Discover packrafting with Riverbound Sports in Tempe, Arizona – a fun and portable way to explore desert waterways. Perfect for adventurers seeking a unique paddle experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic stamina and ability to paddle are recommended.
Wildlife
History
Tempe has a rich history as a river town with roots dating back to the Hohokam people, who engineered advanced irrigation canals in the region.
Conservation
Riverbound Sports encourages responsible paddling to protect local waterways and supports environmental initiatives focused on preserving Arizona’s aquatic habitats.
Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
Discover packrafting with Riverbound Sports in Tempe, Arizona – a fun and portable way to explore desert waterways. Perfect for adventurers seeking a unique paddle experience.
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.
Check Water Levels Before Renting
Water levels can fluctuate seasonally; always confirm current conditions with Riverbound Sports for safe paddling.
Wear Sun Protection
Arizona sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing for your time on the water.
Bring a Waterproof Dry Bag
Keep your phone, keys, and snacks dry and secure while on the water with a reliable dry bag.
Start with Calm Waters
If new to packrafting, begin on gentle sections of Tempe Town Lake to build confidence before exploring further.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Safety first; a PFD is required for all packrafting adventures.
Sun Hat
Protects your face and neck from strong desert sun rays during hotter months.
summer
Lightweight Layered Clothing
Layering allows adjustment to variable temperatures and spring winds.
spring
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps gear safe and dry while you enjoy your time on the water.