LONGMONT KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Inflatable Kayaks and iSUPs: Four Hours on Lake McIntosh and Nearby Reservoirs
Four-hour inflatable kayak and stand‑up paddleboard rentals from Longmont give families access to Lake McIntosh, Union Reservoir and Gross Reservoir with required life jackets provided.
Inflatable Kayaks and iSUPs: Four Hours on Lake McIntosh and Nearby Reservoirs.
Experience the tranquility of Lake McIntosh or the scenic beauty of Union and Gross Reservoirs with inflatable stand‑up paddleboards and kayaks offered through Angles Ski, Board & Fly Shop; the four‑hour rentals are aimed at easy, family‑friendly days on still water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Inflatable kayaks and iSUPs for easy launch
Rentals are inflatable kayaks and stand‑up paddleboards (iSUPs) that inflate with the supplied hand pump; an optional electric pump is available for an extra charge to speed setup.
Choices between a neighborhood lake and larger reservoirs
Operators recommend launching on the south side of Lake McIntosh for calm water; Union Reservoir and Gross Reservoir are listed as alternate scenic options.
PFDs required — especially for kids
Colorado law requires a life jacket on board at all times and specifies that children under 13 must wear a life jacket on their person while on a vessel.
What the day feels like
What four hours on the water feels like
A half‑day rental gives paddlers time to inflate, launch and explore calm coves or open stretches of reservoir; the inflatables are straightforward to set up and suited to relaxed outings where families can linger on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who these four‑hour rentals suit — and the essential limits to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are for a four‑hour block.
Bring a life jacket (required by law to be on the vessel; children under 13 must wear theirs), sun protection, water and any car straps you need—operators do supply a hand pump with every rental.
By hand the kayak inflates in about 5–7 minutes and an iSUP in about 10–15 minutes; an optional electric pump that plugs into a car is available for an additional $10 and roughly halves inflation time.
The kayak is about 9 feet long and the smallest SUP about 10 feet; SUPs almost certainly will not fit inside a car inflated and operators do not supply straps for roof transport.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is an iSUP?
iSUP stands for inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard.
Where can I go kayaking or paddleboarding locally?
Suggested locations include Lake McIntosh (drop in on the south side), Union Reservoir and Gross Reservoir; note parking at Lake McIntosh is in a neighborhood—avoid blocking driveways.
How long does it take to pump up the gear?
By hand the kayak takes about 5–7 minutes, an iSUP about 10–15 minutes, and tubes about 2 minutes; an electric pump is available to cut inflation time roughly in half for an additional $10.
Are life jackets required?
Yes. Colorado law requires a life jacket on the vessel at all times and children under 13 must have their life jacket on their person at all times.
Will the iSUPs or kayaks fit in my car inflated?
The kayaks might fit; the SUPs almost certainly will not. The kayak is about 9 feet long and the smallest SUP is about 10 feet. They could fit in a truck bed or on top of a car with proper straps, but the operator does not supply those straps.