REI Now Offers Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals at Lake James
Lake James State Park has started a three-year contract with consumer co-op REI to run its canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rental concessions.
Word has continued to spread as more and more people visit Lake James State Park since it won “State Park of the Year” in 2014.
An aquatic gem in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the more than 6,500-acre lake has attracted a growing number of visitors in the past few years.
“Lake James State Park in McDowell and Burke counties, with 634,241 visitors in 2021, nearly hit its record of 648,086 set in 2019 and had a 35% increase from 2020's 468,589,” as reported by the Citizen Times in 2022.
This upward trajectory has remained relatively steady with a 4 percent visitation increase across all state parks in North Carolina, which experienced an influx of 755,000 more visitators in 2023 than 2022.
North Carolinians love their parks.
With this heightened attraction, park guests expect an elevated variety of activities and services. To meet this demand, Lake James State Park has started a three-year contract with consumer co-op REI to run its boat rental concessions.
The outdoor recreation service provider and retailer will offer kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards to visitors for rent at the park’s Paddy’s Creek Access swim beach.
“REI Experiences, based in Asheville, is thrilled to offer kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals at Lake James State Park,” says Liz Snyder, Southeast Regional Manager for REI Experiences. “The park offers incredible opportunities for recreation, and we’re excited to provide the chance for visitors to experience the lake from the seat of a kayak. We’re hopeful our rentals will make getting on the water easy for all—no need to lug a boat to the lake, just join us on the beach at Paddy’s Creek and we’ll provide all the gear you need for a great day on Lake James. We also offer lessons and tours for folks who’d like to hone their paddling skills alongside our friendly guides.”
While it will take visitors some getting used to the new concessionaire, it should make the rental process much friendlier.
“We’re thrilled for this new partnership to enhance our visitors’ experience,” says Lake James State Park Ranger Jenny Hughes. “REI can offer a wider range of boating experiences than were previously available through the park. A huge benefit of this partnership is that visitors can book a boat online in advance, so all the gear will be ready to go when they arrive.”
So whether you’re hoping to spot one of our rare bird residents, training for next year’s Dragon Boat Race, or just hoping for a fun time on the water, REI has all the gear you need.
And be sure to check the lake’s water quality before you go.
