I am excited to share with you our favorite place to go kayaking! Well, I should probably say our ONLY place for going kayaking. This is because Sac State Aquatic Center makes it easy and affordable. I love that they include life jackets with your rental and have them hanging up outside to easily choose from as you make your way to the dock. There are friendly staff members ready to assist you into your kayak and set you off on your way! It couldn’t be any easier. We always purchase one hour of time and this works out perfectly because that’s about how long our arm muscles last.
When the kids were young, I would rent a tandem kayak that had room for both of my little boys to sit in front of me and learn to row. I would rent a second tandem kayak for my daughter and a friend to take out and row themselves. Now that the kids are all teenagers, we bring friends along and everyone pairs up. We always end up racing and laughing. It is the best!
When I asked my 16-year-old today what his favorite part about kayaking on Lake Natoma is, he said “cool scenery”. I would concur and add that being out on that beautiful water is so peaceful and invigorating at the same time.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Wear comfortable clothes or swim suits with shorts/cover-ups/rash guards. Although we’ve never fallen into the lake, water does get into the kayak and sometimes it’s fun to pull up onto shore and get out to wade in the water
- I recommend going early in the day – both to beat the heat and because rentals are first come, first serve
- There are waivers and terms and conditions to sign, so be sure to look over the information on “How to Rent” before you go
- Parking is $10.00 self registration, so bring cash
- If your whole party is kayaking, bring a waterproof bag to hold your wallet and phone while you’re out on the water. Just leave other items in your car until you’re done
- You may want to bring a picnic lunch, chairs, water toys etc. for hanging out on the beach afterward
- The Nimbus Fish Hatchery is across the street from Sac State Aquatic Center’s parking lot, so you may want to take advantage and visit it while you’re there
DETAILS:
Sac State Aquatic Center
1901 Hazel Avenue
Gold River, CA 95670
(916) 278-2842
