Eclectic Sun Paddlesports

Spent half of the day this past Sunday on the Jocassee lake. The three of us had a great day and a very pleasant experience with Eclectic Sun Paddlesports. The reservation process is online and simple and the prices are very reasonable. Your do need to enter the state park to get to the facility which is free with a yearly pass like we use. They had parking allocated right by the rentals for us which made access very convenient. The gear we were giving was in great shape and well taken care of and everyone was friendly and helpful. The lake is perfect for kayaking and has winding long shorelines to explore. They were very helpful in getting in and out of the trip and checking/checkout is smooth. We will go back again for a bit longer and bring lunch and maybe even do some fishing as well. Likely the best lake in the area to spend the day on the water.

Perfect spot to take a kayak ride. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. The equipment was in good conditions. We liked it so much we rented twice in the week we stayed near the lake. They are very flexible with the time. You can rent your kayak for 2 hours but if you are having a good time and want to stay longer, you text them and pay the little extra for 2 more hours when you get back. It was worth it!

I rented a kayak from Eclectic Sun last Thursday for a 2 hour tour of Lake Jocassee. Parking was easy and close and costs $8 a person. It was my first time on this lake and the weather was perfect (as was the wind). The guy who worked the desk was quite pleasant and helpful. It was very easy to "put in." My kayak was in good shape as was the PFD I wore. The lake itself was surprisingly warm and there were just a few people on the water. Everyone we encountered was cool. This lake was about a 1 hour drive south of Highlands, NC. I will definitely do this kayak trip again when back in the Highlands.

Great trip! Our guide Shane gave us lots of interesting information and the boat ride was lovely and smooth. The waterfalls were beautiful❤

We found Eclectic Sun when I was looking for something more special to do for our 40th anniversary and we scored big with this place. <3 We definitely found our new happy place for kayaking and outdoor activities here. Be back again soonish, with the whole family.

Owner Debbie and crew were so helpful and friendly as I arrived stessed on time, along with how to start adventure. She gave clear, easy instructions to follow, along with an option to add more time, if we wanted. Instead my husband/I with brother/nephew enjoyed our 2 hr kayaking. It was SO fun and highly recommend! BTW, the young men were very helpful and understanding helping this 59 yr old sit in/out of kayak, lol

This place is fantastic and friendly! They'll set you up quickly with everything you need to go out on the water. Debbie, the owner, is very nice if you get a chance to talk to her. A very smooth running operation. Will be back again! Thank you

I rented 2 sit on top Kayaks. One tandem and a regular. The staff was very helpful. The overall experience was very pleasant.

Waterfall tour was amazing . From start to finish! Each waterfall more beautiful than the last... Capt Shane and was helpful & kind. Affordable and bring your bathing suits if you want to swim! Sidenote: parking is convenient if your their early and there's a separate charge for that. $8 per person! Sidenote 2: the water is a beautiful turquoise.... Close to the color of the water in the Caribbean!

Great value! The team was very helpful in getting us ready to go out on the water, The lake is beautiful, and there are plenty of little coves to explore. The equipment was well maintained, and we definitely got our money's worth with our time out on the water. It would be nice if they gave you a little map, because they mentioned a waterfall to us, but we couldn't judge how far we were paddling, and felt the need to go into every little cove along the way to try to find it. 1 star lost for the awkwardness of getting in and out of the kayaks. You just are pulled up onto some flat rocks that are uneven. Both my friend and I fell and stumbled trying to get out.It would be nice if they could devise a way to do it a little more safely.

I'm going to give this 2 stars... because although the customer service was there, we had a really really crappy day. *disclaimer - the experience could have been 5 stars, but we wouldn't know because we didn't even get there. we drove an hour from Simpsonville based on a recommendation of a popular kids website. It was 4th of July so we knew it would be crazy. we waited about 45 minutes in line to get into the park. When we pulled up to the park ranger, he said because we only had one reservation, there was only one parking spot (we have 5 kids plus 2 adults so we have to take 2 cars) for us. (If I was giving reviews for attitude his would have been 0 stars) . I called Debbie, the owner and she said no, you should be ok. well, the park ranger would not let us in. so Debbie said she would give me a call back after she spoke with him. after 20 mins of waiting and no phone call (although maybe no fault of their own - I did have bad service) we decided to leave. It was so disappointing and so sad because the kids are growing up - there are only so many holidays left. the only reason i gave this 2 stars is because Debbie, the owner, really tried to make things right for us. she held a parking spot for us - we needed 2. but she did try. overall, I will not return. not necessarily because of the establishment, but because of location. the park is an absolute nightmare to get into. definitely arrive early. and for future reference , don't make the same mistake I did. if you need more than one parking spot, make more than one reservation. hope your trip goes better than mine!

