Renting water sports equipment can be a daunting task. You need to make sure everything is in working order, but also you don’t want to break the bank. You want everyone to be safe, but you also don’t want to drive an hour out of your way. It’s a balancing act. Whether you’re trying to find a place to find a jetski locally or a snorkel mask while on vacation, there are some things you should watch out for.
1. Safety First
First and foremost, safety should be your number one concern. If you’re renting a boat, jet ski, or even a non-motorized vehicle, check the hull before you rent. Large gouge on the outside? You’ll want to make sure you aren’t taking on water the moment you put your rental in the water.
Be sure to ask questions if you are unfamiliar with what you are renting. Never kayaked before? Consider asking how to first launch, where the best places are to kayak, and if there are any laws that you should be aware of. There is no such thing as a dumb question!
Consider a different rental company if the equipment is torn up with too much wear and tear, it’s well maintained, and it meets safety standards. The last thing you want is to ruin your day with some bogus rental equipment.
2. Location, Location, Location
No one wants to be driving all over the place to rent gear. Instead of trying to find a rental service close to where you live or where you are staying on vacation, consider locating one that is close to where you will be using the rentals. Consider the price when going this route, though. If what you are renting can be easily carried with you or stowed for transit, it might make sense to buy something that is closer to where you are living if it is considerably cheaper.
Convenience in terms of pickup/drop off should also be mentioned here. Driving up and dropping off is easier than waiting in a long line and checking all your equipment back in. Some places even offer to come drop off and pick up the equipment. While it might be more expensive, it might be worth it for the peace of mind.
3. Extras, Add ons, and Accessories
When comparing different rental options, take note of which companies offer free add-ons and accessories. For instance, some places might give you the paddles for the kayak with your rental. Others might make you pay extra for it. Also, look for life jackets when renting different watercraft and leashes when renting a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard.
4. What’s it going to cost?
It goes without saying, but cost should be a concern when renting water sports equipment. We’ve talked about it sporadically throughout the article and it might be the most important factor when balling on a budget.
We all want to save money, but make sure that when you are saving the money it isn’t at the cost of a better experience or safety. Saving $50 on a faulty rental doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things if something goes wrong and you end up with a hefty hospital bill.
5. Customer Support and Cancellation/Refund Policies
Stuff happens. Getting stuck at work late, a flight getting canceled, your spouse getting sick, and endless other options can derail your plans. With that in mind, working with a rental company with a strong customer support team can make these frustrating times a lot easier. Especially a company with great customer service representatives and an advantageous cancellation policy. Getting your money back via refund because you chose a company that gave a complementary cancellation policy might be worth a little more if your plans are thrown for a loop consistently.
Conclusion
Enjoying time out on the water with family and friends with water sports rentals should be relaxing and fun. If you take into consideration the location of the rentals, equipment safety, customer support, the cost, and the add-ons, we promise you that your day will be nothing less than easygoing and a day to remember.