My husband and I rented a tandem kayak early on a Saturday morning, and we had so much fun. The rental and launch process was straightforward, which I appreciated because this was only my second time kayaking. We did not make reservations ahead of time; we arrived right when the center opened. We explored about two miles at a leisurely pace in just over an hour. We went north across the lake to the pond area and felt like adventurers as we wove in and out of the watery passageways. We saw many swans and even a beaver. It was beginner-friendly, but it still felt novel and cool. We brought our own life vests, but they have plenty available for anyone who does not bring one. All the college-age students working there were very friendly, and they seemed genuinely happy to be there. The parking lot became busy later in the morning, so we were glad we had arrived early. read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

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Heaven for watersport lovers!! This is the nicest and biggest aquatic rental facility in the Sacramento area. Parking: $10 if you don't rent their equipment, with plenty of spaces in the complex. Otherwise, you can park for "free" at the State Park area if you have the Golden Poppy Annual Pass ($125). The park also has plenty of picnic tables and a small beach area for sunbathing. Restrooms: Women's (5 stalls), Men's (5 stalls), plus 2 unisex restrooms. There are plenty of rental options, including single/tandem kayaks, SUP boards, and canoes. If you are in a group, all renters must sign in at the same time because the rental period starts once you sign in. They also have CREW and CANOE clubs! All rentals must be returned by 8 PM or you may be fined. No cycling or weight training on the premises, but there is a basketball court on the side. All life jackets, equipment, and docks were clean and in good condition. The payment line moves quickly. If possible, print the waiver at home to save time. You also need to create an account on their website before they can place your order; otherwise, you'll need to create one on the spot when purchasing tickets. After purchasing, you leave your driver's license and car key with them. There is a 15-minute courtesy buffer deducted from your total rental time for walking to the dock, restroom breaks, setup, etc. Service: friendly and efficient. If you change your mind: for example, from a SUP board to a kayak: they simply call the front desk and let you switch at the dock. Lake Natoma is perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding because it starts wide and gradually narrows. The current is almost nonexistent until around 4 PM. It's about 2 miles to the small island near Willow Creek Recreation Area, which makes a perfect scenic picnic spot. read more

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Our first time kayaking here but not our first time kayaking. They open at 2pm on Tuesdays. You have to sign up for website online, which took a bit longer than it should. It was $15 an hour, we paid $1 more for the seat back, well worth it! The dock masters were friendly and helped us into the vessels. A beautiful day. There was a lot of dock traffic as the students were coming in and out practicing. So when you come back it takes a bit of navigating. The dock masters were no where to be found so I got out first and helped my two mates. A great, mellow spot to kayak. read more

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I've paddle boarded here several times before and always had a good experience, but my most recent visit was disappointing. I checked in for a paddle board around 3-4 PM, and the female employee working at the dock seemed to have an attitude from the beginning. I explained that I had a wristband for one paddle board, and the board I was given didn't have any bungee cords or straps to secure my bag. When I asked if I could switch to one with straps, she responded, "No, this is all we have." However, the very next customer was given a paddle board with straps, which made it appear that my request simply wasn't accommodated. Additionally, the life jackets are required, which is understandable for safety reasons, but many of them smelled unpleasant and poorly maintained. I've enjoyed coming here in the past, so this experience was disappointing. read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - No strings - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

Love it here!! Definitely my favorite place to relax and enjoy the beach, aswell as kayaking and paddleboarding!! The equipment is great and well taken care of. read more

Best prices for kayaking according to our searches in the entire Roseville area. Check-in, rental process, and waivers were all seamless and simple. To make it even simpler, be sure to create an account or two for their rental system so the process when you get there is even easier! Parking is simple and easy as long as you get there early. Walk on over to their check-in stand where there are forms to fill out if you didn't do it online beforehand. Line up, go through check-in process, head down to put on vests (plenty for all ages and sizes), and walk on over to the kayak station where a team is waiting to help you out. Very painless process, convenient, organized, and most importantly the most affordable kayak rentals we've found per hour. Staff is super helpful, friendly, and efficient to get you on the water ASAP. No need to schedule things or return by a specific time, as long as you return before they close and stay away from the dam. Just head on out, take your time, explore as you wish (first time? Stay left, trust me.), and return whenever you're ready to head on out. We rented 2 tandem (double) kayaks so my wife and I could take one girl each (3 and 4 yo) and a single kayak for our 20 yo. Have little ones? Bring them. They have life vests for young kids' and plenty of them. We still haven't checked other kayak rental places yet simply because it's been a very memorable and stress free experience every time we rent at the State Aquatic Center. Highly recommended for all ages, shapes, and sizes! read more

