Explore · Lake Life · Paddle Sports
Lake Life · Paddlesports
Kayaks, paddleboards and floats
Kayak rentals on Lake Lanier come from two outfitters on the Forsyth County shoreline — one a shop off Highway 369 with drop-offs at three lake parks, the other set up on the sand at Mary Alice Park. Mornings are the calm water.
Where to find kayak rentals on Lake Lanier
Both rent on the Forsyth side, and both include a vest with the boat.
Kayaks · Paddleboards · Floats
Festive Water Paddlesports
A shop off Highway 369 near GA 400 renting single and tandem kayaks, paddleboards and float pads. Rentals include the paddle, a life vest and a quick lesson, and they will drop your gear at Long Hollow, Two Mile Creek or Vann’s Tavern for a fee.
Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday and Monday by appointment. See the listing
Kayaks · Paddleboards · E-foil
Burton Outdoor Adventures
Set up on the sand at Mary Alice Park, renting one- and two-seat kayaks, paddleboards and floating chairs by the hour, plus e-foil lessons for anyone who wants to try flying above the water.
Weekends and holidays at Mary Alice Park. See the listing
Where to put in
QUIET COVES
Long Hollow, Two Mile Creek and Vann’s Tavern
All three sit within a couple of miles of the Highway 369 corridor and are the drop-off points Festive Water uses. Protected water, short carries from the lot, and far less boat traffic than the main channel.
SAND AND SHALLOWS
Mary Alice Park
A sand beach with a swim area, which makes it the easiest launch with kids. It is also the one park that closes its gate once it reaches capacity on weekends and holidays, so come early.
County lake parks charge $10 for a day pass or $60 for the year, and the ramps are open around the clock even when the day-use areas are not. Ramps, parking and busy weekends has the full picture.
Before you paddle
LIFE JACKETS
Every kayak and paddleboard needs a wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket aboard for each person, and every child under 13 has to wear one. Forgot yours? The Lake Lanier Association keeps free loaner stations at Charleston Park, Mary Alice Park, Shady Grove Campground and Young Deer Park through the summer.
READ THE WATER
There are no lifeguards anywhere on Lake Lanier. Powerboats have to hold idle speed within 100 feet of a person in the water, but stay visible, stay out of the channel, and paddle early when the lake is flattest.
Rentals
Pontoons, tiki boats and charters
If you would rather have a motor and a captain, the boat rental page covers cruises, day rentals and fishing guides on the Forsyth shoreline.