Back to Basics: Nature and You

Kayak and paddle board rentals are a great way to explore the natural surroundings of Okanagan Lake.

It’s easy to see the appeal and excitement of romping around Okanagan Lake aboard a performance towboat, bowrider or even a zippy Sea Doo. But if you’re looking to experience a slower, more tranquil pace on the water, kayak and paddle board rentals are hard to beat.

Not only are these a more affordable option for getting out on the lake, Okanagan residents will tell you that this is a great way to get reacquainted with nature. Both kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) have a number of advantages over motorized watercraft that enable you to get up close and personal with your aquatic environment:

• Virtually noiseless when properly operated
• Superior draft gives better access to shoreline and shallow spots
• More immersive experience

Save Fuel, Burn Calories

It’s easy to work up a good sweat with SUP and kayak rentals if that’s your thing. However, with minimal drag, you can cover a fair distance while travelling at a more leisurely pace.

Kayaking provides an excellent upper-body workout, while SUP-ing delivers more of a full-body challenge. Best of all, both options have minimal impact on the environment.

Which One Is Right for You?

While kayaking has been around for ages, SUP-ing is relatively new to the Okanagan and has become incredibly popular over the past decade. Both have their strengths, depending on your intended use.

Some of the advantages of kayaks include:

• Onboard storage lets you keep your belongings dry
• Travel faster and more efficiently with a two-bladed paddle
• Being lower to the water makes balancing easier
• Less affected by wind and waves

Some of the benefits of a paddle board include:

• More freedom to move
• More versatile
• Easier to go for a swim (just jump in!)
• Easier to learn the basics

Early Bird Gets the…Discount?

As anyone from the Kelowna SUP community will tell you, mornings are the best time to get out on the water. First, it lets you beat the heat, as summer in the Okanagan can get pretty toasty, even on the water. Second, boat traffic is typically lighter in the mornings, meaning you’ll enjoy a quieter excursion with fewer waves.

There’s a third reason that you might not be aware of: kayak and paddle board rentals are cheaper in the morning. Companies like Downtown Marina will let you rent a stand up paddle board for a discounted price between 8 and 10 a.m. ($25/hour, as opposed to the $30/hour standard rate).

If kayaking or paddle boarding are not for you, read our post: How to Make the Most of Your Kelowna Boat Rentals.

From high-performance tournament boats to paddle board rentals, Kelowna’s Downtown Marina has everything you’ll need for a fun-filled day on Okanagan Lake. Call us to learn more at 250-763-5599.