I came to this lake hoping to catch fish, but instead I caught feelings for Jesse. Every time he drove by in that little work cart, the sun somehow got brighter and the birds started chirping louder. I asked him where the restroom was and he pointed silently like some kind of mysterious lake guardian. Haven't been the same since. My wife says I need to stop talking about him at dinner. The lake itself was nice too I guess... read more

Super easy and quick rental process. Make sure you've signed up online for an account prior to arrival, unless you are already a sac state student. Once you have your account and sign your waiver, you will turn in your ID and a set of car keys to claim your rental bracelet. Take your bracelet to the dock and the employees will give you the correct equipment. I told them it was my first time ever paddle boarding so they gave me some tips for rowing properly and even pointed out some pretty spots on the lake for us to check out. read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Paddle board rentals - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

I was there with a good friend on a Friday morning during summer. Everything went according to plan! We got there around 8 am and were the first folks to rent out single kayaks with back support. The staff checking us in and helping us in the kayak was thorough and friendly. They went over rules and expectations of wearing life jackets, how to paddle, etc. I was comfortable, felt safe and had a great time. The staff helped us in and out of the kayak as well. We will be returning soon! read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Kayaks - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

Edit: Adding the star back because they sorted this out and I get the discount now but I guess all the people working there at the time disagreed and didn't honor it Docking a star over a debate and them not honoring their alumni rates which is only a $1 cheaper. They are really picky about the legacy members when I did have the newer free alumni association cards and the website literally says to show your card because they have no way to check but when I get there they say I'm not in the system hmmm! Even the alumni association website says the affiliate rate is offered at one time use and I didn't even get that. read more

First time renting kayaks--1 tandem and 1 single. Super easy registration, clean kayaks, and smooth water. Rented for an hour on a beautiful day. Fun little outing--definitely recommend! Service was helpful from paying to getting on kayaks. Fun experience! read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

Such a fun time, clean area, and a super fun place to paddle board. Their beach is clean and if you go down a bit to the nimbus flat they have preplaced canopies ready for use. read more

There are so many rules! That aside the actual rental equipment is nice and the lake is a little piece of heaven. We enjoy coming here. Just make sure to bring your IDs (they hold onto them and won't let you rent without one). read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

Great spot for renting kayaks, paddleboards, etc. And get out on the lake. I have been here a handful of times. The process to rent equipment seems to get more complicated each time I go (note: I usually get out once or twice a year)...but don't let that deter you. Staff are very helpful and patient. I have even braved bringing my service dog with me and got her on a stand up paddleboard (SUP) with me. They do only allow service dogs, not just any dogs, so be aware of that. You rent by the hour and there are discounts for Sac State students and alumni. Oh also be sure to secure your items and/or bring dry bags. I got a little too bold and brought my bluetooth speaker with me on the SUP last time and just rested it on top...well I took a tumble and my speaker is now at the bottom of the lake :( I am so fortunate my phone didn't fall in as well. I was told that they do have a diver that goes out every so often to look for lost items, so I left a report with the front office and my number in case it is found (although I doubt it will even work at this point). Free parking if you are renting equipment and they do say no personal equipment allowed at that take out point. The location is also nice and easy to navigate to. read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - SUP and stuff (make sure to strap down!) - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

I have had many amazing experiences here, but recently their employees have gone down hill. I lost my phone off the dock and went to the front office to report it. They were amazing and helpful and told me to talk to the dock masters on the dock to place a piece of tape for the divers to find. I went down to the dock masters and explained the situation where they were nothing but rude. They said the phone is probably gone and made countless rude remarks. They need to be trained on better customer service as this is unacceptable. Despite all of their rude comment, Jim the diver found the phone perfectly functioning and I was able to get it back. read more

Friendly staff and lots of great equipment to use on the water. Highest compliments to the staff during the summer. There is a lot going on there with rentals and camps and everything. They are always friendly and helpful. It's been like that year after year that I've been going there. There is lots of equipment to use: SUP, kayaks, sailboats, canoes, etc. it's a great place to go during hot summer months. It's a great place to beat the heat! The water is always cold. Very cold at end of spring and just somewhat cold by end of summer. You don't have to do those cold plunges at a spa. Just go to Lake Natoma! read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center is a phenomenal business! The staff team is highly responsive and helpful and the rental equipment is high quality. Lake Natoma is a beautiful setting as well. Highly recommend! read more

