Go for a nice leisurely paddle or do a long section along the Chattahoochee River.  Race or relax.  It’s your call.  Soon you’ll understand why folks come from all around the globe for rowing, canoeing and kayaking on Lake Lanier.

Lake Lanier hosted the rowing events for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games.  The site on the northern end of the lake in Gainesville now hosts Lake Lanier Olympic Park.  The park was rebranded in 2016 and includes a beach and picnic area, the Olympic Timing Tower, the Boat House and Clarks Bridge Park.  The Lake Lanier Olympic Park continues to host visitors from all over the world for races, regattas and training.

In this section, we’ll introduce you to Lanier’s rowing and paddling clubs.   If you are interested in renting a kayak, we provide a listing or rental options at the end of the chapter.

Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club

Located at the former 1996 Atlanta Olympic Venue in Gainesville, Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club (LCKC) continues to train Olympic-class athletes for competitive water sports on Lake Lanier.  Regattas, festivals and other events are sponsored by the LCKC.

The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club offers lessons and rentals.

• Address:  3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
• Phone Number: (770) 287-7888
• Website:  http://lckc.org/

Lake Lanier Rowing Club

For world-class training, competition and workouts, you can’t beat the Lake Lanier Rowing Club (LLRC) at Clarks Bridge Park by the Lake Lanier Olympic Park, where the 1996 Olympic Games took place.  LLRC has activities and opportunities — from learning to row to national competitions — for novices and experts.

• Address:  3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
• Phone: (770) 287 0077
• Website:  http://lakelanierrowing.org

Kayak Fishing

There’s a great online forum for kayak fishing on Lake Lanier at http://lanierkayakfishing.proboards.com.  The site is maintained by the Lanier Kayak Fishing Enthusiasts, who are dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of kayak fishing on Lake Lanier and the surrounding watershed.  Their club and message board are free.

Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Energy Watersports

For active fun on the open water and a close-up view of the incredible scenery at Lake Lanier, try kayaking, paddle-boarding, and wakeboarding. Beginners can receive instruction form the skilled professionals and groups can enjoy the thrill of kayaking expeditions and more.

Information for Energy Watersports:

• Address: Land Shark Landing at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518
• Phone: (678) 300-0018
• Website: https://www.lanierislands.com/margaritaville/attractions/landshark-landing

The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club

The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club rents out canoes, kayaks, SUPs (Stand Up Paddle-Boards) and paddle boats on Saturdays and Sundays, seasonally.  Rent any of these watercraft for one or two hours:

• Single kayaks, canoes and SUPs
• Double kayaks
• Stand Up Paddle-Boards (SUPs)
• Paddle boats

Here is information for the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club:

• Address:  3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
• Phone: (770) 287-7888
• Website:  http://www.lckc.org/

Don Carter State Park

Don Carter has kayaks available to rent year-round and SUPs (Stand Up Paddle-Boards) available seasonally.  Make your reservation at the park’s Visitors Center.  Kayaks and SUPs are kept at the beach for easy launching.

• Address:  5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA, 30506
• Phone:  (800) 864-7275
• Operated by: Georgia State Parks and Recreation