to the nearest quarter hour. Rentals are first come, first served, but you can speed up the process of securing your equipment by making an account online.
Pricing
Single kayak — $14/hour for general public, $13/hour for Sacramento State alumni and $9/hour for Sacramento State students
Two-person kayak — $18/hour for general public, $17/hour for Sacramento State alumni and $11/hour for Sacramento State students
Canoe (up to 2 adults and 1 kid or 1 adult and 2 kids) — $18/hour for general public, $17/hour for Sacramento State alumni and $11/hour for Sacramento State students
Stand-up paddle boards — $16/hour for general public, $15/hour for Sacramento State alumni and $11/hour for Sacramento State students
American River Raft Rentals
11257 S Bridge St, Rancho Cordova
Opens 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
American River Raft Rentals offers tubes, paddle boards, kayaks and rafts for up to 12 people.
Guests will be on the American River and the 6-mile route ends at River Bend Point, 2300 Rod Beaudry Dr., according to a map on the website. You can make an appointment online or call the shop at 888-338-RAFT for walk-in availability.
Kids must be at least 5 years old and 40 pounds to raft, and at least 12 years old to kayak, tube or paddle board.
The total cost is based on each piece of equipment you rent. The route may take three to four hours, according to the website, but you can stop and swim or picnic along the way. Equipment must be returned by 6 p.m.
Pricing
Tube — $30
Paddle board — $49
Single kayak — $49
2-person kayak — $79
4-person raft — $99
6-person raft — $145
10-person raft — $245
12-person raft — $280
White Water Adventures
Snow Mountain National Monument Park in Cache Creek River
White Water Adventures is located “1 mile past Rumsey, CA,” according to its website, and its water is not affected by the Sierra Nevada snowmelt.
It states that its water is warm and controlled by a dam, which means you can safely raft. Rates depend on how many days you’re going and rafters must be 12 years old and over, and be at least 80 pounds. You can book online at the website.
You don’t need prior experience to raft this river and all participants will go through an orientation.
Pricing
1-day rafting with lunch included — starts at $89
2-day weekend overnight rafting with meals included — starts at $199
