Wellness

Learning a water sport this summer? Classes, equipment rentals in Sacramento area

Thinking of trying water sports this summer? Well, the Sacramento area is home to lakes, rivers and pools of water to enjoy all kinds of boating, rowing and kayaking.

The Sacramento Bee did the research and found clubs, equipment rentals, classes and suggestions for where to head for beginner water sports.

Here’s what to know:

What are popular water sports?

Water sports can involve gear from canoes to boards to water skis. Here are some water sports popular in and around Sacramento.

  • Boating and sailing
  • Canoeing
  • Rowing
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle boarding
  • Wakeboarding
  • Water skiing
  • Jet skiing
A man kayaks on a mid-90s summer day on the American River in Sacramento’s Tiscornia Park. Kayaking is a common water sport.
A man kayaks on a mid-90s summer day on the American River in Sacramento’s Tiscornia Park. Kayaking is a common water sport. Sara Nevis Sacramento Bee file

Where in the Sacramento area can you enjoy water sports?

If you are looking for safe spots that are good for beginners, these locations are worth checking out, according to Yelp.

Water sports clubs and classes in the Sacramento area

Sacramento’s access to natural rivers and lakes has led to the creation of several clubs for water sport lovers. Here are some clubs and classes where you can meet like-minded people:

Clubs:

Classes:

Where can you rent water sport equipment?

If you want to test out a sport without committing to purchasing equipment you’re in luck. There are several places which rent equipment. Here is just a sample of options:

Sacramento State Aquatic Center

Rental options: Stand-up paddle board, canoe, boat, kayak

Address: 1901 Hazel Ave., Gold River

American River Raft Rentals

Rental options: Raft, Tube, Kayak, and Paddle Board

Address: 11257 South Bridge St., Rancho Cordova

Sacramento State Peak Adventures

Rental options: Stand up paddleboard, inflatable tube, inflatable platform

Address: 6000 J Street, Sacramento

Nor Cal Extreme Rentals

Rental options: Pontoon boats, jet skis, open-bow boats, ocean kayaks, fishing kayaks, stand up paddleboards.

Address: 5406 Crossings Dr. #391, Rocklin

Some outfitter companies and online stores also offer equipment rentals. Depending on the rental equipment and rental company, there may be age restrictions, safety instruction on-site or a requirement to show proof of a California Boater Card.

Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
The Sacramento Bee
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado is a service journalism reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She previously worked at the Star Democrat in Annapolis, Maryland. Veronica graduated from Georgetown University with a master’s degree in journalism.
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