With 72 miles of shoreline and some of the clearest water on the planet, Lake Tahoe is an ideal spot for one of the fastest growing sports out there. Flat water kayaking offers paddlers a gentle, laid back experience and a different look at the natural world that hiking or cycling does not provide. Many historic buildings around Tahoe as well as many hidden coves and secret beaches are not accessible from land. But private property, rugged landscapes and remote areas are all easily accessible and viewable while paddling a flat water kayak.
If the whitewater it too extreme for your tastes, flat water kayaking lets you get wet without getting drenched, and you don’t have to concern yourself with the technical stuff. Literally, anyone can do it. So pack a picnic dinner, throw in your sleeping bag, strap on that life vest, grab a paddle and explore that big, beautiful blue lake.
If you’re planning to rent a watercraft and go on your own, choose your craft carefully. Tandems are the most efficient out there for two people. Plastic, sit-on-top kayaks offer the best versatility and stability for those unfamiliar with the “Eskimo roll” – righting a kayak from a flipped position. Canoes and sit-inside kayaks are recommended only for those experienced in “rolling” the boat. Still, this type of craft should carry float bags in the stern to help with flotation if open water bailing does occur.
Parties should travel early in the morning or in the evening after the winds have settled down to maximize efficiency on the water – kayaks track much better in flat, calm water than wind chop common in the afternoons on the lake.
All rentals should come with paddles and lifejackets. It’s also a good idea to bring a visor, warm layer, some food, water and sun block. And, if you’re the type who likes to know where you’re going and where you’ve been, by all means pick up the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Map ($8.95, available in most kayak shops on the lake).
So, you’ve decided it’s time to get into the water and connect with nature on Lake Tahoe or another high alpine lake in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. Here’s a list of places you can go to buy gear, rent gear or simply enjoy a safe day on the water with a professional guided tour.
Tahoe Adventure Company – Tahoe Vista
530-913-9212
www.tahoeadventurecompany.com
EnviroRents – Tahoe Vista
530-546-2780
www.tahoeecosports.com
Tahoe Paddle and Oar – Kings Beach
530-581-3029
www.tahoepaddle.com
Tahoe City Kayak – Tahoe City
530-581-4336
www.tahoecitykayak.net
Tahoe Mountain Sports
866-891-9177
www.tahoemountainsports.com
Action Water Sports – Incline Village
775-831-4386
Tahoe Trips and Trails
530-583-4506
www.tahoetrips.com
West Shore Sports - Homewood
530-525-9920
www.westshoresports.com
Sports Exchange – Truckee
530-582-4510
www.sportsexchange.com
If the whitewater it too extreme for your tastes, flat water kayaking lets you get wet without getting drenched, and you don’t have to concern yourself with the technical stuff. Literally, anyone can do it. So pack a picnic dinner, throw in your sleeping bag, strap on that life vest, grab a paddle and explore that big, beautiful blue lake.
If you’re planning to rent a watercraft and go on your own, choose your craft carefully. Tandems are the most efficient out there for two people. Plastic, sit-on-top kayaks offer the best versatility and stability for those unfamiliar with the “Eskimo roll” – righting a kayak from a flipped position. Canoes and sit-inside kayaks are recommended only for those experienced in “rolling” the boat. Still, this type of craft should carry float bags in the stern to help with flotation if open water bailing does occur.
Parties should travel early in the morning or in the evening after the winds have settled down to maximize efficiency on the water – kayaks track much better in flat, calm water than wind chop common in the afternoons on the lake.
All rentals should come with paddles and lifejackets. It’s also a good idea to bring a visor, warm layer, some food, water and sun block. And, if you’re the type who likes to know where you’re going and where you’ve been, by all means pick up the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Map ($8.95, available in most kayak shops on the lake).
So, you’ve decided it’s time to get into the water and connect with nature on Lake Tahoe or another high alpine lake in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. Here’s a list of places you can go to buy gear, rent gear or simply enjoy a safe day on the water with a professional guided tour.
Tahoe Adventure Company – Tahoe Vista
530-913-9212
www.tahoeadventurecompany.com
EnviroRents – Tahoe Vista
530-546-2780
www.tahoeecosports.com
Tahoe Paddle and Oar – Kings Beach
530-581-3029
www.tahoepaddle.com
Tahoe City Kayak – Tahoe City
530-581-4336
www.tahoecitykayak.net
Tahoe Mountain Sports
866-891-9177
www.tahoemountainsports.com
Action Water Sports – Incline Village
775-831-4386
Tahoe Trips and Trails
530-583-4506
www.tahoetrips.com
West Shore Sports - Homewood
530-525-9920
www.westshoresports.com
Sports Exchange – Truckee
530-582-4510
www.sportsexchange.com
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