This is my favorite spot for kayaking in Sacramento, hands down! The process of renting equipment is straightforward - all details are listed clearly on their website. The staff who I've encountered have all been cheerful and friendly, even when it gets busy, which makes a 5-star experience for me! Parking is free for those who rent from the center. If you self-launch, there is an adjacent paid parking lot with plenty of parking. Highly recommend spending a day enjoying the sun & water at the Aquatic Center! read more

I visited Sac State Aquatic Center on Memorial Day and it was an amazing time. We arrived around 12:30 pm and it was packed (but not uncomfortably packed). Cars were lined up for parking all the way back to the freeway exit. With that being said, the line did not take long to get through. Staff was taking cash or card for parking, but definitely recommend bringing cash if you can. We didn't have to park too far but we had to do a little walking to get the the rental area. This spot had plenty of dogs, even jumping in the water. There were barbeques going, tents set up, music playing. AMAZING VIBES! We were looking to rent a kayak for a bit. Upon arrival, they had us sign waivers and anyone who wasn't a Sac State student had to create an ASI account online. The process didn't take too long (maybe around 10 minutes). Then we directed to wait in the line for rentals. This took about 20 minutes. Once we got the the window, the staff was super kind and gave us the low down of the process. Basically you choose what you would like to rent (paddleboard, kayak, etc.), they collect your ID and keys as collateral, wristband you, note the time that you left the window, and direct you to the life jackets. They charge about $15 per hour of rental. Students get a small discount. Even though it was a busy day, they still had plenty of kayaks left. The water was perfectly cold and clean. We ended up kayaking for about an hour. it can be tiring! It's also nice to just float in the water. Overall, the experience was well worth the money spent! I plan to make more visits here during the summer! read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Life jackets & courtyard - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

Once we got on the water, the day was absolutely incredible. The line took about an hour on the weekend, which we expected. The experience took a slight turn when one of our paddles broke mid-use, right at the seam. These paddles are clearly well-worn and used frequently, so some wear and tear is to be expected. When we returned to the dock, Jon Sampo approached us in a way that was surprisingly accusatory and lacking in professionalism. Rather than acknowledging that equipment can and does fail over time, he chose to confront us as if we were responsible. His approach felt more like an ego-driven scolding than an attempt at fair customer service. Those paddles get used hundreds of times. Sometimes they break. It's not sabotage, it's physics. If you're the lucky chosen one whose equipment gives out, just brace yourself for Jon's energy. It's... memorable. If you're the unlucky guest who ends up with a faulty paddle, I hope your experience is handled more respectfully. Customers should never be held responsible for normal wear and tear on rental equipment. read more

The Sac Aquatic Center was a great find. Prices are fair, considering the variety of kayak, rowing and paddling options available. single kayak: $15/hr tandem kayak for 2: $20/hr The view is stunning, especially with the backdrop of Nimbus Dam. During the weekdays you can also expect to see Sac State rowers practicing nearby, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere, but just gotta make sure to get out of their way when they're rowing across, but otherwise not an issue! Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, this place is a must-visit for water fun! read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

I've been here a handful of times to watch a rowing competition and to kayak. It's super easy to rent equipment here. You can rent a single kayak, tandem kayak, canoe, and other options. They have several price points including general public pricing, student pricing, and alumni/affiliate pricing. You can get back rests for an additional $1...not sure if it's an extra $1/hr or what, but it's so worth it. You'll find your back feeling sore if you don't get it. You'll have to sign some waivers. You do need to bring your ID for renters over 18 years old, and they also need 1 set of keys to hold onto, so make sure you get everything out of your car that you need before you hand the keys over. They do give you a 15 minute grace period to finally get your kayak and get onto the water. They have free life jackets for you to use. There is someone down at the kayak storage to help you board the kayak and you paddles. There is enough space for you to bring a small bag, but be careful not to get it wet or drop it! All the staff at the renting area, kayak storage/launch area, office were very friendly and helpful. General rules for the Aquatic Center...you have to return your stuff by 8 pm, and don't kayak to the damn, which is left of the kayak storage/launch area. I've generally been able to kayak for about 1.5-2 hours before getting tired...maybe if I took more time to rest in between bursts of paddling, I might stay longer on the water...so perhaps plan accordingly! Parking is free! This is a great activity to do during the summer! read more

