• Paddle Guide

    Kayak and SUP

The pristine vistas, clear and calm alpine water, and mountain surroundings make Summit County the perfect place to spend a day on the water learning to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Take your kayaks or paddleboards out to experience endless views and adventure solo, with a friend, or with the whole family! Check out this guide for everything you need to know about paddling around Summit County.

What should I bring? 

  • Everything you might need for a day on the water! Lifejackets are required to be on your SUP or kayak so make sure to bring your PFD. Wear quick-drying clothing- the water is cold and you won’t want to stay wet for long! Bring plenty of sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, etc.) to stay comfortable and happy in the sun.

When should I go? 

  • Mornings are always calmer on the lake. For peaceful, easy kayaking, head out in the morning- especially if you are bringing kids. Between afternoon rain and wind the water gets choppy and more tiring to navigate.

Who should join?

  • Kayak and SUP are fun for the whole family! If you are bringing younger children, it would be best for them to share a vessel with an adult. Paddling does require arm and core strength so if someone in your group has difficulty, go for a tandem kayak!

Rentals

Don’t have your own gear? Fear not! There are a few places around town where you can rent everything you’ll need.

Frisco Bay Marina is located in Frisco at the East end of Main Street. The marina offers equipment rentals, has a sandy beach area to relax or have a picnic, and a bar and restaurant. In addition to kayaks and paddleboards, the marina also offers rentals on other paddle sports such as canoes and pedal boards! Click here for more information and to make your equipment booking.

  • Stand-Up Paddleboard
    • Monday-Thursday: $57/two-hour rental; $19 for each additional hour
    • Friday-Sunday: $63/two-hour rental; $20 for each additional hour.
  • Single Kayak
    • Monday-Thursday: $57/two-hour rental; $19 for each additional hour
    • Friday-Sunday: $63/two-hour rental/$20 for each additional hour
  • Tandem Kayak
    • Monday-Thursday: $71/two-hour rental; $19 for each additional hour
    • Friday-Sunday: $79/two-hour rental; $20 for each additional hour

If you are wanting to kayak but aren’t sure where to begin, Adventure Paddle Tours offers guided tours out of Frisco Bay Marina as well! Check out their tours for a guided kayaking experience.

Dillon Marina is located on the Dillon side of the lake and has gorgeous views of the reservoir and Peak 1. Stop by the Tiki Bar for an after-boating snack or drink and soak in the views! Rent your equipment and launch directly from the marina. Rentals can be booked in advance. Click here to secure your spot!

  • SUP Rentals
    • $60/person
    • Two-hour rental
    • Inflatable
    • Good for any age or skill level
  • Performance SUP Rentals
    • $80/person
    • Two-hour rental
    • Pro-carbon model
    • Good for intermediate to advanced paddlers
  • Single-Person Kayak
    • $60/person
    • Two-hour rental
    • Sit-on-top inflatable kayak
    • Good for any age or skill level
  • Tandem Kayak
    • $75/kayak
    • Two-hour rental
    • Tandem-style- bring a friend!

Launch Sites

The best place to spend a day paddling in Summit County is undoubtedly Lake Dillon! With miles of shoreline, you can stick to the shores, explore the small islands, or head towards the open water for views of the Tenmile and Gore ranges. Here are the best spots to put-in and launch your boat!

The Blue River Inlet is the closest launch spot to Breckenridge. Located near the stoplight at the bottom of Swan Mountain, this inlet provides a convenient access point for our owners and guests. Click here for directions! This spot has a large parking area, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Snake River Inlet is located between Breckenridge and Dillon when taking Swan Mountain Road in the Summit Cove area. Check out the Snake River canyon as you paddle past the high walls! Winds pick up at this site making for an easy paddle-out but making things a little more tough to paddle back so make sure to visit this spot in the morning. Take a look towards the inlet for views of Grays and Torreys- two of the fourteen thousand-foot peaks on the Continental Divide.

Access to Giberson Bay can be found on Dillon Dam Road. Head through Frisco, take a right on Dillon Dam Road, and look for the parking area on your right-hand side. This is a great spot for paddling around the many small islands in the Dillon Reservoir! Waters are very calm at this site, especially in the mornings, and the views of Peak One can’t be beaten! This spot is very popular so arrive early to get your parking space.

Whether you are bringing your own gear or renting, both the Frisco Bay Marina and Dillon Marina are easy (and scenic) launch sites. Both sites have parking areas, easy access to the water, picnic tables, and a restaurant! Frisco Bay would be an especially good spot for families as there is a “beach” to play and have a picnic.

SUP Yoga

Looking to try something new? Meta Yoga offers SUP yoga classes on Maggie Pond from mid-June through Labor Day! Test your balance with this challenging and relaxing water experience. Classes are limited to 14 people and classes fill up regularly!

Meta asks that you bring comfortable clothing, water, a towel, and sun protection. There will be a secure place to keep your shoes and extra belongings on the shore during class.

Click here to learn more about SUP Yoga and to reserve your spot.

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