DIG Paddle Sports

DIG Paddle Sports at Quail Creek Reservoir

DIG Paddle Sports rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from the shoreline of Quail Creek State Park, between St. George and Hurricane. The company says it opened in 2011 as Washington County's first dedicated paddle operation and has operated from the Quail Creek shoreline since 2014 under a concession with Utah State Parks. It was founded by Bill and Michelle Ennis, who hold WPA and PaddleFit certifications.

Rentals

The rental fleet includes single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, tandem SUPs, party SUPs that hold up to six people, water carpets, fat bikes and float tubes. Rentals run from two to four hours, all day (up to 12 hours) or 24 hours, and a Type III life jacket is included with every rental. Its published two-to-four-hour rates start at $29 for a single kayak or SUP; check the website for current prices.

Tours, Classes and Events

Beyond rentals, DIG runs guided eco tours of two hours, a half day or a full day, plus sunrise, sunset and moonlight paddles. Classes include paddleboard yoga, Pilates on a SUP and paddle clinics, and the company offers fishing outings and kids' summer camps. Seasonal events have included a Polar Plunge, the DIG Luau and a Phantom Float. Memberships are also available.

Seasons and Hours

From May through Labor Day, DIG is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the shoulder seasons (March–April and September–October) it opens Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Monday–Thursday by reservation. From November through February, rentals are by reservation only. Call (435) 467-9988 or email [email protected].

Paddling Quail Creek

Quail Creek Reservoir sits in the red rock hills off I-15 east of St. George and is one of the warmest-water reservoirs in Utah, which makes it popular for paddling well into fall. The state park charges a day-use entrance fee, and summer afternoons can bring wind across the open water, so mornings and evenings are usually the calmest times to paddle. In summer, when air temperatures pass 100°F, bring sun protection and plenty of water; in winter, the reservoir is quiet and the low sun lights up the surrounding cliffs.

The reservoir is about 20 minutes from St. George and a short drive from Hurricane, so a paddle fits easily into a day that also includes Sand Hollow, Snow Canyon or Zion National Park.