Paddle Bend’s serene lakes and rivers with stable kayaks and inflatable paddleboards available for flexible evening-to-next-day rentals. Ideal for beginners and families eager to experience Oregon’s fresh waters.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling ability helps.
Wildlife
History
Bend grew as a logging town before becoming a renowned outdoor destination, its waters critical for both locals and visitors.
Conservation
Local outfitters promote catch-and-release ethics and waterway stewardship to protect the fragile aquatic habitats around Bend.
Bend Kayak School
Paddle Bend’s serene lakes and rivers with stable kayaks and inflatable paddleboards available for flexible evening-to-next-day rentals. Ideal for beginners and families eager to experience Oregon’s fresh waters.
Bend Kayak School is a Bend, Oregon paddlesports provider focused on kayak lessons, rentals, and youth day camps. The school offers private pool lessons and private pool practice time in a warm indoor saltwater pool for technique work and roll practice, including opportunities for video feedback and focused repetition. Lesson formats include one-on-one sessions and group lessons tailored to skill level.
Rental options include short and multi-day kayak and inflatable paddleboard rentals with flexible return windows: half-day returns within five hours or overnight, one-day rentals returned by 9:30 the next morning, evening pickup one-day rentals, two-day and three-day rentals with standard return windows, and longer multi-day delivery options. Delivery services bring inflatable paddleboards and kayaks to vacation rentals in Sunriver, Sisters, and Three Rivers, complete with pumps and pickup coordination at end of stays.
Bend Kayak School also runs a four-day Summer Paddle and Play Day Camp (Aug. 25) for kids ages 8–12 that focuses on paddling, outdoor skills, games, crafts in a High Desert setting. Short river delivery rentals (2.5 and 3.5 hours) provide guided equipment drop-offs to local river access points.
All programming emphasizes safety, skill progression, and a supportive learning environment. School's services are practical for families, vacationers, and paddlers preparing for outdoor trips, offering equipment, instruction, and convenient logistics to make time on the water accessible. Rentals include stable tandem kayaks and single kayaks, with staff providing loading assistance and tips on best local paddling spots. Equipment includes pumps for inflatables, pickup/return coordination.
Location
Bend, OR
Central access to Deschutes River areas
Rental Lengths
2.5 hr–3 day
Flexible half-day to multi-day options
Pool Lessons
Indoor saltwater pool
Private and group instruction available
Vacation Delivery
Sunriver / Sisters / Three Rivers
Multi-day gear delivery to rentals
Reserve private pool time, multi-day rentals, or the Aug. 25 youth day camp — delivery and pickup available to local vacation rentals.
Check Weather Forecast
Always review local weather before your paddle to ensure safe conditions on the water.
Wear a Life Jacket
Life jackets are required and crucial for your safety regardless of skill level.
Arrive Early to Orientation
Plan to arrive at pickup early to receive detailed gear instructions and route advice.
Protect Your Gear from Water
Use dry bags for valuables in case of splashes or accidental capsizing.
Life Jacket
Essential for safety on any water activity.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your belongings dry throughout your paddle.
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen protect from UV exposure on open water.
summer
Layered Clothing
Light layers help adjust to morning and evening temperature changes.
spring