Lay Lake is a 12,000-acre lake on the Coosa River in Shelby, Talladega and Chilton counties, about 45 minutes south of Birmingham near Columbiana.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lay Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its 289 miles of shoreline wind through quiet creek arms, and it's a favorite of Birmingham boaters looking for a calmer day than the busier lakes.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lay Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Lay Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Lay Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Lay Lake or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Lay Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lay Lake at a glance
| Location | Columbiana, Shelby County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 12,000 acres |
| Shoreline | About 289 miles |
| River | Coosa River |
| Dam | Lay Dam, 1914 |
| From Birmingham | About 45 minutes |
Best things to do on Lay Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – the open main lake.
- Wakesurfing – quiet creek arms.
- Jet skiing – coves to explore.
- Fishing – spotted bass and crappie.
Where to launch at Lay Lake
- Public ramps – Alabama Power access areas around the lake.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lay Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Alabama requires an observer besides the driver when towing, and no towing between sunset and sunrise.
- Kids under 8 must wear a life jacket on board in Alabama.
Alabama boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 8 must wear one at all times unless they're inside an enclosed cabin, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Jet skis need the engine cut-off lanyard attached to the driver, and everyone riding must wear a life jacket.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
Map of Lay Lake
Lay Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lay Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Lay Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Lay Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Lay Lake?
On the Coosa River near Columbiana, about 45 minutes south of Birmingham.
Can you jet ski on Lay Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lay Lake.
How big is Lay Lake?
About 12,000 acres, with roughly 289 miles of shoreline.
Is Lay Lake busy?
It's usually calmer than Logan Martin and Lake Martin.