kayak on rivers near birmingham — On the water is where I belong. (Ella Oprandy / Bham Now)

One of the best summer pastimes is being on the water. With temperatures climbing toward the 90’s by morning, we have ways to float on the rivers near Birmingham to beat the heat. Keep reading for more details.

1. Flipside Watersports

Lake on Forever Wild Belcher Property is now a part of Oak Mountain State Park. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Flipside Watersports at Oak Mountain State Park offers private rentals for all the fam. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, they have a boat for you so you can enjoy the beauty of floating on rivers near Birmingham.

You can also rent a four-person paddle boat for ultimate joy rides. Search for a real love (the water). 😉

Location: 8195 John Findlay III Dr, Birmingham, AL 35242
Website | Facebook
Price: $20 standup paddleboard/sit-on-top kayak and tandem canoe | $25 Tandem 2 person kayak

Traveling to the Rocket City any time soon? Here are 7 ways to rent kayaks, canoes and more.

2. Lake Purdy

Make waves and catch rays, cause this is where you should rent from next. From large pontoon boats to kayaks and paddleboards, you can float down Lake Purdy—all you need is a reservation.

BONUS: Alabama Fishermen fought for a right to know the safety of eating local fish. Here’s what you need to know.

Location: 3780 Boat Launch Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
Website | Facebook
Price: $20 standup paddleboard/sit-on-top kayak | $25 large pontoon for three hours

3. Yak Shak

Founded in Pelham, Alabama, you can rent some of the sturdiest kayaks from Yak Shak. Need to find a place to drop the canoe? Check out 5 lake and river activities in North Alabama for the ultimate summer—all under three hours from Birmingham.

Location: 2649 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Price: $100 per kayak

4. Cahaba River Society canoe tour

Want a unique way to canoe on the Cahaba? Take a guided trip on the Cahaba River hosted by the Cahaba River Society. They’ll supply canoes, paddles and life vests, so you don’t have to worry about finding the proper gear.

For those in the Birmingham area who wish to travel in the van with Cahaba River Society, you’ll meet at the Colonnade Shopping Center in the parking lot in front of Amped Fitness on the morning of your trip.

Location: 2171 Grants Mill Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Donation: $20 for members | $40 nonmembers

5. River’s Edge Marina

Need a speedy way to rent a boat and get it out in the water in one place? Reserve a motor boat with River’s Edge Marina where the boat you’re renting is waiting for you in the water.

You’d only be traveling less than an hour to the Coosa River, making it a perfect weekend escape.

BONUS: The Coosa needs your help! Find out more here.