Tahoe Things to Do: Water Sports

To get off the beaten path in North Lake Tahoe, Black Tie Adventure Rentals has you covered with e-bikes, kayaks, standup paddleboards and river tubes. You can visit their Truckee Adventure Shop to pick up gear, or they offer convenient delivery to your vacation lodging or adventure site. Their gear experts will ensure that your equipment is properly set up for a seamless adventure. When you're done, simply return the gear to their shop or enjoy the convenience of pick-up service. If conditions change or you need assistance during your rental, they are easily available and only a phone call away. Black Tie wants you to enjoy every minute of your adventure, so they will offer to meet you to collect the gear without imposing on your plans if you can't come to them.

History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site of the state park, during record-breaking snowfall. Now visitors can go to Donner Memorial State Park and check out the new $6.6 million visitor center/museum that chronicles the Donner Party and the human and natural history of the region. During summer season the park has 142 spaces for car, RV and tent camping. There is also a concessionaire renting water-sport toys from kayaks and SUPs to two-seater personal watercraft. Being a state park in the Sierra, everything is surrounded by beautiful pines and plenty of hiking and biking in adjacent Cold Stream Canyon and swimming in the kid-friendly canal and China Cove. Depending on snowfall, a cross-country ski trail is groomed through the park, which is also a great place for snowshoeing. An entrance fee is charged.

Lake Tahoe has only one outflow – the Truckee River. And for 25 years IRIE Rafting Company has given visitors a close-up view of the waterway as well as the region's north and middle forks of the American River and the Carson River. For those wanting to stay closer to Truckee, IRIE offers half- and full-day trips on the Truckee River after it flows past the town of Truckee. There is ideal paddling to be had for a range of ages and abilities as well as some thrilling rapids as the river runs down into the Truckee River Gorge. IRIE transports guests to and from Truckee to the put-in and take-out points on the river and provides helmets, personal flotation vests and paddles. Expect a two-hour trip that will be perfect for the whole family. By the way, IRIE stands for Isolated Rivers, Incredible Experiences. 

Lake Tahoe Boat Rides is a premier charter boat company that offers customized boat tours designed to make memories that last a lifetime. For those looking to enjoy the beautiful sites and excitement that Lake Tahoe has to offer by boat, Lake Tahoe Boat Rides has a variety of private boat tours available. This is perfect for swimming in private coves, tubing, waterskiing and lounging while your private driver takes you and your loved ones around the lake. If you want to step it up a notch, then try Lake Tahoe Boat Rides' yacht charters. Tending to your every desire, these tours bring luxury upon the serene waters of Lake Tahoe to a higher level. To keep things simple, they have various private docks for rental pick up in addition to their Tahoe Keys main hub. They will also drop off rental gear at your desired location. 

Sunnyside Watersports offers several different rental options such as power boats, surf boats and pontoon boats in addition to Jet Skis, kayaks and standup paddleboards on the stunning West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Make your day on the lake a thrilling one by renting one of their top-of-the-line Cobalt boats, which are perfect for enjoying a powerful ride on Lake Tahoe. If you're looking for some action-packed watersport activities, consider their surf boat for wakesurfing, wakeboarding or tubing. They also offer boat rentals with a driver and watersport lessons with an instructor. Their friendly staff will ensure that you safely get on the water, and they are more than happy to suggest interesting spots to explore.