GUNLOCK RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours Among Gunlock’s Sandstone Islands: Kayaks, SUPs and a Water Mat
A concise guide to Paddle Gunlock’s two-hour rentals — beginner-friendly kayaks, tandem craft, SUPs and a water mat — explaining what’s provided, where to meet and what to expect on the water.
Two Hours Among Gunlock’s Sandstone Islands: Kayaks, SUPs and a Water Mat.
At Gunlock State Park, Paddle Gunlock runs two-hour rentals that make the lake’s sandstone islands accessible to first-time paddlers and small groups alike. The operator supplies beginner-friendly kayaks, tandem options, SUPs and a water mat, fits you with a PFD and paddle, gives a brief orientation, then directs you from the beach into the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Beginner-friendly kayaks and inclusive kit
Kayaks designed for beginners are available, with PFDs (vests) and paddles always included so you launch ready. With advanced reservations, Paddle Gunlock will have your gear waiting and will fit you for vest and paddle before you go.
Tandem craft for pairs and teams
Two-seat tandem kayaks and tandem SUPs let pairs paddle faster, reach distant shorelines and turn a rental into a team-building exercise, race or fishing outing.
The water mat: anchored chill zone
The water mat is anchored in chest-deep water near the shop and comes with four PFDs; it’s intended for lounging, play or even yoga and can be loaded into a boat or paddled to another spot on the lake.
What the day feels like
What the two-hour rental feels like
The flow is brisk and uncomplicated: check in at the rental location, get fitted for a vest and paddle and receive a short orientation, then launch from the beach to weave among the park’s sandstone islands or stake out a calm spot on a water mat. Rentals are intentionally short and focused — two hours of on-water time with all basic gear supplied.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from a two-hour rental at Gunlock.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are two hours in length.
Wear a bathing suit or clothing you don’t mind getting wet; bring a hat and long sleeves if sun-sensitive, sunscreen (reef-safe sold on-site) and water (bottled water sold on-site).
With advanced reservations, gear will be ready at the rental location; check in there and staff will hold a valid current government-issued ID while you are out.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the rentals?
Rentals are two hours long.
What gear is included?
PFDs (vests) and paddles are always included with kayaks and SUPs; four PFDs are included with each water mat rental.
Where do I check in?
Check in at Paddle Gunlock’s rental location; with advanced reservations your gear will be ready ahead of arrival.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes — the operator will hold a valid, current, government-issued ID while you are out; passports or military ID are acceptable.
Can I use the water mat with powerboats or towables?
No — the water mat is not a towable for personal watercraft or powerboats; it is anchored in chest-deep water near the shop and can be loaded into a boat or paddled elsewhere.
Where are the SUPs launched from?
SUP rentals are staged inside Gunlock State Park just inches from the water for easy access.