Kayaks, paddleboards available at Banner

As summer temperatures climb, northeast Kansans can go to Banner Creek Reservoir to find relief from the heat and an opportunity to try a new water sport as kayaks, paddleboats and paddleboards are now being offered for rent by the hour at the lake.

The aquatic equipment can be rented from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays on the north side of reservoir near the dock by campground A. 

A new 12-foot by 16-foot building was purchased at a cost of $5,300 and constructed by Cedar Hollow Buildings of Hiawatha to house the equipment, said John Kennedy, Banner Creek Reservoir director.

“Our goal is to continue to provide more recreational opportunities at the reservoir,” Kennedy said. “This is our second week of offering the rentals. Last weekend, we had everything rented at one point and it was profitable.”

Eight kayaks (six adult and two youth) have been purchased and are available for rent, as well as six paddleboards (four adult and two youth). Two paddleboats were also recently donated to the reservoir for public use, Kennedy said. 

For $5 an hour or $8 for two hours, people can rent one of the items for use at the reservoir, Kennedy said. Life jackets and paddles are included in the rental fee.

A kayak is a small, narrow boat, which is propelled with a double-bladed paddle. A paddleboard is operated by one person that is either standing or kneeling on the board and is propelled with a single paddle. 

“Paddleboards are very easy to learn,” Kennedy said. “You start by sitting on them and then work your way up to kneeling and then standing.”

Kennedy said the reservoir hosted a kayak fishing tournament several weeks ago, and he noted the growing popularity of the single-person boats. 

“Some of our kayaks have waterproof containers on them to store fishing equipment or drinks or food,” he said. 

To rent the equipment, a person must sign a liability form and wear a life jacket at all times, Kennedy said. In case of inclement weather, a staff member will blow an air horn from the shore, and rental users must leave the water and return to the rental shack immediately. 

You must be 16 years or older to rent the equipment. A person 18 years or older may rent the equipment for minor children, it was reported.

No alcohol is allowed and there are additional fees if paddles are lost or the equipment is damaged, Kennedy said. A fee will also be charged for late returns. 

“We are also asking people to stay out of the boat lanes,” Kennedy said. “We’ve put the rental shack right next to a big lagoon.”

Kennedy said that the paddleboards provide a good workout. 

“It’s great exercise because when you’re standing, you’re working your core and strengthening your balance,” he said. 

The rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis, Kennedy said.

“We are allowing reservations from groups, but they have to rent all the equipment at once,” he said. “It’s everything or nothing.”

Updates are still be made to the rental shack, Kennedy said, noting that concrete is set to be poured for a sidewalk soon so it’s compliant with ADA regulations.

“We still need to install racks for the equipment in the shack, and we have an extensive landscaping plan in mind,” he said. “We’ve had four trucks of sand dumped here next to the new dock.”

Solar panels are also being installed on the shack, which is managed by one employee. A first aid kit is stored in the shack. 

Kennedy said that water levels are “holding their own” at the reservoir, with more rain expected this week.

Kennedy said they are testing the waters on the rental times and the number of equipment to rent and noted that more items may be purchased for the lake and rental hours could be expanded once demand is determined.

For more information about renting the equipment, call 785-364-4236.