Kayak Programs

alt=""Burlington Recreation & Parks Outdoor Programs provides many opportunities for guided and facilitated kayaking programs. The kayak season generally runs from mid-April to the end of October. Check out the program menu below to see what types of kayak programs are offered. 

If you are looking to simply rent kayaks to paddle on your own at Mackintosh Lake, visit Mackintosh Marina or Guilford-Mackintosh Marina. Solo kayaks and tandem kayaks are available. All kayaks are offered on a first-come basis. Reservations are NOT accepted.

Sunset Paddles

Location: Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina and Stoney Creek Marina
Ages: 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a participating adult. 
Fee: $21/rental; $8/BYO Kayak
Register now!

Let your stress melt away as you enjoy a  2-hour guided paddle (about 3 miles). Paddlers will have a guide who provides basic paddling instruction as needed and leads the group on the lake. Fee includes kayak rental, PFD, paddle, lake fees and guides. The weight limit for rental boats is 225lbs.

Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina
1345 NC HWY 61, Whitsett 		Stoney Creek Marina
1785 Faulkner Drive, Burlington
  May 3, 6:00-8:00 pm  May 17, 6:00-8:00 pm
  May 31, 6:15-8:15 pm  June 14, 6:15-8:15 pm
  June 28, 6:30-8:30 pm  July 12, 6:16-8:15 pm
  July 26, 6:15-8:15 pm  August 9, 6:00-8:00 pm
  August 23, 6:00-8:00 pm  **Registration opens 6 weeks prior to each Sunset Paddle and closes at noon the day of event.
  September 13, 5:15-7:15 pm


Meet-Up Paddles

Location: Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina - 1345 NC HWY 61, Whitsett, NC 27377
Ages: 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult.
Fee: $17.50/rental or $6.50/BYO Kayak
Register now!

Don’t paddle alone! Come meet other paddlers and enjoy some time on the water. Bring your own kayak or rent one of ours. A kayak instructor will guide the group on the lake and help folks in/out of boats as needed. Fee includes guide, kayak rental, paddle, PFD. If providing a personal boat a PFD is still required while on the water. When registering, be sure to choose either the rental kayak or if you are bringing your own personal boat. 

  • May 10 & 24 from 8:30-10:30 am
  • June 7 & 21 from 8:00-10:00 am
  • July 19 from 8:00-10:00 am
  • August 16 & 30 from 8:00-10:00 am

Paddle-Palooza Youth Kayak Clinic

Location: Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina | 1345 NC 61, Whitsett
Ages: 11 - 15
Fee: $40. Registration required.
Times/Dates: 8:00-11:30 am on June 20, July 11 OR 8/15 (choose one date only)
Register now!

In this small-group, half-day clinic, learn all about kayaking! Clinic covers everything from water safety, fitting your PFD, parts of the kayak, how to properly get in and out of the boat, basic paddle strokes, and more. We'll save some time to paddle and explore the lake as well! Clinic includes on-land and on-water lessons. Campers should know how to swim and be prepared to be active throughout the clinic.

Custom Kayak Programs

Available at Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina from late April thru October
Ages: 11 and up
Fee: Varies. Contact us for a quote - typically between $20-$40/person.

Private, small group kayak programs are available by appointment and on availability of instructors/guides for groups up to 8. Email Melissa, the Outdoor Program Coordinator, for more information on setting up a custom kayak program. Programs include the following, but we can customize or create a program based on your needs.

  • Intro to Kayaking
    A class for new or beginner paddlers to build confidence and skills on the water. Cover the basics of kayaking: water safety, fitting PFD and kayak, getting in/out of the boat, launching from shore, proper and efficient paddle strokes. Half the class is on-land and half on-water. Participants should be comfortable around water and have basic swimming abilities.

  • Youth Paddle Clinic
    Youth learn all about kayaking fun and safety. Clinic covers everything from water safety, fitting your PFD, parts of the kayak, how to properly get in and out of the boat, basic paddle stokes and more. We'll save some time to paddle and explore the lake as well! Clinic includes on-land and on-water lessons. Students should know how to swim and be prepared to be active throughout the clinic.

  • Guided Group Paddles
    Let us provide the kayaks, gear and guide to help your group explore the lake safely and confidently. Guide will provide basic instruction, assist the group during launching/landing as well as lead the group on the water to the best spots on the lake. Fees include solo kayaks (up to 8), paddles, PFDs, lake fees and guide.