HOURS:
Monday: 7am - 5pm
Tuesday: 7am - 5pm
Wednesday: 7am - 5pm
Thursday: 7am - 5pm
Friday: 7am - 5pm
Saturday: 7am - 5pm
Sunday: 7am - 5pm
FULL MOON FLOATS
Next Full Moon: June 13 & 14
GLOW FLOATS
Next: May 23 & 24
Closest Shop to the Water
Moving from a garage to a shop down by the river! In March of 2024, we completed the purchase of AZ Kayaks! Trustworthy Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals in Mesa Arizona.
We moved into a shop at Ellsworth and Brown 1035 N Ellsworth Rd #107, Mesa, AZ 85207 that put us on the map as the closest shop to the water.
OUR 5 STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS
Top Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals in Mesa Arizona
Shop Address:
1035 N Ellsworth Rd #107, Mesa, AZ 85207
We moved into a shop at Ellsworth and Brown that put us on the map as the closest shop to the water.
Business/Shop Number:
UPCOMING 2025 PADDLE/KAYAKING EVENTS, RACES, Cost sharing trips, & GUIDED TOURS
COST SHARING TRIPS
Horseshoe Bend
Trip Details:
- Overnight camping trip under the world-renowned Horseshoe Bend Lookout, starting from Gilbert, Arizona, with a five-hour travel to Lees Ferry, just outside of Page, AZ.
- Take a backhaul (boat ride) from Lee’s Ferry up to Glen Canyon Dam to reach the top for paddling downriver.
Day One:
- Paddle 6 miles to the campsite, usually mile nine campgrounds, observing petroglyphs and natural springs along the way. Camping in Marble Canyon offers amazing stargazing opportunities.
- Paddle 9 miles back down to Lees Ferry, optionally visiting a slot canyon hike 4 miles from Lee’s Ferry. Stop in Flagstaff for lunch on the return trip to Gilbert.
- Meet the group at Lee’s Ferry with provided details. Rental boards available if needed.
- Shuttle to Horseshoe Bend includes a continental breakfast. Overnight camping includes provided firewood, games on the beach, and sometimes live music with a resident guitarist. Itinerary, packing list, and assistance offered.
2 Options (Please reach out to let us know the date before you pay):
- Horseshoe Bend Adventure - Shuttle with us - $260
- Horseshoe Bend Adventure - Meet us at Lee’s Ferry - $160
2025 Dates:
June 20-21
September 12-13
We are a member and an outfitter with the American Canoe Association.
2025 GUIDED TRIPS & TOURS
Fool Hollow
Trip Details:
Fool Hollow Lake, located in Show Low, Arizona, is a fantastic destination for paddling enthusiasts seeking a blend of adventure and tranquility. Nestled within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this lake offers a serene escape surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and diverse wildlife.
The lake spans approximately 150 acres and features calm waters, making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Its elevation of 6,260 feet provides cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months, making it a refreshing retreat. The lake is also home to various fish species, so you might spot anglers trying their luck along the shores.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is well-equipped with amenities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping facilities. Whether you're planning a day trip or an overnight stay, the park has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
This peaceful oasis is perfect for paddlers of all skill levels, offering a chance to connect with nature and unwind on the water. Let me know if you'd like tips on planning your visit or exploring other activities in the area!
2025 Dates:
July 18-19
Blue Ridge Reservoir Adventure
Trip Details:
Our Blue Ridge Reservoir Tour offers a unique paddling experience in the picturesque Coconino National Forest. Known for its quiet, winding waters, this hidden gem provides an ideal setting for paddlers seeking a peaceful escape. Surrounded by forested canyon walls and the fresh scent of pine, the reservoir is a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
Our Blue Ridge Reservoir tours are in high demand, and dates fill up quickly. The May 2–3 tour is already SOLD OUT, but don’t worry—more dates are on the horizon!
To ensure you don’t miss out on this unique paddling experience, join our waitlist today. Be the first to know when new dates are released and secure your spot for an unforgettable adventure in Arizona’s Rim Country.
2025 Dates:
SOLD OUT
Willow Springs
Trip Details:
Willow Springs Lake, located on Arizona's Mogollon Rim, is a paddler's paradise offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Created in 1966 as a trout fishing lake, this man-made reservoir spans 150 surface acres and features over 4 miles of shoreline. Its hooked shape adds a unique charm to the paddling experience, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.
The lake sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet, providing cooler temperatures and a refreshing escape from the desert heat. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities here, and the calm waters make it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels1. Dispersed camping is allowed around the lake, making it a great spot for a multi-day paddling adventure.
