Where to Rent Kayaks and Paddleboards on White Rock Lake (2026 Guide)
May 20, 2026 · Admin
There is no better way to beat the Texas heat than getting out on White Rock Lake. If you don't own your own gear, we've broken down exactly where to rent kayaks and paddleboards this season, including current hourly rates, hidden budget hacks, and the best launch spots in East Dallas.
There is no better way to escape the brutal Texas summer heat than getting out on the water. While White Rock Lake doesn't allow motorized boats, it is an absolute paradise for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
If you don't own your own gear, navigating the rental scene can be a bit confusing—especially with recent vendor changes. Here at DFW Pulse, we've tracked down exactly who is operating on the lake this season, what it costs, and where to launch.
🛶 Target Snippet: White Rock Lake Kayak & SUP Rentals
| Rental Shop Name | Watercraft Available | Rates | Launch Location / Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Rock Paddle Co. | Kayaks, Tandems, SUPs | $20 - $27 per hour | 389 E. Lawther Dr. (East Shore) |
| Kayak Power (Off-site) | Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes | $40 for a half-day (4 hrs) | Pickup: Zacha Dr. / Launch: Any WRL ramp |
| DFW Surf Club | SUPs, Kayaks | Summer/Yearly Membership | Lockbox Access (On-site) |
What to Know Before You Row (2026 Vendor Updates)
If you haven't been out on White Rock Lake in a few seasons, the rental landscape has shifted. Dallas Paddle Company permanently closed its doors, and the City of Dallas Parks Department recently established new concessionaire agreements for 2026. Here is the breakdown of your best options for getting on the water today.
1. White Rock Paddle Co. (Best for Convenience)
For spontaneous weekends or out-of-town visitors, White Rock Paddle Co. is your primary on-site rental choice.
- The Logistics: They operate directly on the lake's eastern shore at 389 E. Lawther Drive. You can simply park, walk up to the kiosk, sign a waiver, and launch straight into the water.
- The Cost: Single kayaks and stand-up paddleboards generally run between $20 and $27 an hour, while tandem (two-person) boats are slightly more.
- Pro Tip: While walk-ups are welcome, booking online in advance is highly recommended on busy summer Saturdays to avoid standing in the heat.
2. Kayak Power (The Budget Hack)
If you want to spend the entire afternoon on the water without watching the clock, Kayak Power offers an incredible half-day deal.
- The Logistics: Instead of renting directly on the shore, you pick up your gear from their main warehouse at 10112 East Zacha Drive (just a few minutes east of the lake). They provide the boat, paddles, life vests, a cooler, and a dry box. You load it up, drive to any of White Rock Lake's five public boat ramps, and launch yourself.
- The Cost: It is just $40 per person for a half-day (up to 4 hours), or $80 for a full 8-hour day.
- Pro Tip: This is the perfect option if you want to explore the quieter, northern wetlands of the lake where the on-site rentals rarely venture.
3. DFW Surf Club (The Frequent Paddler Route)
If you live in East Dallas or Lakewood and plan to make paddleboarding a weekly habit, paying by the hour adds up quickly. DFW Surf operates a unique club model at White Rock Lake.
- The Logistics: Rather than manning a rental booth, club members get a combination code to unlock paddleboards and kayaks stored right at the lake at any time.
- The Cost: This requires a seasonal or yearly membership (starting around $599 for the summer access plan), which also grants you access to their massive gear fleets at Grapevine Lake, Little Elm, and Frisco.
The Best Spots to Paddle on White Rock Lake
Once you are on the water, you have over 1,000 acres to explore!
- For Nature Lovers: Head north toward the Mockingbird Lane bridge and the wetlands. This area is famously quiet, heavily shaded by trees, and packed with egrets, herons, and turtles.
- For Skyline Views: Paddle down to the southern edge near the Dallas Arboretum and the Spillway. You will get an unobstructed, gorgeous view of the Downtown Dallas skyline—making it the perfect spot for golden hour photos.