New fall schedules for local paddleboard, kayak rentals
The season is winding down for renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak on the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita or one of our other local waterways. Wichita-area outfitters have shifted to fall schedules, and two will end their regular rental hours after Labor Day weekend.
Be sure to check each provider’s social media channels for daily updates on weather and water conditions, as well as availability of rentals. When possible, it’s best to handle waiver and rental in advance to limit in-person contact.
SUP Wichita rents from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on the Arkansas River (launching from under the Kellogg Street Bridge) and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday on a lake at O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Blvd.
Regular operating hours cease after this weekend, though groups of five or more can visit supwichita.com to schedule rentals at either location, or a private westside location the owners can access.
They have 16 boards and they charge $10 for 30 minutes, $15 for one hour and $25 for two hours.
Boats & Bikes at River Vista is set to stay open through Oct. 25, though hours are reduced starting this month. You can rent kayaks, SUPs, pedal boats and recreational rowing singles on Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from the 240-foot public dock on the Arkansas River near the Douglas bridge but otherwise through the end of the season rental operation are by reservation only from Monday through Thursday and during regular hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Check wichita.edu/boatsandbikes for full details and rates, which start at $20 for the first hour.
The Wichita State University rowing program runs the rental operation for water and land options. SUP, kayak, trikking and scooter rentals are $20 per person for the first hour then $5 for each additional half hour, pedal boats are $30 for the first hour then $5 for each additional half hour. Full day flatwater and biking activities are $40 per person. Visit wichita.edu/athletics/rowing/boats_and_bikes.php for more information. Make reservations by emailing boatsandbikes@wichita.edu or calling 316-265-9359.
Flatwater Fitness & Fun’s September hours at Santa Fe Lake, about 10 miles east of Wichita near Augusta, are 1 to 7 p.m. (or earlier, depending on sunset) Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The outfitter will close on Sept. 11 and 12 for participation in the annual Paddle to Gravel Triathlon in Augusta.
October hours will be determined by weather. They also accept requests for reservations outside of open hours if staff is available to accommodate. Flatwater has 30 paddleboards, along with six single kayaks and one tandem kayak.
In addition to open paddling ($20 for one hour, $35 for two hours plus $8 for a lake day pass), Flatwater also has sunset SUP yoga on the calendar for Fridays this month. The one-hour sessions do not require paddleboard experience as the boards are anchored. Cost is $15 if you bring your own SUP or $25 for the class and board rental, plus $2 parking fee for Santa Fe Lake access.
Also watch the schedule for Saturday sunset tours. A calendar and booking is available at flatwaterfitness.com.
Wichita Park and Recreation offers kayak float tours on the river, though all remaining dates are full for the season. This is the final weekend the department will rent kayaks for $10 an hour on the river: first come, first served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, launching from under Kellogg at the old Gander Mountain boat launch, near 605 S. Wichita. They will continue to rent from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily year-round, weather permitting, for lake paddling at O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Blvd.