Paddle through Arizona’s Lower Salt River and spot the famous wild horses while enjoying a guided tour full of local history and wildlife sightings. Experience nature from a unique perspective on kayak or paddleboard.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling endurance recommended
Wildlife
History
The Lower Salt River area has been a vital resource for Indigenous peoples and early settlers, shaping local culture and land use.
Conservation
Ongoing efforts focus on protecting the wild horses, maintaining water quality, and promoting sustainable tourism along the river.
Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
Paddle through Arizona’s Lower Salt River and spot the famous wild horses while enjoying a guided tour full of local history and wildlife sightings. Experience nature from a unique perspective on kayak or paddleboard.
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.
Bring Sun Protection
Arizona’s sun can be intense; wear sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing to stay safe on the water.
Wear Suitable Footwear
Water shoes or sandals with secure straps help protect your feet and provide better grip on slippery surfaces.
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water as temperatures can rise quickly, especially during summer months.
Respect Wildlife Viewing Distance
Keep a respectful distance from the Salt River Wild Horses and other wildlife to avoid disturbance.
Waterproof sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure during prolonged hours on the river.
summer
Water shoes
Provides comfortable protection and grip when entering or exiting the water.
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
Helps shield skin from the sun while keeping you cool.
spring
Insulating layer or windbreaker
Keeps you warm during cooler autumn paddling sessions.
fall