Customer Experience

Lake visitors can unlock kayaks with a scan-and-go

Photo: Adobe Stock

June 23, 2026

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A recent high school graduate has turned his love of the outdoors into a business by launching Drift Away, a self-service kayak rental operation serving visitors to Lake Murray in southern Oklahoma, according to a Daily Ardmoreite report. Lane Phipps, who graduated in 2024, officially opened the business June 8 after spending nearly a year developing the concept. Inspired by a kayak rental kiosk his father spotted in Colorado, Phipps obtained permits, formed an LLC and built a rental system designed to provide convenient access to kayaks at popular lake locations.

Drift Away uses a self-service model that allows customers to reserve kayaks online or by scanning a QR code at rental racks located at Martin's Landing, Rock Tower and Sunset Beach. Renters select a time, complete payment, sign a waiver and receive an access code to unlock a kayak. After use, customers return the equipment and submit a photo confirming the return. Rates start at $30 for the first two hours, with additional time available for an hourly fee.

Since launching, Phipps said the business has averaged between two and five rentals per day. He hopes to expand the operation with two-person kayaks, paddleboards and additional locations, potentially extending the concept to other lakes and watercraft in the future.