MAPPED: 6 places to rent kayaks, paddleboards in northwest Vermont

What better way to beat the summer heat than to spend it on the water?

Whether it be soaking up the views on Lake Champlain or happily paddling down a scenic river, here are 6 outfitters to meet your rental boat needs.

Bayside Paddle Sports

Located at Malletts Bay in Colchester, Bayside Paddle Sports offers stand up paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boat rentals for up to six hours at a time.

Rental rates are the same, regardless of boat type. There is no admission fee to the beach, so you may swim or relax on the beach at your leisure. Free parking is available at Bayside Park across the street.

Bayside Paddle Sports is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Aug. 22. Call (802) 316-2929 with questions.

Vermont Canoe and Kayak

Vermont Canoe and Kayak is located in Jeffersonville, about 45 minutes drive from towns in Chittenden County. The company offers rentals for the Lamoille River, as well as numerous guided tours, such as the Ice Cream Float and the Maple Tour, perfect for children and those who enjoy a sweet treat.

Self-guided rental options include solo and tandem kayaks, paddleboards and two or three-seat canoes. Rentals range in price from $40/day for kayaks and paddleboards and go to $75/day for three-seat canoes.

Rates are cheaper for kayaks and paddleboards if you use your own car to shuttle.

Make reservations at vtcanoeandkayak.com or by calling 802-644-8336.

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters has locations in both Stowe and Richmond. They are a full-service outdoor experience store offering rentals, guided tours, retail sales and instruction.

At their Waterbury Reservoir location, Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents stand-up paddleboards, solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and canoes for two hours. These are also offered as car-top boat rentals, so you are able to explore other bodies of water around Vermont.

The Stowe location is open every day 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and the Richmond store is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Reach Unimak at 802-253-2317 and by website at umiak.com.

Paddlesurf Champlain

Paddlesurf Champlain has paddleboards, solo and tandem kayaks available for rent at

Oakledge Park and North Beach, both located right on Lake Champlain in Burlington.

Paddlesurf also offers multi-day, weekly and multi-weekly paddleboard rentals with delivery and pickup available in Burlington, the Champlain Islands and Northern Vermont.

Oakledge Park hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. North Beach hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. Walk-ups are welcome but reservations are accepted for groups of six or more.

Paddlesurf can be reached by phone at 802-881-4905, or at paddlesurfchamplain.com.

Outdoor Gear Exchange

Outdoor Gear Exchange located on Church Street in downtown Burlington offers a number of watercraft rentals including paddleboards and canoes. Rentals start at $45 for one day, $45/day for 2-6 days, and $36/day for seven or more days.

OGE is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call 888-547-4327 or visit website gearx.com.

Community Sailing Center

The Community Sailing Center right on Lake Champlain has sailboats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards available for rent, but with limited availability according to their phased plan. This plan has three phases throughout the summer.

Phase 1 from June 19-July 9 only allows rentals from season pass holders with reservations required, available only on weekends.

Phase 2 from July 12-Aug. 1 also only allows season pass holders with reservations required, but they are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Phase 3 from Aug. 2-Sept. 6 allows drop-in and pass rentals, open seven days a week 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Contact the Community Sailing Center at communitysailingcenter.org or at 802-864-2499.

Carolina De Buy Wenniger is a summer 2021 intern. Her reporting focus is on conservation, sustainable transportation and the outdoors.