Your complete Paddlpass Guide
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your paddle.
Same Great Experience Everywhere You PaddlPass
Browse the PaddlPass map and find a station near where you want to paddle. PaddlPass stations are independently owned and operated by local businesses, parks, resorts, campgrounds, marinas, and community organizations across North America. Every station runs the same Point65N equipment and the same booking process, so wherever you find one, you know exactly what you’re getting. Each listing shows available equipment, pricing, and rental intervals from a couple of hours to a full day. Pricing is set by each operator based on their location, so it may vary from station to station.
Choosing Your Equipment
All PaddlPass stations carry a mix of solo kayaks, tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Solo sit-on-top kayaks are the most popular choice for beginners. You sit on top of the boat rather than inside it, which makes them stable, easy to board, and simple to get back onto if you end up in the water.
Solo sit-in kayaks have a cockpit you sit inside. They keep you drier, handle better in wind, and are a good choice if you want to cover more distance or paddle in choppier conditions. They take a little more confidence to get in and out of.
Tandem kayaks seat two people and come in both sit-on-top and sit-in versions. Great for couples, families, or anyone paddling with kids or a dog. The person in the back controls the direction, so the front paddler just focuses on power.
Stand-up paddleboards are exactly what they sound like. You can also kneel or sit on them if you prefer. SUPs give you a different vantage point on the water and are great for calm, flat conditions.
PFDs (personal flotation devices or life jackets) are one-size-fits-most, rated for paddlers between 40kg and 120kg (approximately 88 to 265 lbs). If you or anyone in your group falls outside that range, please bring your own. Watercraft weight limits vary by model and are shown at the selection stage — check before you confirm.
Booking Your Rental
First time using PaddlPass? You’ll need to create a profile before you complete your booking. This takes a few minutes and you only do it once. You’ll need your name, email address, a valid payment method, and an emergency contact. You’ll also sign a digital waiver as part of the process. Once your profile is set up, future bookings are much faster. Your details, payment method, and waiver are already on file.
Group Bookings Paddling with others? One person books and pays for the group. Everyone who will be on the water needs to sign a waiver before equipment can be accessed. Parents or guardians sign on behalf of minors. You’ll receive waiver links by email or SMS after booking.
Paddle Day checklist
- Check the forecast. If there are storms, high winds, or lightning in the area, stay off the water. If you need to cancel due to weather, check the cancellation policy in your booking confirmation.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Make sure everyone has a properly fitted PFD and put it on before you launch.
- Attach your paddle leash before you head out so you don't lose your paddle if you drop it.
- Familiarize yourself with getting in and out of your kayak or onto your SUP in shallow water before you head further out.
- Set a timer so you know when to head back.
Picking Up and Returning Your Equipment
To pick up, enter your access code to unlock your locker. Your kayak or SUP, paddle, PFD, and safety equipment are inside. Your locker can be accessed multiple times during your rental period using the same code.
When you’re done, rinse off any mud or debris, return everything to the locker, and lock up. Double-check everything is in before you enter your code — once locked it won’t reopen.
Problems with your equipment? Contact your operator using the information on the station signage.
Problems with your booking? Contact [technical support — link TBD].
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book for multiple people?
Yes. One person books and pays for the group. Everyone who will be on the water needs to sign a waiver before equipment can be accessed — you’ll receive waiver links after booking.
What if i lose my access code?
Login to your Paddlpass account and look in your booking history to retrieve it.
what if the locker won't open?
Contact your operator immediately using the information on the station signage or in your booking confirmation.
WHAT IF I’M LATE?
You can extend your rental through PaddlPass.com before your rental period ends. Extensions may not be available if the next slot is already booked. Late returns may incur a fee.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?
No. All PaddlPass equipment is designed for recreational paddling and is suitable for beginners.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
Just yourself. All equipment is provided at the station including your kayak or SUP, paddle, PFD, and safety gear. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
IS THERE STAFF ON-SITE?
In most cases, no. PaddlPass stations are self-serve and unstaffed. Everything is handled through the booking platform. If you have a problem with your equipment, contact your operator using the information on the station signage. For booking or technical issues, contact [technical support — link TBD].
What if the weather is bad?
Stay off the water. Check the cancellation policy in your booking confirmation — policies may vary by operator. If you need to cancel due to weather, do it before your rental window starts rather than after.
Can I cancel?
Cancellation policies are set by each operator and are shown at booking. Check your booking confirmation for the policy that applies to your rental.
What about Pets?
That’s up to the operator at your chosen station. Check the listing or contact the operator directly before booking.
What if the equipment is damaged or missing when I arrive?
Don’t use damaged equipment. Contact your operator immediately using the information on the station signage or in your booking confirmation.
What if I damage or lose something?
Contact your operator as soon as possible using the information in your booking confirmation or on the station signage. Don’t leave without reporting it. You may be responsible for repair or replacement costs.
Earn with your own PaddlPass Station
Got waterfront access? A PaddlPass station is a complete, turnkey kayak and SUP rental business. Everything you need to start generating rental income, right out of the box.
