By admin 
Though Sacramento already saw scorching temperatures as early as March, the ceremonial start to summer is this weekend, with Monday marking Memorial Day.
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The region’s renowned rivers and lakes will likely be packed with folks getting their first dips of the season this holiday weekend. Forecasted temperatures in the 80s and expected lake water temps around the mid-70s will provide great conditions for boaters, tubers, swimmers and other water enjoyers.
Ahead of the holiday, officials are reminding those heading to the waterways to practice safe habits, in particular wearing life jackets. Free life jacket borrowing stations are available across the American River Parkway, according to Sacramento County.
Under California law, each person onboard a watercraft is required to carry a life jacket. Though it’s highly recommended for all swimmers and boaters to wear a life jacket on the water, state law and county ordinances mandate children under 13 to wear life jackets.
If you want to get in on the Memorial Day water fun, these are some places around California’s capital region to rent boats, canoes, tubes and other gear for the long weekend.
River rentals
The American River is one of the area’s favorite waterways for rafting, boating and tubing. Dozens of river access points are scattered across the river’s 23-mile parkway in Sacramento and neighboring cities.
With the American River’s popularity, there are numerous rental and guided excursion companies in the area serving the waterway, including during Memorial Day weekend.
Whitewater rafting
The American River features a diverse set of rapids, from calm, Class I water all the way to thrilling Class V drops and turns. A number of businesses in the area offer guided whitewater adventures with trained guides.
Trip packages vary from half-day trips with a provided lunch to a two-day excursion with included camping and multiple meals.
Last-minute reservations for Memorial Day weekend are still available, including with guide companies American Whitewater Expeditions, River Runners and Sierra Whitewater. Trip prices vary by company and route, but all guided tours tend to run the same routes down the American River, traversing low- to mid-class rapids. The most popular beginner tours travel along the river’s South Fork, at the Chili Bar and Gorge areas, while trips on the Middle Fork and North Fork offer a higher thrill level.
American River Rentals
For a slow-paced day floating along the river, American River Rentals has tubes and rafts of varying sizes available.
The largest and costliest 12-person raft goes for $299 for a one-day rental during the holiday weekend, making it a highly affordable option for a large group of friends and family. Group rafts are available for four, six, eight, 10 and 12 riders, priced at roughly $25-$27 per person.
A single-person tube, complete with paddles and an inflatable life vest, can be rented for $40 on the holiday weekend. One- and two-person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a variety of accessories can also be rented at American River Rentals.
Renters must check in at the business’s location in Rancho Cordova to confirm their rental, and for an extra fee, they can be shuttled back from the river landing point at the end of the day.
Both launch points that American River Rentals services — at Sunrise in Rancho Cordova and Sailor Bar in Fair Oaks — will be open on Saturday and Sunday during Memorial Day weekend. Only the Sunrise launch will be serviced on Memorial Day Monday, according to the company’s website.
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NorCal Extreme Rentals
The Rocklin-based NorCal Extreme Rentals offers motorized boats, kayaks, jet skis and paddleboards for single- or multi-day rental.
As of Thursday afternoon, the company still had bookings available for all of its main offerings on each day of the holiday weekend. Stand-up paddleboards and single-seater kayaks start at $148.40 for a one-day rental, while motorized options are more expensive.
NorCal Extreme’s premiere offering is a 16-seater double-decker tri-toon boat with an attached waterslide coming off of the top level. This boat starts at $938.10 for a single-day rental.
Most of the motorized boats and jet skis require renters to be age 25 and up or possess a California boater card, according to NorCal Extreme’s website. Tow-away and local delivery options are available for all the company’s offerings, and same-day rentals may be available by calling the business at 916-501-6300.
Lake activities
If the river is too fast-paced, and you’re looking for a more relaxing long weekend experience, the capital region has a number of lakes perfect for floating and boating.
Sacramento State Aquatics Center
For an experience a bit separated from the area’s largest crowds, the Sacramento State Aquatics Center will be open at Lake Natoma in Gold River during Memorial Day weekend.
Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at the lakefront aquatics center, priced at $15-$20 hourly for the general public, with discounts available for Sacramento State students, staff and alumni. Life jackets can be borrowed for the day at the aquatics center.
Areas of the aquatics center’s dedicated beach can be rented in multi-hour time blocks. Swimming is allowed from this portion of the center, but reservations are required.
The aquatics center does not have a dedicated cafe or food vendor other than small snacks, but outdoor food and drink is allowed, except for alcohol. Adults above 18 must show a valid form of identification and leave their car keys team as collateral when renting equipment.
Berryessa Water Sports
In Napa County, Lake Berryessa is a popular choice for boaters and water sports enjoyers during holiday weekends.
Berryessa Water Sports has boats for rent fit for all activities on the water — from tubing and wake surfing to fishing to simply relaxing in the sun. According to its website, the company still has plentiful inventory throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Sporty and recreational boats cost $850 for six hours and $1,050 for eight hours on the weekend, while fishing boats go for $385 for four hours and $605 for eight hours during the weekend.
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available for $40-$75 depending on model and time rented. Tubes and barbecues can be rented for an additional price, and pets are allowed on some boats, according to the company’s website.
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