As we all await the arrival of warm weather — without the interruptive spring snowstorm — you might find yourself planning some summer activities.

We’ve all got our standard things we like to do: Some head to the pool; some hit the mountain trails; while others hop on a bike, ATV or watercraft.

One of the benefits of living in Utah is all the outdoor opportunities right at our fingertips. So if you’re looking to try something new, like waterskiing, camping or four-wheeling but don’t have the money to invest in your own equipment, try renting it.

Almost any kind of outdoor equipment can be rented, from big-ticket items like ski boats and personal watercraft, to smaller items like backpacks and sleeping bags. Renting equipment is a great way to test out an activity to see if you like it before you make a permanent investment. It’s also great if you don’t plan on participating in the activity a lot, and don’t really need to own your own equipment.

Two great resources for rentals are at the valley’s two universities. BYU’s Outdoors Unlimited and UVU’s Outdoor Adventure Center offer rentals of a variety of equipment, and you don’t have to be a student. UVU has kayaks, canoes, rafts, bikes and all sorts of camping equipment, from tents and sleeping bags down to water jugs and coolers. Outdoors Unlimited at BYU has much of the same equipment for rent, plus games like horseshoes, sports balls, tug-o-war rope, flag football set, croquet and GPS units. 

There also are a variety of retail outlets that offer motorized equipment such as ATVs, personal watercraft and motorized boats. Some offer guides if you’re not comfortable handling the equipment yourself, while others send you off on your own just as you would rent a car.

Whatever your needs, be sure to take advantage of these services to try something new or supplement your summer adventuring.

Outdoor Adventure Center

800 W. University Parkway

Utah Valley University, Orem

(801) 863-7052

www.uvu.edu/oac

Outdoors Unlimited

Wilkinson Student Center

BYU, Provo

(801) 422-2708

outdoors.byu.edu

Visit www.utahvalley.com/things-to-do/rentals.aspx to find listings of rental services for a variety of equipment, including motorized vehicles, SCUBA gear and fishing equipment, among others.