Accessing Willow Springs Lake is straightforward via US Highway 260, about 30 miles east of Payson. The lake is free to access, with no permits required. Nearby Sinkhole Campground offers additional amenities for those looking to extend their stay.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful day on the water or a weekend getaway, Willow Springs Lake promises a memorable paddling experience amidst Arizona's natural beauty. Let me know if you'd like tips on planning your trip!
2025 Dates:
August 29-30
Hoover Dam/AZ Hot Springs/ Emerald Cave Guided Tour
Trip Details:
- 2-day trip starting just below Hoover Dam and spanning 12 miles to Willow Beach.
- Abundance of history and sights, including Sauna caves, waterfalls, AZ hot springs, Emerald Cave, and more.
- Overnight camping at AZ hot springs with pit toilets available.
- The area is inhabited by critters (skunks, racoons, snakes), so a hard shell container was provided for food storage.
Logistics and Safety:
- Colorado River trip along the Arizona-Nevada Border.
- Guide equipped with a satellite phone for emergencies (no phone service), WAG bags (required by forest service), and plastic containers for food.
- Guide's extensive knowledge of the water and the specific section of the Colorado River.
- A background check is required for security clearance at the top.
Experience:
- Beginner and Intermediate
- Unforgettable trip with the potential for repeated visits.
2025 Dates:
April 18-19 (SOLD OUT)
October 24-25
We are a member and an outfitter with the American Canoe Association.
2025 EVENTS & RACES
Full Moon Paddles
UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS:
Next Float: May 9 & 10
- May 9 & 10
- June 13 & 14
- July 11 & 12
- August 8 & 9
- September 6
- October 4
Glow Floats
UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS:
Next Float: May 23 & 24
- June 27 & 28
- July 25 & 26
- August 22 & 23
- September 20
- October 18
Salt River Speed Paddles
Speed Paddle with us on Friday Mornings in the Summer. Contact us for more details.
FAQ
What is the Address to the Shop?
1035 N Ellsworth Rd #107, Mesa, AZ 85207
We moved into a shop at Ellsworth and Brown that put us on the map as the closest shop to the water, but, standing on the water and paddling down the river offered a totally different experience. If you do not find what you're looking for on the Paddle Board Rentals FAQ Mesa call us here.
Can I walk in to order?
How long do the rentals last?
You can reserve your kayak or paddleboard rental as early as 7 AM and return by 5 PM. If you need to return later than 5 PM we have a convenient locker return system behind our shop or a secondary drop off location for larger kayaks.
What times can I pick up or drop off?
Does my rental come with lifejackets and paddles?
What do I need for my adventure?
OUR HISTORY
1976 & Beyond – Arizona Natives
1976 and beyond- the owner of Canyon Paddle, Gary Krauser, was born in Tempe, AZ in 1976. He grew up in Mesa, AZ and all growing up he camped and swam all over the state. Many weekends were spent during high school years on both Canyon & Saguaro lake. As a lot of AZ kids did growing up, many summers were spent in San Diego snorkeling, surfing, body boarding and body surfing. Gary spent 1 1/2 years living in San Diego in Junior high and has always had a love for the water. Not only does Gary love his home state of AZ, he has a deep connection to San Diego and Southern California.
Gary graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, AZ in 1994 and moved to South America in 1995 where he learned to speak the Spanish language in Bolivia. He has lived in the same house in Gilbert, AZ since 1998. Gary loves to travel with his family and Canyon Paddle Boards have been in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico and many rivers in between.
2010 – First Canoe Trip Down the Salt River
Our love for the river started on a random trip with some friends and some rented canoes. It was that day that we began introducing others to the beauty of the river. Many river trips with canoes were made.
2011 – Introduced to Kayaking & the Upper Salt River
A whole new world was opened up once we sat in a kayak. The control difference was amazing and our love for the river only intensified. We spent as much time as we could on the lower salt river and were limited to one time per year on the upper salt.
2017 – The Paddleboard Era Began
While kayaking with a group, a friend brought his paddleboard. In his words, “it’s the best way to go down the river”. While we thought he was crazy, he was right. Canoeing was fun, kayaking was amazing but, standing on the water and paddling down the river offered a totally different experience. On a paddleboard, you can see so much more of the river and its banks. We continue to kayak rapids on the Verde and upper salt but our greatest love is truly paddle boarding the lower salt.
2024 – Moving To A Shop Down By The River
Moving from a garage to a shop down by the river! In March of 2024, we completed the purchase of AZ Kayaks and moved into a shop at Ellsworth and Brown that put us on the map as the closest shop to the water.