Lake Lanier's waters are on the rise. The same goes for water-related whimsy on and around the 38,000-acre lake. We cast our net and found several ways to add some H2-oh to a Lake Lanier experience.
Boating
You're jonesing to captain a boat into Cocktail Cove, but you're landlocked like the Skipper on "Gilligan's Island." Non-boat owners can still make a splash courtesy of Aqua Sports Adventures Inc. Located at Holiday Marina, this rental service loans out a variety of watercraft. Cast a line from a fishing boat equipped with a fish finder; kick back on a pontoon; or water ski or tube behind a deck boat or runabout. It rents Yamaha WaveRunners, too, the equivalent of a floating motorcycle. As many as three passengers can ride on a Yamaha VX110. On the other end of the spectrum, the 24-foot pontoon boats hold as many as 13 passengers. You must be 21 or older to rent and 18 or order to drive, but passengers can be any age. All drivers go through an orientation session to learn how to operate the craft. Each craft leaves the dock with a full tank of gas, and renters are responsible for the amount of gas used. Hourly rental prices range from $115-$400 depending on the type of craft, and day and length of rental. Prices for 24-hour rental range from $325-$450. Accessories such as tubes and skis can be rented, too.
• Aqua Sports Adventures, Inc., 6900 Holiday Road, Buford. 770-932-3366, www.aquasportsadventures.com.
Wind surfing
Gene Mathis, a 20-year windsurfing vet, helps wannabe windsurfers make their water-cutting dreams come true. Mathis owns and operates WindSense Windsurfing in Flowery Branch where he sells beginner's windsurfing equipment, kayaks, kites, surfboards and more. Mathis shares his windsurfing smarts with lessons on Lake Lanier. Make an appointment, and Mathis will meet you at the lake, typically on the shore of Old Federal Park. The $60 lesson begins with Mathis rigging his sail on land while the student watches and rigs his or her own. About one hour of the class takes place on land, then one to 1 1/2 hours takes place in the water. Mathis schools the newbie in proper handling of the gear, up hauling the sail, sailing out and back, and turning. For the first half-hour on the water, the student is tethered to Mathis. Once the teacher feels the student has all the basics, he lets him or her loose and often sails along. If a student is bitten by the windsurfing bug, he or she can rent equipment from Mathis' store and go out again. Mathis only rents windsurfing equipment to experienced windsurfers, and those who have taken his class get a $5 discount on the first two rentals. The beginner windsurfing gear rents for $35 per day. Windsurfers can pick up the equipment at WindSense Windsurfing as early as 9 a.m. and can return the gear as late as 7:30 p.m.
• WindSense Windsurfing, 6259 Spring Lake Drive, Flowery Branch. 770-967-0104, www.windsensewindsurfing.com.
Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & WaterPark
In the midst of a revamp, the powers that be at Lake Lanier Islands Resort decided to give its liquid theme park a new moniker. It still sits inside resort property and steps from the shore of Lake Lanier. More than a dozen rides and attractions overflow with variety. The masses congregate in Wild Waves, a giant pool that periodically creates crests of manmade waves. Don't miss the FunDunker Drop. Climb a staircase, then blast down a tunnel-encased slide. You'll plop out and into what resembles a giant drain, which causes you to spiral down into a hole that leads to a landing pool. A host of other slides, some calling for tubes, are on tap. White-knuckle thrills can be found on both the Intimidator and Triple Threat. All slides have at least a 42-inch height requirement, but the younger set can let loose in the Kiddie Lagoon play area and splash about in Wiggle Waves, a more benign wave pool. A half-mile of beach allows plenty of room for sun worship or digging into white sand.
• $13.99-$29.99 for guests 42 inches and taller; $13.99-$17.99 guests shorter than 42 inches; kids 2 and younger free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday. Open daily through Aug. 9. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 and Sept. 5-7. Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & WaterPark, 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, Buford. 770-932-5789, www.lakelanierislands.com.
Other places to get wet
Six Flags White Water
Slick, imaginative water slide thrills and a total of 50 attractions helped it win the title of best private water park in the U.S. from "Aquatics International." Need speed? Try The Cliffhanger's 90-foot drop. Tamer fun can be had at kid-friendly attractions like Little Squirt's Island.
• $26.99-$36.99; kids 2 and younger free. Open daily May 23-Aug. 9. Aug. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30. Sept. 5, 6, 7, 13. 250 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta. 770-424-9283, www.sixflags.com.
Sun Valley Beach
Massive pool with a sandy beach, 11 water slides, a dolphin fountain, Tarzan ropes and more. Miniature golf and a petting zoo add to the fun.
• $10-$17.95; kids 23 months and younger free. Open daily May 23-Aug. 9. Aug. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30. Sept. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13. 5350 Holloman Road, Powder Springs. 770-943-5900, www.sunvalleybeach.com.
The Beach at Clayton County International Park
Beach it on the sand next to a manmade lake. Zip down water slides, break a sweat with volleyball and cool off in the lake. Tots can make a splash in a kiddie play area.
• $8-$10. May 23-Sept. 7. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for Memorial Day and Labor Day. Open weekends only beginning August 8. 2300 Highway 138 S.E., Jonesboro. 770-603-4005, www.claytonparks.com.
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