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The aquatic center is a good place to spend a warm summer day. You can rent paddle boards, kayaks and other water equipment or bring your own and enjoy the beach side of the lake like we did. They have nice shaded structures to hangout when your not enjoying the water. It does have a bit of an industrial feel though so if you are someone who likes more secluded natural feeling river spots I might recommend somewhere else. All and all though its a great place to spend the day. The water is clear and cold and the tents are well kept. There are plenty of restrooms and free parking if you are willing to walk a couple minutes. read more

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Local getaway!!! 4th of July 2023 @1:30pm arrival Surprisingly- plenty of parking in the "rental" parking lot (main aquatic center parking lot) , but the other parking lot, the one you can use to bring your own kayaks, paddle boards etc, was completely full. Renting equipment- make an account online and add anybody who is going to be on a boat on the water, including children. You will sign a couple of forms when you arrive to the center- if you are renting. - a key, and ID need to be held, like when you have an open tab at the bar(everyone that will be in the rental boat needs to provide an ID) Water- Calm and freezing when submerged (always have a life jacket on), but felt nice in the heat. -There are deep and shallow areas at this lake. Along the bank of the lake it gets shallow and there are river rocks. Great for taking a break! Deep water, of coarse in the middle of the lake. Beach area- the beach was packed full of people and pop up tents. I suggest getting there early(on hot days on the weekend) and securing a spot. There are other places to sit and relax, but not sure if you can put tents. -bathrooms, pretty clean. $$price- reasonable. 18$/hr for a Tandem Kayak. Employees were helpful and kind for a busy 4th of July! I'll definitely be back to visit this local getaway! read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Lake Natoma- Tandem Kayak - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

I had an amazing time at this place! Everything was well organized, the staff was friendly, and the kayaking experience was awesome. I would definitely come back again! read more

So much fun! Kayaked through the cool tunnel to the nature reserve and the water was gorgeous.

My all time favorite place to kayak! Once you get across the lake and go through a tunnel, you get to float through the sloughs. The nature aspect was incredible - we saw lots of ducks, deer, fish, etc! Recommend getting there around 5 pm and enjoying the sunset - just have to be back at the dock by 8 pm. One of my favorite ways to spend a summer evening :) read more

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One of the most bureaucratic experiences I've ever had. First you have to create an account online for some reason. Then go to a different place to rent the stuff. You have to give your driver's license and car keys. You need to tell them who will be in which kayaks. They wouldn't let my friend go, because she didn't have her physical driver's license, even though she had the CA DMV app with the electronic driver's license. She wouldn't let my friends who were having a sleepover (4 and 6 years old) go because I wasn't their parent so I couldn't sign for them. We had to go to a _different_ desk inside for some reason, only to be sent back outside. On the return, I got to wait in a big line. And wait for minutes while the worker tapped on her computer. Only to send me to the inside office again for some reason. I just wanted to pay. Overall, I spent a similar amount of time dealing with the bureaucracy as I did actually out on the water. The kayak and the time on the water was lovely. read more

So much fun, being outdoors, the calm, crisp water. The staff even kept a b day cake cold for me! read more

A friend and I rented single kayaks for a couple of hours on Saturday morning. The online rental process was straightforward but an account needed to be established along with having to complete paperwork for submission in person on the rental day. This helped with making the check-in process faster and minimized interaction with the staff. Rental prices are by the hour so, after checking in and providing car keys for collateral, we headed to the dock after my friend outfitted himself with a personal flotation device. If you don't have your own, you can borrow one from the aquatic center. At the dock, there were two staff who quickly provided us each with a sit-on-top kayak. The guy helping me onto the kayak was great - as I've only been in a kayak a couple of times before. Then, my friend and I were off on our own. It happened to be a lovely day - the weather was cool and there weren't a lot of people on the water at 8:30 am. And, Lake Natoma is calm and serene. We even saw a few deer! After a couple of hours on the lake, we made our way back to the dock - where, again, a couple of staff made the process smooth by keeping the kayak steady while I climbed out. Back at the check-out counter, the process was a bit clunky as we each had our own accounts but the staff person rung us up together instead of separately. She assumed rather than asking. But, we cleared that up on the spot. Overall, it was all still a fairly straightforward process of making the reservations, checking in, getting the kayaks, turning them back in, and checking out. read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Dock - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

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We just came for a second time expecting to use the rentals, supposedly it's open until 8pm and we arrived to the stand at 6:50pm and they told us they closed for rentals at 6:40pm!! Where nowhere its shows that information before. So we drive 40min for nothing! So if you come make sure to come before that time. They should let the people know that IMPORTANT INFORMATION at the stand so more ppl cannot waste time and gas read more

My kids and I had a really great afternoon on the water. The parking and rental process were really easy and the staff was great!

