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:
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.
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:
Some of the benefits of a paddle board include:
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.