Staff was helpful. Gave us some extra time to get everyone situated (5 of us). They went over the map extensively and showed us where the water falls were. Provided life jackets and whistles which was nice. Hand sanitizer in every station area. After 4 hours of kayaking we were beyond exhausted. My legs and backside were asleep from sitting so long so when I was getting out of the kayak he made sure I didn't have sea legs before walking off. I know I looked absolutely ridiculous but they really wanted to make sure I could walk well. We'll be back to rent a pontoon soon. Park entrance fee is $8 per adult

Good kayaks for rent. Easy process and Great to get on the water without having to bring a kayak from far away. Will use again!

Amazingly sweet and helpful staff. The lake is clean and gorgeous. Definitely worth the trip!

The rental was easy and the lake was beautiful (even kayaking in the rain). I was disappointed that "mask required" signs were posted everywhere but yet the workers were not abiding by this when assisting you. I understand we were outside but at least be considerate and wear one when assisting the customers, we had ours on for your consideration! There was no instruction given by the young workers at all, the gave you your equipment and that was it, so I'd suggest you be confident in your skills. Also, not noted was the $8/per person entrance fee into the park where the rental is located.

Really fun day kayaking on the lake. It was a slow day and not many people were out which made it very easy to paddle all around. Co dictions were great, couple patches of some wind and small chop but otherwise very smooth. Made it to the first waterfall then turned back. The water is so clear and turquoise colored , lots of places to beach the kayak and swim. The only thing we did not understand/appreciate was why the guide made us walk thigh deep into the water to get in. There was no reason we could u sweat and and a couple of us had leggings on, so they got soaked

We had a horrific experience 3 weeks ago. We rented a kayak for 1 hour. Fitted with life vests. Given whistles for emergency. 1/2 an hour out, there was a thunder storm with lightening. Our kayak was being swayed to the middle of the lake. We blew the whistle - no response. Luckily we made it safely to the dock. The attitude of the staff was appalling. They said it was not their problem. My concern is that with water sports, safety should be paramount. We were the kayak on the lake. No one helped us. The staff that are hired should be trained properly. Why did they give us a whistle? If no one was willing to help? Disappointed

Absolutely the worst customer service. Older lady at the desk just has the nastiest attitude. Does not want to help new comers. We drove over 2 hours and did not know we had to make reservations. She was not willing to explain anything. We just kept getting brushed off. Only reason we are staying is because we drove so far but will not be recommending this place strictly because of the awful customer service.

Very cool place. They have food coffee, hot chocolates, and kayaks and canoes available for rent. Most things are relatively cheap. The building has typical amenities, bathroom etc., but if you want to charge your phone be prepared to pay $1 for a charge up.

We had an absolutely wonderful time renting a pontoon boat for the day from this company. Gary met our group at the beach concession, fitted our entire group with life preservers, went over the pontoon instructions, then drove us to the launch area. The boat was beautiful! Plush seating and very clean. We will rent from them again next year!

I highly recommend this activity! The staff are all friendly and helpful, and the equipment is excellent! Canoeing and kayaking on Lake Jocassee is such a beautiful way to spend the day. The scenery is breathtaking. My teenagers really loved it. Try this place; you're in for a treat!

Excellent experience. Friendly staff, great equipment and super rates. We rented a tandem kayak for 4 hours. $40. Right on the lake. Can't beat it.

I've never kayaked before and the staff was very friendly and answered all my questions and concerns. We didn't go out too far and never made it to any waterfalls unfortunately. When we returned our rental I asked if there are any waterfalls driving distance and the staff gave us a brochure and driving directions to the closest one.

I love Eclectic sun rentals... I try to go at least every other weekend to rent a kayak with my pup. They are so nice, helpful, and accommodating. They have made the check in more streamlined, they always ask how my day was, they always talk to or about my pup lol.

