DES MOINES CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Three-Person Canoe, Two-Hour Escape: Paddle the North Shore from Athene
A focused, 2-hour canoe rental at Athene North Shore Recreation Area — roomy seating, built-in cooler and safety gear included — a straightforward option for paddlers aged 14 and up.
Three-Person Canoe, Two-Hour Escape: Paddle the North Shore from Athene.
Set out from Athene North Shore Recreation Area for a compact, well-equipped canoe outing: a 14.6-foot craft built to carry three people with folding seats, rod and drink holders and a built-in cooler seat — all provided with required life jackets for a safe, family-friendly time on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Roomy, purpose-built three-person canoe
The 14.6-foot canoe seats up to three passengers on two folding seats and includes vertical rod holders, drink holders and a built-in cooler seat — details that make the craft both comfortable and practical for casual paddling or a short fishing trip.
Clear limits and required flotation
Rentals carry up to three people with an 800 lb weight capacity; life jackets are provided free of charge and are required to be worn for all water-based equipment rentals.
A compact two-hour outing
The rental is organized as a focused two-hour paddle, making it an accessible slice of time on the water for families or groups wanting a short, managed experience.
What the day feels like
What the rental feels like
This is a concise, equipment-forward paddle: check in at the operator, don life jackets supplied with the rental, load up to three people and head out for a roughly two-hour loop or stretch of water. The canoe’s amenities — folding seats, holders and cooler seat — keep the focus on steady paddling and easy comfort rather than long-distance touring.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are organized as a two-hour outing.
Bring a photo ID for check-in.
Life jackets are provided free and must be worn; the canoe fits three passengers with an 800 lb weight capacity.
Check in with the operator at Athene North Shore Recreation Area.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The rental duration is two hours.
What is the passenger and weight capacity?
The canoe fits up to three passengers and has an 800 lb weight capacity.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes — life jackets are available free of charge and are required to be worn with rentals of all water-based equipment.
Who can rent and operate a canoe?
Paddlers must be 14 years or older to rent and operate; children 14 years or younger may be passengers if accompanied by a supervising adult in the same canoe.
What features does the canoe include?
The 14.6-foot canoe has two comfortable folding seats, vertical rod holders, drink holders and a built-in cooler seat.