GUNLOCK RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Inch from the Water: 24 Hours of Kayaks, SUPs and Water‑Mat Play on Gunlock’s Sandstone Lake
A 24‑hour rental at Gunlock State Park offering kayaks, tandem kayaks, SUPs, tandem SUPs and a water mat, staged inches from the water for quick launch and outfitted with PFDs and paddles.
Inch from the Water: 24 Hours of Kayaks, SUPs and Water‑Mat Play on Gunlock’s Sandstone Lake.
Gunlock’s shallow beaches and sandstone islands make for a compact, intimate paddling playground: launch from the rental shop perched just inches from the water, thread between small sandstone isles in a nimble kayak or stand tall on a SUP, or drop anchor on a water mat in chest‑deep water for lounging and yoga.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A craft for every pace — solo, tandem, or laid back
Choose stable beginner kayaks, two‑seat tandems for higher speed and shared outings, stand‑up paddleboards (including tandem SUPs), or a large anchored water mat for lounging and play. Vests (PFDs) and paddles accompany kayak and SUP rentals; water mat rentals include four PFDs.
Pickup inches from the water for an effortless launch
Gear is staged inside Gunlock State Park at a shop located just inches from the water: check in at the rental location, get fitted for a vest and paddle, receive a brief orientation, and be directed to your craft on the beach for immediate launch.
Do more than paddle — swim, sun, stretch, repeat
The water mat is anchored in chest‑deep water near the shop for sunning, swimming, yoga or roughhousing, and can also be loaded into a boat or paddled to another spot on the lake; it is not a towable for personal watercraft or powerboats.
What the day feels like
What the 24‑hour rental feels like
The offer is simple and immediate: reserve gear in advance, check in at the shop, get fitted and briefed, then spend a full 24 hours exploring small sandstone islands, shorelines and quiet coves from kayaks or SUPs — or park yourself on a water mat anchored in chest‑deep water near the rental site.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental is for — and when it might not be the best fit.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are provided for a 24‑hour period.
Wear a bathing suit or clothes you don’t mind getting wet; bring a hat and long sleeves if sun sensitive, sunscreen (reef safe available for purchase), and water (bottled water available).
With advanced reservations your gear will be staged ahead of arrival; check in at the rental location where staff will hold a valid, current government‑issued ID (passports and military ID acceptable).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental period?
Rentals are for 24 hours.
What types of craft can I rent?
Kayaks (including tandem kayaks), stand‑up paddleboards (including tandem SUPs) and a large anchored water mat are available.
Is safety gear provided?
Yes — vests (PFDs) and paddles are included with kayak and SUP rentals; water mat rentals include four PFDs.
Do I need a reservation?
With advanced reservations your gear will be ready for you when you arrive, so reservations are supported and recommended.
Where do I check in and launch?
Check in at the rental location inside Gunlock State Park; gear is staged inches from the water and you will be directed to your craft on the beach.
Is the water mat towable behind a boat or personal watercraft?
No — the water mat is not a towable for personal watercraft or powerboats, though it can be loaded into a boat or paddled to another spot on the lake.