Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about rental concession location and Lake Sammamish State Park
Are there any fees to get into Lake Sammamish State Park?
Yes, you need a Discover Pass or a ten dollar day pass. Lake Sammamish State Park is equipped with several automated pay stations for visitors to purchase one-day passes and annual Discover Passes upon arriving at the park. These pay stations accept credit cards ONLY.
Once I'm in the park, where do I go to get to Issaquah Paddle Sports?
After entering Lake Sammamish State Park and passing the entrance booths, take the first left into the large parking lot. Once you've parked your car, walk towards the grassy picnic area north of the parking lot. To the left of the picnic area, near the beach, there will be a large building with tan siding. That's where we run Issaquah Paddle sports. See image below for a map of the park and our concessions.
Questions about renting from Issaquah Paddle Sports
How can I rent one of your boats?
You can reserve a rental here on our website, or you can walk up to our concession at Lake Sammamish State Park and make a reservation there.
Do I need to make a reservation in advance to get a rental?
No, but it's the best way to guarantee you get one! On our busiest days, every boat we rent is reserved before the first one is on the water, so to be sure to plan a head and reserve your rental online! To navigate to our reservation page, click here.
Do I need to sign a liability form to use a rental?
Yes! Everyone in your group who wants to use one of our rentals must sign a liability form. If you want to add someone to your group, bring them with you to the concession where they can sign a liability form.
When can I make a reservation?
You will be able to make reservations starting May 1st, 2023. Reservations for weekday rentals and all boat package rentals can be made two months in advance, while reservations for weekend rentals can only be made the day of the rental.
What are "same-day" rentals?
"Same-day" rentals are rentals that can only be reserved on the day it is used. All small group weekend rentals are same-day. For example, if you want to rent a kayak at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 3rd, you must wait until the morning of June 3rd to make the reservation. Reservations open at 12 midnight the day of the rental.
Can I rent a craft for an entire day?
Yes! You can now make day-long rentals. Full day rentals are only possible on week days. Renters may not take rental craft away from Lake Sammamish and must return equipment by 7:00 PM.
What is the cancellation policy for reserved rentals?
You must contact Issaquah Paddle Sports 1 hour before your rental starts to receive a refund. Please send us an email stating you wish to have your reservation refunded or call/leave a voice message with your name, order number and reservation time. Email is prefered.
Do I need to wear a life jacket?
Yes, no matter your age, type of rental, or how great of a swimmer you are a life jacket is required. We provide life jackets for all renters and we are disinfecting all our life jackets after each use to minimize risk of viral transmission. Sizes can be limited on weekends.
If you do not feel comfortable using our life jackets and you have your own, please bring it. You can use itt with your rental.
There is a Life Jackets Loaner Stand with select sizes at Tibbett's Beach and Sunset Beach. These are not disinfected.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes and no. You must know how to swim in order to rent a paddle board (SUP) or kayak but you DON'T need to know how to swim to rent our pedal boats. This is a matter of safety and if you plan on being on the water you must be well prepared.
Can I take rental gear away from Lake Sammamish and Lake Sammamish State Park?
No, take away rentals are not permitted at anytime.
Can I bring children and/or will you provide life jackets for small children?
Yes, children under 18 can rent with parental supervision. We also provide life jackets for people of all ages. As mentioned elsewere, you must fill out a liability form for them as part of the rental procedure.
Do I need to accompany my child on the water?
Yes, however there are exceptions. We ask that you be on the beach and able to see your child at all times.
Are there life guards at Lake Sammamish State Park?
No, there are no life guards at Lake Sammamish State Park. Swim at your own risk.
Will I get wet?
Yes, expect to get wet when using IPS rentals. When using the paddle boards you will be expected to walk into knee deep water before standing upon the board. For the Single and Double kayaks you will have small amounts of water entering the boat during use because of the scupper holes inside the boat. These scupper holes allow for the kayaks to be self draining but they allow a small amount of water to enter. In the pedal boat small amounts of water will splash you from the waves.
Do you provide lockers for valuables while we are out on the water?
No, we do not have lockers. We cannot hold any personal belongings in the kiosk. There are also no places to store your belongings at the lake. You are responsible for your personal items.
Do you rent Jet Skis?
No, we only rent human powered craft.
Other questions
Is there any place to purchase food in the Park?
Yes, there is the Sunset Beach Cafe, at the Sunset Beach concession. See the map below for their location and a route from IPS to the Cafe.
Who is Kayak Academy?
Kayak Academy owns Issaquah Paddle Sports. Kayak Academy specializes in sea and river kayak lessons, and also sells kayaks and accessories. Issaquah Paddle Sports is an outfitter renting sit-on-top kayaks and paddle board's (SUP's) at Lake Sammamish State Park.
