Kayak & Bike Rentals with Northshore WaterSport in Tempe
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–24 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and casual adventurers in moderate physical condition
Overview
Northshore WaterSport Rentals in Tempe offers flexible kayak, SUP, and bike rentals right on Tempe Town Lake. Discover efficient self-service options and easy access to adventure in the heart of Arizona’s desert city.
Details
Located on Tempe Town Lake in Arizona, Northshore WaterSport Rentals offers a gateway to outdoor adventure in the Sonoran Desert’s urban heart. This local outfitter stands out by giving visitors flexible access to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and bikes, with rental periods ranging from one hour to a full 24 hours. Whether you’re paddling across the shimmering lake surface or cycling along the lake’s scenic shoreline, these rentals provide a low-barrier way to connect with Tempe’s unique outdoor setting.
Tempe Town Lake is an unusual oasis formed by a dammed section of the Salt River, characterized by its calm water ideal for paddle sports. Surrounding this man-made reservoir, desert vegetation like mesquite and palo verde thrive, offering a contrast between water and desert flora. The lake’s flat water makes it accessible to novice paddlers and families, while the adjacent multi-use paths accommodate cyclists of all skill levels.
Northshore WaterSport Rentals excels for its streamlined self-service system. Renters receive a personal access code to retrieve their equipment from a secure storage area mere steps from a launch ramp that leads straight to the water’s edge. This efficient process eliminates common hassles like waiting or transporting bulky gear, making spontaneous adventures easy to enjoy. Equipped with well-maintained kayaks, SUP boards, and bikes, the outfitter caters to solo adventurers, couples on date outings, families, and team-building groups alike.
Beyond equipment, the local team’s deep ties to the community and responsive customer service make a lasting impression on visitors. With moderate temperatures year-round, Tempe Town Lake and Northshore WaterSport Rentals encourage active, on-the-water play and scenic pedaling without the extreme desert heat of midsummer. Whether paddling calmly under broad desert skies or cycling around the lake at sunset, this company offers a distinct outdoor option right in the heart of Arizona’s metropolitan zone.
Adventure Tips
Secure your gear with provided lockers
Use the onsite lockers with locks and keys to keep valuables safe while on the water or trail.
Start early to avoid peak afternoon heat
Mornings offer cooler temperatures and calmer water conditions ideal for SUP or kayak paddling.
Use proper footwear for comfort
Bring water shoes or sneakers for easy transition between bike paths and lake access points.
Follow local water safety rules
Always wear a life jacket and stay within designated paddling areas on Tempe Town Lake.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- The Tempe Town Lake Dam area provides unique views of the desert skyline
- The nearby Kiwanis Park offers quiet bike trails and picnic areas
Wildlife
- Great blue herons frequent the lake's edge
- Desert mule deer occasionally appear near the shoreline at dusk
History
Tempe Town Lake was completed in 1999, transforming a dry riverbed section into a vibrant recreational water body amid the desert cityscape.
Conservation
The lake's management balances urban recreation with water conservation efforts vital in the arid Southwest environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- South bank near the kayak launch
- Cycling paths along the northern shoreline
- Near the Tempe Town Lake Dam
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Life jacket
Critical for safety during any on-water activity.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from strong Arizona sun exposure during outdoor activities.
summer specific
Water shoes
Comfortable footwear helps get on and off watercraft and navigate bike paths.
spring|summer|fall specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated under the desert sun whether paddling or biking.