10 Things To Know Before Kayaking Tempe Town Lake

Can You Kayak On Tempe Town Lake?

Are Kayaks Allowed On Tempe Town Lake?

Yes, you can kayak on the lake, and the kayak remains one of the most popular vessels on the lake. You will see numerous students from Arizona State University, which is across the street from the lake. Visitors, locals, and students can easily rent a kayak from rental businesses in town. However most of the locals will often bring their own kayaks tied to the top of their SUVs to the lake for exercise and fun.

According to the Tempe government website, Tempe Town Lake is visited by over 2 million visitors annually. The City of Tempe earns an additional $2 billion each year since the lake opened in 1999.

Best Times of the Day to Kayak

Kayaking in the evening is believed by many to be the best time of the day to kayak at Tempe Town Lake. The temperatures are cooler with the sun going down, and it is possible to watch a beautiful sunset in the West as you travel along the lake. Proper lighting is required for kayaks between sunset and sunrise.

The city of Tempe offers Glow Kayak evenings on Tempe Town Lake on certain dates. You will receive all equipment that paddlers need for $80. This kayaking experience is like no other with kayak lights reflecting on the water and the stars above.

Lights are required on all watercraft after dark. They must be attached to the kayak or watercraft. These lights should be seen from all views. In addition, a white light must be attached to the stern of the watercraft so it can be accessible to one person in the vessel and be waved in case of an emergency.

Popular Months to Kayak at Tempe Town Lake

The summer months in Tempe are very hot with an average temperature of 98 degrees or above in the daytime. The hottest weather begins at the end of May and lasts through September.

July is the hottest month of the year with temperatures averaging 106 degrees or above with lows of around 84 degrees.

May and June, plus September and October are popular months because of lower daytime temperatures.

Facts About Launching Your Kayak

Kayakers can launch their watercraft from the Boat Beach or from the marina. The Tempe Town Lake Boat Ramp is the most common place for launching kayaks.

You can put your kayak in the grass and park your car or truck nearby.

Will I Need a Permit to Kayak?

Yes, each kayak needs a specific permit for Tempe Town Lake.

They cost $50 for an annual permit, and if you are a resident of Tempe, the cost is reduced to $25.

Residents and non-residents may want to buy a daily permit for $10.

Permits are available at the Tempe library or from the Pye Adult Recreation Center. It’s also possible to buy your permit online.

Kayaks are available for rental, and you will be given a one-day permit from the rental business.

The Cost of Kayaking on Tempe Town Lake

Once you have paid for a permit to paddle your kayak on Tempe Town Lake, there is no other fee required.

You will probably consider it a real bargain to have a fun day at the lake for such a low price.

Considering that an annual permit is only $25 if you live in the town of Tempe, kayaking only five times will cost you only $5 per day.

Best of all, there are over two miles of lake to kayak.

Kayak Rentals Near Tempe Town Lake

If you don’t own a kayak, you can easily rent one near the lake. Riverbound Sports offers a variety of rental models, including Inflatable models and hard-sided kayaks. They enable one person to stand and paddle on the lake.

A Standard SUP Rental is a rigid kayak that’s also appropriate for lake use.

Other models can be rented as well, such as inflatable kayaks that allow the paddler to sit in the kayak. Hard-sided kayaks for two people can also be rented at this location. Rental includes all-day use when you pick the kayak up after 9 AM and return it before 5:30 PM.

A weekend option is also available if you want to spend two days kayaking Tempe Town Lake.

There are two other businesses that rent kayaks in Tempe. These are Northshore WaterSport Rentals and Tempe Boat Rentals.

Renting a kayak can be expensive at about $21 per hour. Paddlers who spend about three hours on the water will owe over $60 for their rental upon return.

Do You Need a Registration for a Kayak in Arizona?

Kayaks must have permits at Tempe Town Lake. However, they do not need to be registered according to Arizona Law.

A motor on your kayak would put your vessel in another category that requires state registration, but only electric motors are allowed in Tempe Town Lake.

Other Regulations for Tempe Town Lake

Some floating devices not allowed on Tempe Town Lake are inflatable mattresses, inner tubes, rafts, float tubes, tube boats, or surfboards.

Swimming in Tempe Town Lake is not allowable except for occasional activities planned by the City of Tempe.

If you or your group wishes to host a special event, you must have a Special Event Permit.

Lifejackets are required for all watercraft except rowing shells. They must be lifejackets that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Children 12 years old or younger must wear lifejackets any time they are on any boat or watercraft.

You must launch your vessel at a boat launch facility. In addition, traffic patterns should move in a counterclockwise manner on Tempe Town Lake.

Kayaks and boats that are paddled must stay around the outer edges of the lake. Sailboats or those using electric power such as donut boats should stay near the middle of the lake. All watercraft must maintain a speed under 5 miles per hour.

Kayaks under 39.4 feet in length must carry a sound device, meaning a horn or a whistle may be used.

What to Bring on Your Kayaking Trip To Tempe Town Lake?

Kayakers will want to bring some gear with them that will help them have a comfortable, safe time on the lake. You will probably want to pack these things for your paddling adventure: