What to Know When Renting a Paddle Board
Whether you’re a seasoned paddle boarder or new to the sport, a traveler or a local, renting a paddle board is a convenient and cost-effective way to hit the water.
It’s a fun and memorable activity on family vacations, group events like parties or professional team-building, or for a nature-based, romantic date.
There are, however, some important things to know for maximizing and ensuring safe and enjoyable renting. This article covers the essentials: where to look for rental shops, proper preparation and choosing the right equipment, safety considerations, and more.
Let’s dive into some tips and guidelines to keep in mind when you’re renting paddle boards.
Renting Essentials: Research to Review
Thanks to the good ‘ole internet and the sports booming popularity, paddle board renting has become much easier and abundant. In some cases, you can even have a rental shipped your way from across the country. Generally speaking, though, your rental process should usually go something like this:
Research
First, research rental options in your desired location. Avoid being too general. Rental apps like Padl or Equipp are available and designed to expand rental access and consolidate the search process. However, these can often be limited to certain regions, vendors, or equipment only, so their usefulness depends on your needs and area.
It’s best to search for specific SUP shops or water sports companies in your desired area. You can also check with the local hotels or resorts to see what they offer. Make sure to read reviews and compare prices before locking one in.
Also, for beginning paddlers, check out articles on paddle boarding techniques, paddling tips, and what to wear paddle boarding before you reserve your rental.
Based on what you find, this extra research will make you better prepared AND help you ask more informed questions about the best rental types for you and your group–from equipment-only rentals to lessons and guided tours. Keep in mind, however, that the time of year may impact the quality of your equipment AND the assistance available to you.
Renting in busy seasons may mean more wear and tear and/or limitations on equipment availability, and stretched staffing may make it harder to get expert help. Advance planning and communication–early and often–are key to be sure you’re talking to rental shop managers, owners, or expert guides about any specific questions or needs you may have.
Rental Requirements
Many rental companies require a valid ID and credit card, and some may have age or weight restrictions. You will also need to sign a waiver or–in some cases–take a safety course before renting. If you have time constraints or have children involved, these requirements may be something to ask about.
Reservations
Once you’ve found a rental company that meets your needs, make a reservation in advance. SUPs can be popular, especially during peak season, so it’s a good idea to reserve ahead of time to ensure availability. Especially if you’ve got a big group.
Pick Up
On adventure day, try to arrive early. Give yourself at least 15 minutes or so to check in and get fitted for a life jacket, paddle, and board size–which can all vary based on your body type, activity goals, and skill level.
The rental company will usually provide the board, paddle, a life jacket, and any other necessary equipment, as well as basic instructions on how to use the board and safety guidelines.
The Fun Part
Hit the water! Take your time getting comfortable on the board and start slow. If you choose, tour guides and instructors can take you through this process. But again, consider reading up on advice for getting comfortable or specific paddling techniques beforehand. Mostly–have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to fall in. It’s good to get a little wet!
Remember to always wear your life jacket and follow any safety guidelines provided by the rental company.
Returns
After you’ve finished your paddle, return your rental to the rental company. Unless otherwise specified, try to clean the board and paddle before returning them, and return all equipment in the same condition you received it in.
Some rental companies may charge a fee for damage or late returns, so be sure to return your rental on time and in good condition.
Leave a Review
If you had a great experience renting a SUP, consider leaving a review for the rental company. This can help other paddlers in the future and provide valuable feedback to the rental company–keeping everything in check.
Overall, renting a stand up paddle board should be a blast. Following the steps above will hopefully keep it as hassle free as possible. With a little research and preparation, you can enjoy great exercise and new waterways on a quality SUP. Let’s dive into what gear you can get from a SUP rental company.
The Gear
What You’ll Get
- Paddle board: Duh. If your rental company hasn’t given you one of these, you’re not going to make it very far. Of course, the main equipment included with a paddle board rental is the board itself.Make sure the size and style are appropriate for each person’s skill level and intended use. Boards for distance (touring boards) will be longer with a pointed nose, while all-arounds are shorter and rounder for more stability and control. The rental company should be able to help with this, but you can also learn more here about choosing the right board for you.
- Paddle: The paddle rental companies include will, if they’re smart, always be one that floats. Materials will range from aluminum to carbon fiber, and this will affect their weight and overall durability. However, cheaper paddles are more vulnerable to sinking if they have areas where water can get in. Look for cracks or openings along the shaft since you don’t want to be left without a paddle.
- Leash: A leash is a safety device that attaches to the paddle board and the paddler’s ankle or calf to keep the board from getting away after a fall. It ensures constant access to floatation and that you don’t lose the board/your deposit. If a leash isn’t included, rent elsewhere.
- Personal flotation device (PFD): A PFD is a life jacket or other flotation device worn for safety. Similarly to a leash, a PFD should always be included with the rental or be available for an additional fee.
- Transport equipment: Depending on the rental company, transport equipment such as a roof rack or tie-down straps may be available for getting to and from the water. Some companies may transport for you or deliver boards to designated meeting spots.
- Wetsuit or drysuit: In colder conditions, the rental company may have wetsuits or drysuits for an additional fee for comfort and safety. Check in advance if these will be available or require a separate purchase.
Quality and Condition
Wear and tear on your rental gear will depend on the renter and the popularity of their site. Check a company’s reviews for details about their rentals’ conditions and maintenance.
Often, rental companies will have different types of boards than what’s marketed to individual consumers. Durability is often their focus, which means boards made of dense materials that tend to be heavier.
There are lots of quality options out there, so judging based on brand is only so helpful. However, rental brands to look for with great reputations are Tower, Bounce, Glide, SurfTech, and Yolo, among others.
Rental boards may also be purchased in fleets, which means they all look the same, with plainer, simpler designs.
This often means they offer fewer features like camera mounts, cargo bungees, d-rings, carry-straps, and other attachments. That said, never hesitate to ask what accessories are available or optional since renters are always looking for new edges on their competitors.
Finally, when you pick up your rental, make sure to inspect boards for any damage or defects, and notify the rental company of any issues before you hit the water—saving yourself the liability.
Liability
It can’t all be exciting. Inevitably, there are certain liabilities for both the rental company and the renter of SUPs. The big three are:
Renter Injuries
If you get hurt while renting, the rental company may be liable for damages if it can be proven they were negligent in some way, like failing to properly maintain or repair equipment or providing inadequate safety instructions.
Board Damage
Renters may be responsible for board damage while it is in their possession–collisions with other objects, careless handling, or misuse of the equipment, etc.
Injuries or Damage Caused by the Renter
If renters hurt themselves or others while paddling, it’s likely to fall on the renter. This could include collisions with other boats/boards or swimmers, or damage caused to wildlife or the environment.
Rental companies will require renters to sign a waiver of liability before renting equipment. Do your best to read and understand the terms carefully before signing.
Finding Rental Sites
Where and when you rent is regional. U.S. Cities like San Diego or Miami will have endless options in many locations, more or less year-round. Boston or Seattle, however, will have slimmer pickings based seasonally and on proximity to certain waterways.
Each site will also have specific daily hours, sometimes tuned to the weather, with some only opening for weekends or for half a year based on peak seasons, etc. Again, narrowing your search focus to a local area will yield the best results. A local Google search or FriendWithA… can be helpful for getting started, too.
Find the Water, Find a Rental
Any waterway–beaches, lakes, bays, reservoirs, rivers, marinas, parks–will frequently have a rental shop either nearby or sometimes within sight of the water.
If you’re having trouble finding a rental shop, head to the water and try your luck. Apps–though limited for finding rental shops–are great for finding the water.
Go Paddling, IOverLander, and SUP Places are all free, easy-to-download apps geared toward finding put-in spots wherever you set your location. These may prove helpful, and can also save you tons of time and uncertainty looking for sweet paddling locales.
Further, depending on your rental restrictions and rental company’s policies, you may be allowed to take your board anywhere you’d like within a given time frame. Instead of pulling out your map app and hoping for the best, apps like these could mean the difference between an average day or discovering a gem.
More Apps and Websites
As mentioned above, there aren’t many widely-established apps and websites specifically for SUP renting (yet). Padl and Equipp are both SUP and/or other sports equipment apps that are grazing the surface of the market. But each have their regional and vendor-based limitations– not to mention mixed reviews.
For nationwide renting, SUPrents probably offers the most exciting, unique service. Based in Oregon, they allow account holders anywhere in the continental U.S. to have rental boards shipped to them (for free). Return shipping is also covered. Renters pay for the rental period, and even have the option to buy the board before shipping it back.
They are a newer company, but seem to have promise worth investigating. It is, however, an equipment only rental, which means it may be best suited for those with longer term interest who want to try before they buy and have a desire to invest in the sport by purchasing the other essential equipment.
Investing in the Sport
The beauty of a rental, of course, is that it’s cheaper and easier than buying and storing your own SUP and equipment. If you’re somebody who only hits the water a couple of times a year, or doesn’t have space to accommodate the necessary gear, renting is the way to go.
The average hourly rate for a paddle board rental is between $15 and $30, while a full-day rental can range from $50 to $100.
Some rental companies may charge higher rates for premium equipment such as high-end SUPs or paddle boards with built-in fishing gear.
Additionally, some may offer discounted rates for longer rental periods or for groups, as well as package deals for guided tours or lessons with equipment included.
Shop around. Depending on the area, you may have a lot to compare. And if space is your only limiting factor, consider investing in an inflatable SUP.
Guided Tours Vs. Equipment Rentals
Guided and equipment rentals are the two types of SUP rental options with pros and cons to each. Which you choose depends on your experience level and desired adventure. Here are the key differences:
Guided Rental
- Great for learning about the sport and the surroundings. With a guided rental, you’ll be with an experienced guide who can provide instruction on paddling techniques, safety guidelines, and information about the local area.
- The guide will also take you on a specific route or tour, which can be helpful if you’re not familiar with the local waterways or if you’re looking for a specific experience, such as a sunset tour or a wildlife tour.
- May be more expensive, as you’re paying for the services of the guide in addition to the rental of the paddle board.
- Good option for beginners or those who are new to the area, as they provide more structure and safety.
Equipment Rental
- With an equipment rental, you’ll have the freedom to explore on your own schedule and at your own pace.
- Without the guidance or instruction of a guide, it’s important to have some prior experience with paddle boarding and, ideally, the local waterways.
- Equipment rental can be more affordable than a guided rental, as you’re only paying for the rental of the board and gear.
- Good option for experienced paddle boarders who are looking for a more flexible and independent way to be on the water.
Why Rent?
Step one to renting a paddle board is doing your research, and reading this article means you’ve already started!
Renting a paddle board is a great way to try out the sport without committing to buying your own equipment, and can also be a convenient way to explore new locations. However, before you rent a paddle board, it’s important to be aware of some key “need-to-knows” about the rental process, equipment, liability, and finding rental shops in your area.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience renting a SUP. Remember to prioritize safety, respect the environment and other water users, and have fun out on the water!
Need more paddle boarding tips?
Read our other SUP Guides
What size paddle board do I need?
Tips for Beginner Paddle Boarding
The Best Places to Paddleboard in the US
How to Paddle a Stand-Up Paddle Board
Frequently asked questions
The average hourly rate for a paddle board rental is between $15 and $30, while a full-day rental can range from $50 to $100. Prices vary based on the shop and type of rental you’re looking for, read more about factors that affect price in “What to Know When Renting a Paddle Board.”
Local rental shops or water sports/outdoor stores are the most reliable places to rent paddle boards, and they are often near the water. Search your desired area for vendors. Some apps and websites offer rentals depending on your region. For more details about finding rentals and useful applications, check out “What to Know When Renting a Paddle Board.”
Quick-drying, comfortable clothing. Swimsuits, wetsuits, rash guards, and most UPF clothing, like men’s or women’s board shorts, are all great options. You want to be able to move comfortably and relax on your board. You are also guaranteed to get wet at some point, so the faster your clothes dry or resist water, the better.
The following should always be included in your paddle board rental:
- Paddle Board
- Paddle
- Leash
- PFD (Personal Floatation Device/life vest).
Some rental shops may include extras or have boards with fun features like camera mounts, cargo straps and/or dry bags, etc. But these may cost extra. Learn more about the quality and condition to expect from rental equipment at “What to Know When Renting a Paddle Board.”
Yes. Renting a SUP is almost always worth it–especially for families and big groups, travelers, or those who only paddle a few times a year. It’s a great way to try the sport without a bigger investment. Read “What to Know When Renting a Paddle Board” to find out more about the pros and cons of renting a SUP.
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