Tandem Hard-Kayak Rentals on Tempe’s Waters: A Simple, Durable Way to Explore the Desert Lakes

TEMPE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE

Tandem Hard-Kayak Rentals on Tempe’s Waters: A Simple, Durable Way to Explore the Desert Lakes

A straight-to-the-point guide to renting a 13.5' two-person hard kayak in Tempe—what’s supplied, how long you get it, and the logistics you need to plan for a day on the water.

Tandem Hard-Kayak Rentals on Tempe’s Waters: A Simple, Durable Way to Explore the Desert Lakes.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Tempe
Operator
Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
Category
Kayak
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Hard-sided tandem kayaks are built for the flatwater of desert lakes and slow rivers; Riverbound Sports rents 13.5-foot, two-person boats that carry up to 500 pounds and come supplied with seats, paddles, PFDs and the transport hardware you need to move them from shop to launch.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Sturdy Tandem: 13.5' with 500‑lb Capacity
THE BOAT

Sturdy Tandem: 13.5' with 500‑lb Capacity

Each hard-sided tandem is 13.5 feet long and rated to carry up to 500 pounds—enough room for two adults and modest gear—making these boats a reliable choice for day trips on desert waterways.

Everything You Need to Get on the Water
THE RENTAL PACKAGE

Everything You Need to Get on the Water

Rentals include the kayak with two seats, two paddles, two PFDs, tie-down straps and a foam block roof rack so you can transport and launch without hunting down extra gear.

Full-Day Window, Early-Pickup Option
THE SCHEDULE

Full-Day Window, Early-Pickup Option

Standard full-day rentals run from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM the same day, and for a small fee you can pick gear up the night before (5:00–6:00 PM) to get an earlier start on hot summer days.

What the day feels like

What the Day Feels Like

You collect the tandem at Riverbound Sports in Tempe, rig it to your vehicle with the provided foam blocks and straps, drive to a local launch, then spend a full day—typically within the 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM rental window—exploring calm waters in a stable, hard-shell boat before returning the equipment to the shop by close of business.

Sturdy Tandem: 13.5' with 500‑lb Capacity

THE BOAT

Sturdy Tandem: 13.5' with 500‑lb Capacity

Each hard-sided tandem is 13.5 feet long and rated to carry up to 500 pounds—enough room for two adults and modest gear—making these boats a reliable choice for day trips on desert waterways.

Everything You Need to Get on the Water

THE RENTAL PACKAGE

Everything You Need to Get on the Water

Rentals include the kayak with two seats, two paddles, two PFDs, tie-down straps and a foam block roof rack so you can transport and launch without hunting down extra gear.

Full-Day Window, Early-Pickup Option

THE SCHEDULE

Full-Day Window, Early-Pickup Option

Standard full-day rentals run from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM the same day, and for a small fee you can pick gear up the night before (5:00–6:00 PM) to get an earlier start on hot summer days.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits—and who should consider alternatives.

1
Couples & Tandem PaddlersIdeal for two people who want a stable, durable craft for a day on local lakes or slow rivers; the tandem layout and included seats and PFDs make shared paddling straightforward.
2
Weight-Conscious GroupsGood for pairs whose combined weight and gear stay within the 500‑pound capacity; groups exceeding that limit should choose a higher-volume option.
3
Drivers with Roof Racks or TrucksBest for renters who can transport a 13.5' hard kayak on a 4‑door vehicle with roof racks or in a pickup; foam racks and straps are provided but are limited and issued first‑come.
4
Early-Start Summer PaddlersA practical choice for people who want to beat midday heat—pick up the equipment the night before for a small fee and start at first light, but note you’re responsible for overnight storage.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Rental Window

Full‑day rentals run 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM the same day; early pickup the evening before is available between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM for an additional charge.

What’s Included

Each rental includes the tandem kayak, two seats, two paddles, two PFDs (life jackets), tie‑down straps and a foam block roof rack for transport.

Transport & Vehicle Needs

Can be carried on most 4‑door vehicles with a roof rack or in a pickup truck; foam racks and straps are provided on a first‑come basis—delivery is not provided, so you must pick up and return at the shop.

Shop Location & Contact

Pick up and drop off at Riverbound Sports, 1425 E University Dr, Ste B‑102, Tempe, AZ 85281; for questions call 480‑463‑6686 or email [email protected].

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long can I keep the kayak?

Full‑day rentals run from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM the same day; equipment must be returned by the end of business or late fees will be added automatically.

What equipment comes with the rental?

The rental includes the kayak, two kayak seats, two paddles, two PFDs (life jackets), tie‑down straps and a foam block roof rack.

Can I pick the kayak up the night before?

Yes—early pickup between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM the night before is available for an additional $5.00; renters are responsible for the equipment overnight and should store it safely.

Do you deliver the kayak to my launch site?

No—delivery is not provided. You are responsible for pick up and drop off at the Riverbound Sports store in Tempe.

How do I transport the 13.5' tandem kayak?

The kayak can be transported on most 4‑door vehicles with a roof rack or in a pickup truck; foam roof racks and straps are provided on a first‑come basis.

What is the weight capacity of the tandem kayak?

Each tandem kayak carries up to 500 pounds.