North Lake Tapps Park Rules & Safety
Coming soon!
-It’s the LAW that you MUST wear a coast guard approved life jacket at all times that is properly sized and fitted. If there are no lifejackets, they don’t fit, or they are in a state of disrepair, please inform us immediately and we will either provide other equipment or issue a full refund.
-No drugs or alcohol before or during kayaking (some studies suggest avoiding substances and wearing a life jacket reduces risk of death by >90%)
-Carefully inspect the equipment prior to using to ensure there are no punctures, holes or damage that might cause the equipment to take on water. Also check to ensure kayaks do not have water in their hull and use the drain hole at the end of the kayak to drain any water before using it. You agree, prior to operating the equipment, to stop using the equipment and notify KayakShare.com if there are any issues with the equipment. If you later determine the equipment is not operating properly, immediately stop using the Equipment, return it and notify KayakShare.com.
-You must watch all safety videos on the Safety page.
-You are obligated to fully read, agree to, and follow all the additional rules in the Waiver, signed at the time of payment.
-Keep kayak hatches closed when on the water. This helps prevent water from getting in and is a safety feature to maximize flotation. If the hatches are closed and you flip the kayak, the kayak will float, allowing for it to be turned back over and re-entered.
-Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is kayaking with the minor and staying within talking distance at all times. When wind picks up, if someone is in trouble and too far away, no one will hear. Use safety whistles attached to all life jackets as needed.
-Maximum weight capacity by boat type (or it may sink):
Single kayak holds up to 250 lbs (including person and all their stuff).
Double kayak holds up to 450 lbs (including person and all their stuff).
Standup Paddleboard holds up to 220 lbs (including person and all their stuff).
-Make sure to avoid dropping any trash into the water or grounds (we all want to keep it beautiful).
-Avoid renting during high winds, lightening, or other inclement weather. You can always cancel the rental for a full refund prior to the beginning of the rental period via your email confirmation of your order.
-Be aware of winds. It may take significantly longer to paddle back if it’s against the wind and wind direction changes.
-Make sure to have your kayak or Standup Paddleboard returned and fully locked up by the end time of your rental or the lock won’t work, you’ll be charged for the extra hour to unlock it, and the person who may have rented it after you will be upset. Let’s be respectful of their time too.
-KayakShare.com rental equipment may not be taken off site (meaning from the body of water/park it’s found) for any reason. If it is taken off site, we will be notified by the GPS sensors in the equipment and police will be called. Charges will be pressed to the full extent of the law.
-Remember to avoid motor boats as much as possible. Motorboats always have the right of way. Stay off to the side of waterways.
-Lake Tapps Park Kayak Rentals start at 7AM and last boat goes out at 5PM daily. All boats MUST be back by 7PM per Park rules. Lake Tapps Park is only open April 1 to Sept 30th.
-Check the local weather, forecast, wind, sunrise/sunset here
Boats are limited so reserve your kayak or Standup Paddleboard rental now by clicking the link of your choice below (availability will be listed for each boat). Single kayaks are $17.99 for 1 hr, $34.99 for 2 hrs.
How to Re-lock Up: (Video below)
-Put the kayak/SUP on the same rack you found it on (Double kayaks should always be on the bottom row due to their weight), back of the boat next to the metal pole. Take the red wire attached to the metal pole, string it through:
(1) the metal ring on the paddle,
(2) the metal ring (or back end handle) on the kayak, OR for Stand Up Paddleboards, the hole/opening near the fins on the back of the board.
Now attach both loops of the red wire to the shackle and the grey loop(s) of wire attached to the lifejacket(s) to the shackle and close the lock.
North Lake Tapps Park Location (click link below for Google Maps in a new window):