We couldn't figure out an easy way to paddle Emerald Bay (the nearest accessible beaches are Lester Beach at DL Bliss and Baldwin) so we decided to rent. It's a steep one-mile hike down to Emerald from the parking lot so carrying your board is not an option for me.
The rental shop opens at 10. It was busy the day that we went, but when I went back the week after to kayak there was tons of availability. The boards were beasts but it was still nice to be on the water there. The pictures really don't do it justice.
We got on the water at 11 and even in the bay it was very windy. I would suggest getting out right at 10. We had to beat it up the right side of the bay where it is quite wild. It is fairly rocky but we saw 6-7 osprey, a belted kingfisher, and some creepy submerged dock.
Crossing the mouth of the bay is a little crazy. There are so many boats. Even some crazy people pulling tubes or water skiers right through the busiest part of the lake. We waited until there were no boats coming and then crossed quickly. The water is shallow and very turquoise.
On the north shore there are several lovely beaches that would be fun to take a boat to or walk in. (An easy walk from Vikingsholm).
As crowded as Emerald Bay is with boats, it isn't a bad paddle because they are all going slow.
South side..
The crossing. If you click on the picture to see the large version you can see the cliffs at DL Bliss that are three miles up.
Vikingsholm and the beach where you launch.
The details. Pretty good time with all the wind and the terrible boards.
Looking back down...
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