As good as it gets. We rented a pontoon boat for a half-day. Friendly people explained everything we needed to know, even about how to shelter if a thunderstorm came up, and it did. They also reviewed the lake map and gave pointers on how to get to the pretty waterfalls. The boat was maintained, clean and performed very well. Nice guys! We will use them again.

We spent the day at Lake Jocassee and rented one of their double float for the lake at $20. At the time of the rental they DID NOT specify that the waiver we would be signing would be for liability AND the condition of the float. The float had no mesh bottom. We decided to see if we could switch out our tube by walking back over only to be greeted in a very rude way. The lady that helped us was very rude with the whole process. Told us that it my uncle's fault for signing without knowing yet he was never told he was signing for the condition of the float. We used this float for the kids in which they had a hard time using without the mesh bottom. Then we were accused of possibly being the ones who broke the float after already "apparently" signing for the condition of the float without the bottom. We also received no refund as well and no help for our situation after paying. We would've like better communication at signing that we would be signing for the condition not just the liability portion because we probably would've never chose to rent the float had we known there was no bottom. And we would've like better customer service from a company that serves a family community here at the lake. Very unhappy with the result of renting today.

We rented a pontoon from Eclectic Sun last week. The boat was in perfect shape and the staff was so helpful, esp Gary who took lots of time showing us the ins and outs of the boat and went over the map of the lake with recommendations and tips. Rented a tube also which was so much fun!! Hands down the best day of our vacation and we will definitely rent from them next time we visit Lake Jocassee.

Eclectic is named appropriately. Interesting small business that was very attentive to my needs- a kayak rental and knowledge of Lake Jocassee. The ease of rental and quality of service made my weekend camping at the park quite enjoyable. I will definitely return.

Great experience. Love the fact that it was right next to the lake. Parking was close and an easy walk to the check-in. Even had gave us a map to use.

Fantastic Company. My family recently rented a Pontoon boat from Eclectic Sun for a day on Jocassee. Having a rough history with rental craft in the past (faulty, broken or unreliable equipment - lost reservations, terrible pricing & service), I took a chance based on the handful of positive reviews I read about the company. Boy am I glad I chose them. This review skews more toward their services as they relate to boat rentals, but it looks like the same attention to service and quality pervades every aspect of the business. Customer Service: Fantastic. From my first call arranging a reservation until my post-rental receipt was delivered via e-mail, service was white-glove throughout. They literally help you get your gear from you car onto the craft and haul you to the ramp -- and back again). The emphasis on safety was well-appreciated. Boating is great fun, but there are many accidents every year due to hot-dogging and people not taking time to listen and familiarize their selves with safety precautions. At the end of the day, we pulled up to the dock and I handed over controls. No frustration of trying to get the boat on a trailer. They handle the "hard stuff" for you. And even handle cleanup and taking out the trash after pulling you and the boat back to the parking lot. Quality: Their fleet is top-notch. 2015 Harris FloatBoat 220s. Pretty much every amenity you could think of or want on a "party barge". Plenty of stowage to keep your gear on the boat and dry. Hidden trash can to keep empty wrappers and other trash from dirtying up the beautiful lake. Depth indicator to ensure you're not about to beach and damage the vessel. Engine is very quiet (for an outboard), very responsive and low-emission so you and your guests will not be inhaling fumes the whole day. Craft is very responsive and a pleasure to operate. Top speed tends to be about 24-25 kts (~29mph), but be nice to the engine. She'd have to operate near the red-line to sustain that. These people are too nice to warrant typical "rental" recklessness, so I recommend not running the engine at full throttle for extended periods. She operates very smoothly at 15-20 mph. 20mph tends to be most people's limit for "tubing", anyway as that's when almost anyone will find their grip loosening. But the craft is sufficiently powered for watersports, including skiing, though for experienced slalom skiers, the top-speed of the craft could be insufficient. Boat seats are comfy and the front lounge seats are where you'll likely find the ladies wanting to work on their tans while enjoying the scenery and sound of the lake. The rear swim deck has a fold-down ladder (Remember to not operate craft with ladder extended as it reaches below even the engine and can ground in shallows much easier). Additionally, it creates drag and roughens the ride if you do. The bimini cover is sturdy and withstands top speed without so much as a shake. TL;DR Great boat, great service, very competitive (or better) pricing. Highly recommended for your next Jocassee adventure.