Explore Tempe’s waterways together with a hard kayak built for two. Discover the perfect blend of city views and desert nature on this private adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including beginners with basic stamina for paddling.
Wildlife
History
Tempe Town Lake was created in 1999 as part of a flood control and recreational project that revitalized the area.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to maintain water quality and protect native plant species around Tempe’s urban waterways.
Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
Explore Tempe’s waterways together with a hard kayak built for two. Discover the perfect blend of city views and desert nature on this private adventure.
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 to ensure a secure paddle experience.
Apply sunscreen generously
Arizona sun can be intense; protect your skin with high SPF sunscreen before and during your outing.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial when kayaking in warm climates like Tempe’s desert environment.
Secure loose items
Use waterproof bags or containers for phones, keys, and other valuables to avoid losing them in the water.
UV-protective clothing
Protects skin from intense desert sunlight during midday paddles.
summer
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps personal items safe and dry while on the water.
Lightweight windbreaker
Provides protection against cooler breezes on the water.
fall
Hydration pack or water bottle
Essential for staying hydrated under the desert sun.