Required by Georgia law
- A USCG-approved life jacket for each person. Kids under 13 must wear theirs.
- After dark: a white light ready at hand (a flashlight works on boats under 16 feet).
Full details: Georgia kayak and paddleboard laws.
If you're renting
- Ask what's included when you book, including life jackets in kids' sizes.
Pack it yourself
- Water, more than you think
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with a strap
- A dry bag for your phone, keys and wallet
- Shoes that can get wet and muddy
- Snacks if you're doing the waterfall paddle
- A card for park fees; most are cashless
Don't own a boat? Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Murphs Surf Shop at Little River Marina or Glade Marina, with live prices and booking online.
See rental locationsPaddle Allatoona · Dodge logs, geese and jet skis across 10 levels of the lake. Free, works on your phone.
Play the gameQuestions
Do I need my own life jacket to rent a kayak?
Ask when you book. Georgia law requires a life jacket for every person on board, and kids under 13 must wear one.
What should I wear kayaking?
Quick-dry clothes you don't mind getting wet, and shoes that can get muddy. Ramps and shorelines get muddy when the lake is low.
Sources
Checked October 16, 2026. Fees and hours change; confirm with the operator before you go.