By far the best aquatic sport rental location I have ever visited. The pricing is very very reasonable and competitive for non-affiliates, and even cheaper for sac state students/affiliates. I love taking visitors here for a morning on the water. They have stand up paddle boards, sit on top kayaks, and water bikes for $15/hour. Tandem kayaks cost slightly more per hour but still cheaper than other rental companies. I love that it is located right on lake Natoma- the water is generally quite calm, as it is a reservoir. After signing paperwork and checking in (drivers license is required!), pick out your life vest, and walk down the hill to the dock, where staff will help you get onto your equipment! Very easy and smooth process, and always such a fun activity to do. Recommend going earlier in the day to avoid getting sunburnt. Equipment is first come first serve, but we have never had trouble getting rentals of what we want (the latest we have shown up is around 1pm). If bringing your phone, recommend wearing one of those lanyard cases, even if your phone is waterproof! Had a friend drop her phone into the lake and never recover it- the lake is deep in some spots, and very murky/poor visibility. read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

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Shitty service. Website has outdated membership info so does the phone menu then the kids answer the phone have wrong information.its like a corn.maze just to get pricing IF you can even reach a human being. Then the membership rates are MORE than just paying full price. At that point and mostly hassle I might as well by equipment and avoid them altogether and enjoy my peace and nature. read more

I would say overall wonder place to spend the day in the water. I love taking family here. The staff are always amazing and the process is very simple. The water is beautiful with little nooks to explore in kayaks and paddle boards. Omg he only thing was that they charged my dad a regular price and me a sac state student the discount but I think it's kinda weird since my family literally supports the aquatic center though tuition and plus he's part of the sac state family too !!! Anyway that's kinda nitpicking overall good solid spot. read more

Poor customer service, not a friendly staff. For being a college student at sac state I would expect for the perks they have but unfortunately they don't care for their students nor the experience in this place. Won't recommend to any college student at Sac state for the reason of not letting me rent out the kayak 2 hours before they closed. read more

I loved their sunset paddle and their kayak class. But they really aren't great about refunds or transfers if something comes up. You have to cancel 14 working days in advance for a refund and have to cancel 5 WORKING days for a transfer to another paddle. That would make sense except they accept reservations up to the day before the paddle. They should allow transfers up to the time they stop allowing reservations but they don't. I mean how will they know how many staff they will need until the day before because the class size won't be set before then? I don't think that's fair and now I'm out $40. If I ever book another sunset paddle I'm going to wait to the last minute to book it. read more

Today my boyfriend and I visited the Sac state aquatic center for the first time and our experience was great. The Individuals who were working this afternoon were so friendly and very knowledgeable of all the different options you could choose from. We made reservations to rent two single Kayaks and seeing that I had never done it before they gave us a brief tutorial on how to be on the water safely and be able to navigate. I didn't remember anything once out there except to keep my life jacket on at all times. They provide you with a parking pass that you just put on your dash. It was free which I thought was truly a bonus. Not many places have free parking. They had multiple options to choose from such as wake boards, kayaks, paddle boards, and even boats that you could rent. One things for sure they had plenty of equipment out there for patrons to use. We were on the water for about two hours before my arms gave out and we had to bring it in. They are open until 8:00 but you must be off the water before 8:00 so be mindful of the time if your out in the evening hours. The price was so reasonable for such a great experience. I can't wait to return and bring my friends along for the experience. Highly Recommend if your looking to try something new and you enjoy the water. Go down and visit this place. You will not be disappointed whatsoever. Bonus ( The restrooms were extremely clean) can never go wrong with a business that keeps the restrooms clean. I know that's important for me as public restrooms can be horrible! read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - On Nimbus Lake - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

From the pricing down to the kayak we rented it was pretty easy when you pre register online. The water was beautiful & I had a great time. I just wish they offered Los rios students discounts on the kayak rentals. read more

Sacramento State Aquatic Center - Boating Near Me - Gold River, California

We have gone kayaking at this place twice now. Each time we have had a lot of fun. The staff is helpful, the equipment is in great condition, the facilities are nice and Lake Natomas is calm and peaceful. Also, the rental prices were very reasonable. I think this is a great resource for the community, so check them out if you get the chance! read more