The 5 Best Summer Equipment Rentals Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

When it comes to exploring North Lake Tahoe and Truckee in the summertime, having the proper gear can make the difference. Whether you're planning to paddle, pedal or simply play in the sun, the region’s rental shops offer the tools to do it right. From bikes and kayaks to paddleboards and pontoon boats, equipment access is a big part of what keeps summer moving. In the Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, locals and visitors weighed in on the top spots to gear up before heading out.

Tahoe Sports Hub

Tahoe Sports Hub in downtown Truckee offers much more than equipment—it’s a launchpad for adventure. The shop brings deep roots and broad expertise to the table, with staff who are just as passionate about the outdoors as the customers they serve. In the summer months, Tahoe Sports Hub provides mountain bike rentals, paddleboards, kayaks and camping gear, making it easy to explore the region without owning it all. The shop also stocks premium gear from brands like Santa Cruz, Yeti and Specialized, and their staff is available to help match each customer with the right setup. Their rental program is built around flexibility — offering hourly, daily and multi-day options — and their team is known for pointing people toward the trails and lakes that best fit their plans. It’s part outfitter, part local guidepost, all wrapped into one.

Sunnyside Marina & Watersports

Located along the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Sunnyside Marina & Watersports focuses on turning lake days into full-on experiences. The marina offers a variety of summer rentals, from powerboats and pontoon boats to kayaks and paddleboards. What sets them apart is the detail they bring to service: boat rentals come with safety gear and orientation, and their online reservation system helps streamline the logistics. Beyond rentals, Sunnyside Marina offers fuel services, slip rentals and even a boutique with lake essentials. The marina also plays host to special events, from group excursions to family outings. Whether you’re launching a day of waterskiing or just cruising the shoreline, they make it easy to make the most of every minute on the lake.

Donner Lake Marina

Donner Lake Marina provides a quieter, more intimate lake experience compared to its larger Tahoe counterpart, but with just as much to offer. Located on the north shore of Donner Lake, the marina rents paddleboards, kayaks, fishing boats and pontoon boats, giving visitors multiple ways to take in the views and enjoy the water. The team there emphasizes ease — on-the-dock rentals, plenty of parking and a relaxed vibe that matches the pace of a Donner day. Many visitors stop by the marina to round out their time at the public beach or launch a peaceful paddle through the morning fog. It’s the kind of place where simplicity shines, and where showing up empty-handed doesn’t mean going home dry.

Thanks, ChatGPT.