1. The general public is able to rent the sit-on-top kayaks, hydro bikes, canoes, and beach cruiser bicycles without having taken a class or being checked out. However, rental of a sailboat, windsurf board, Stand Up Paddle Board or rowing shell requires renters to be checked out (have taken a class or private lesson).
2. Yes. While using our equipment we require that a life jacket be worn at all times regardless of age.
3. No dogs are allowed on our premises or on our boats. However, they are allowed at Nimbus Flat State Park across the way from us. They must be on improved areas and must be on a leash.
4. Yes, as long as you have a valid fishing license renters are allowed to fish from our boats. However, fishing is not permitted from our docks or shoreline.
5. The lake is approximately 5-6 miles long. However, renters are not allowed to go further than Folsom Power House which is next to Rainbow Bridge.
6. We require a set of car keys and a valid photo I.D. to be used as a deposit for the rental. We will hold onto these items while you are out on the water. One set is required per family.
7.
The equipment that we require renters to be “checked out” on is the rowing shells, all of the sail boats (Holder-14, Keelboat, Lasers, and Dewitts), the touring kayaks, the slalom kayaks, the surf-ski kayaks, windsurf boards, and stand-up paddle boards.
8. “Checked out” means that you have taken a class or private lesson at the Sac State Aquatic Center and have been given permission in the form of a checkout card to rent the specified equipment with which you have become experienced. Only a class or private lesson at the Aquatic Center is valid verification of experience.
9. There is no parking fee. However the Aquatic Center inner and outter lot is reserved for Aquatic Center Patrons. If you are planning on going into the Nimbus Flat State Park, we ask that you please park in the park.
10. If there are no reservations on that day the beach and picnic areas are available to be used by the public. Call the Front Office to verify any reservations ahead of time.
11. If you wish to take a private lesson you will need to fill out a Private Lesson Request Form that can be found on our website. Keep in mind that it may take a week or more in order to get the private lesson scheduled.
12. There are two ways that you can sign up for a class or sign your child up for a summer camp:
i. You can visit our website, www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com, and create an online account and log into your Econnect account for easy online registration.
ii. You can download the Class Registration Form for leisure classes or the Summer Camp Registration Form for summer camps from our website. You can also come by the front office to pick one up. Fill it out and fax, mail, or bring it by the front office to be registered.
13. Sac State alumni are able to receive discounts if they pay the Alumni Association dues and have received their Alumni card. Show this card to the front office and they will give you the discounted rate on the rental ($1-$4 off general price depending on equipment) or the class.
14. Keep in mind that our sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing. This means that they always have about an inch of water in them while kayaking so comfortable clothes that are able to get wet are recommended. During the warmer months bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. During colder months bring a long sleeve shirt, jacket, and a change of clothes.
15. If there are children who are 13 or younger it is required by the State of California that they be in a life jacket while swimming off the beach.
16. Yes, all specialized equipment rentals need to be verified by certified instructors from the Aquatic Center regardless of the amount of experience. This not only goes for sail boat rentals but also for wherry rentals and for specialized kayak rentals.
17. All renters must be 18 or older in order to rent the equipment. If you are under 18 a parent or guardian must sign the rental contract and give a photo I.D. and set of car keys.
18. The Aquatic Center is located at 1901 Hazel Avenue, Gold River CA, 95670. It is located on Lake Natoma within close proximity to Highway 50. Some maps and guides require that you enter Rancho Cordova as the city rather than Gold River. For a map and directions to the Aquatic Center click here.
19. The Aquatic Center's hours change seasonally. During the summer we are open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekends. For a full listing of of hours for each month click here.
20. There are several memberships offered at the Aquatic Center. There is the Affiliate, Rowing, Paddling, Sailing, and the Green and Gold Membership. Rowing, Paddling, and Sailing offer the ability to take out your craft of choice with no rental fee. The Affiliate membership allows you to get a discounted rate. The Green and Gold membership allows you to take out any equipment included in the Rowing, Paddling, and Sailing Clubs (pending checkout on equipment). All memberships give you access to the Locker Rooms (adjacent to the men’s and women’s restrooms) and to the Weight Room (adjacent to Sail Bay).
21. No, you may not launch your own kayak or any other craft from the Aqautic Center. We ask that anyone launching your own equipment please do so from Nimbus Flat State Park.
22. The bathrooms are located on the back side of the administration building facing the beach.
For more information or for answers to all your other questions contact
the Aquatic Center at 278-2842 or aquaticcenter@csus.edu.