Explore Warren Dunes on a Kayak, Paddleboard, or Sandboard!

• Make your reservation. (Remember, all rental sites are on Eastern time.)
  
• Look for a confirmation email with details about your booking, and follow instructions for filling out your electronic liability waiver.
• Arrive on time for your reservation (5 minutes ahead of your scheduled time is best!). If you're late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you.
• Our crew will get you set up to paddle Lake Michigan or ride the dunes for your scheduled duration. You'll return to the same place you started.
• Please note that for sandboarding and sand sledding, we will direct you to the approved location to ride (avoiding protected areas and vegetation.)

Prefer not to reserve your rental equipment in advance? You’re welcome to drop by to rent, but please note that your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.

What to Bring

• Electronic liability waiver - complete ahead of time for yourself, and anyone else in your group. (Find the link to the waiver in your confirmation email.)
• Your driver’s license - our staff will need a photo of your license (only one needed per party) as a security deposit while you paddle.
• Be prepared for the weather - dress to be in the sun, and bring drinking water (or pick up from the vendors on-site). Sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat are a good idea. Your phone/camera have a possibility of getting wet if you're on the water, so bring a waterproof bag. For sandboarding and sand sledding, remember that you will be climbing the dunes in between rides, so bring appropriate footwear - the sand gets hot!
• No alcohol allowed at Warren Dunes State Park.

Age Policy - Kayaks & Paddleboard Rentals

• Kids under the age of 18 - cannot paddle alone without someone over 18 in the group.
• Kids age 14 and older - can paddle their own kayak or paddleboard if accompanied by a parent or guardian in another kayak or on another paddleboard.
• Kids under the age of 14 - can ride in a double kayak only if accompanied by an adult; there is no age limit, and it is up to the parent’s/guardian’s discretion.

Rescheduling / Cancellations

• Arrive on time for your reservation - if you are late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you when you arrive. (Remember, our rental sites are on Eastern time.)
• Weather conditions - if the rental site is closed due to unsafe weather conditions on the day of your reservation, we will notify you to reschedule.
• Need to reschedule? Look for a link in your booking confirmation email to choose a new day and time. If you have questions about rescheduling or are unable to find a new day and time that will work for you, email us at info@thirdcoastpaddling.com. Please note that we ask you to let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t make your reserved time. We’re happy to reschedule your rental for the current or following season, but there are no refunds.

What Is Sandboarding?

Combining elements of snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing, sandboards and sand sleds are exclusively designed for riding down or across the face of a dune. Our rental sandboards and sand sleds are made of hardwood decks and an extra-slick base material, with specific wax used to reduce friction. (You just won’t get the same kind of experience with snow sleds, snowboards and other gear not created for use in the sand.)  
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Sandboards - come equipped with foot bindings that allow you to stand while sliding, effectively “surfing” on sand! You’ll take to sandboarding quickly if you have good balance (and if you have experience with snowboarding, skateboarding, or surfing), but just about anyone can do it. It’s super fun!

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‍Sand sleds - feature handles for you to ride while sitting down. Depending on the size of your crew, you may even be able to accommodate more than one person at a time! The sleds are an easy first step toward riding the dunes, especially for families and kids. Getting the right gear for sandboarding is paramount. Do not improve or adapt equipment from other sports.

Visit Us

Our Warren Dunes State Park kayak, paddleboard, and sandboard rental site is located on the north side of the park, just past the far end of the parking lot, and right next to the dog beach. Please note that the Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Warren Dune State Park, as well as all other state parks and recreation areas in Michigan. Learn more about the Recreation Passport here.‍

Third Coast Paddling – Warren Dunes Kayak, Paddleboard, and Sandboard Rentals
Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Hwy
Sawyer, Michigan 49125

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AREA INFORMATION

Warren Dunes State Park

Southwest Michigan Tourist Council