Rent a one-person hard kayak in Tempe, AZ, and explore the Salt River waters at your own pace. Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Good basic fitness recommended to manage paddling and river currents comfortably.
Wildlife
History
The Salt River has been a vital water source for indigenous communities and settlers throughout Arizona's history.
Conservation
Riverbound Sports promotes catch-and-release fishing and uses eco-friendly gear to minimize environmental impact on the Salt River.
Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
Rent a one-person hard kayak in Tempe, AZ, and explore the Salt River waters at your own pace. Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike!
Riverbound Sports Paddle Co. is a Tempe, Arizona–based paddle sports provider offering inflatable kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons, and guided paddling tours. The company focuses on accessible, gear-inclusive experiences that let visitors explore local lakes, rivers, and Tonto National Forest waterways. Rentals include one-person and two-person inflatable kayaks that are easy to transport and quick to inflate, with options for full-day or moonlight rentals and an early pickup available for select bookings.
Instructional programs range from 90-minute beginner lessons to structured SUP Skills courses. Riverbound Sports offers SUP Skills Levels 1–3 as two-hour sessions that cover stroke efficiency, sculling, reverse maneuvers, turns, bracing, and rescue techniques. The River SUP lesson on the Lower Salt River is taught by an ACA Certified instructor and focuses on navigating currents and board control in moving water. Guided tours include the Canyon Lake Paddle Tour through Tonto National Forest—highlighting Tortilla Creek and Mormon Flat Dam—and the Lower Salt River Tour featuring wildlife viewing and the Salt River wild horses.
All offerings are presented in third-person, skill-focused formats with clear equipment details and timeframes. The business lists rentals, small-group lessons, private lessons, multi-level skills courses, and guided tours to accommodate families, solo paddlers, and advanced paddlers seeking focused coaching. Riverbound Sports Paddle Co. emphasizes practical instruction, convenient rental logistics, and site-specific knowledge for paddling around Tempe and nearby Arizona waterways.
Location
Tempe, Arizona
Access to local lakes and rivers
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Kayak rentals, SUP lessons, guided tours
Certified Instruction
ACA Certified (River SUP)
Professional river safety coaching
Flexible Rentals
Day & Moonlight options
Easy pickup and quick inflation
Reserve inflatable kayaks, sign up for ACA‑certified river SUP lessons, or join a guided Canyon Lake or Lower Salt River tour—limited group sizes and seasonal availability.
Wear a Life Jacket at All Times
Safety first: always wear the provided life jacket while paddling, even on calm waters.
Hydrate Before and During Your Kayak Trip
Arizona’s heat can be intense; bring water and drink regularly to stay hydrated.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Apply sunscreen generously and wear a hat and sunglasses to shield against UV rays.
Check Weather Conditions
Before setting out, verify weather forecasts to avoid unexpected winds or storms on the river.
Life Jacket
Provided by the company and critical for your safety on the water.
Sun Protection (Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses)
Protects your skin and eyes from harsh Arizona sun exposure during the paddle.
summer
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated keeps your energy up while exploring the river.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Useful for storing valuables and keeping them dry while on the kayak.