Step by step
Use this guide to book, pick up, paddle, return your gear and close your session in the PaddlePoint Web App. Easy to follow, even if this is your first self-serve paddle.
01 / Book
Book and manage your rental with your PaddlePoint account in the PaddlePoint Web App. The website helps you understand each location before you go.
Choose Book Rental for a self-serve paddle, then select the location, paddleboard or kayak, date and duration that fit your paddle day.
Guided Experiences use their own date, meeting point and gear instructions. Follow the details shown for that experience.
Use the same PaddlePoint account for booking, pickup, return and support. Your confirmation email brings you back to the booking; the location QR code brings you back to the local page.
Need to change the time or date? Open My bookings and tap Modify Booking. Changes are available at least 6 hours before start when inventory and pricing allow.
Open My bookings to see whether cancellation is still available for your booking. Cancellation rules and any refund or credit outcome are shown in the booking flow.
Checkout shows the final price and any eligible package or booking credit before you pay. Review the location, date, duration and included gear, then look for your confirmation email.
02 / Prepare
Before you leave, check conditions, your route and your waiver status.
Check wind, daylight, water temperature and the local forecast before you leave. Dress for the water, not only the air; cold water can affect coordination quickly. Read the water again when you arrive. If you hear thunder or see lightning, stay off the water. If the cold, wind or waves feel beyond your clothing or ability, do not launch.
At ocean locations, tides affect water depth and put-in access differently. Use the tide and route notes on the location page; one tide rule does not fit every shoreline.
Complete the waiver when prompted. The PaddlePoint Web App shows whether it is valid before locker controls are available.
Choose sheltered water, paddle with a partner when you can, stay close to shore and tell someone your route and return time. If conditions shift or feel above your ability, do not launch.
03 / Arrive
Use the location page for parking and the put-in, then open your booking at the location.
Check the address, parking, walk to the locker and put-in before you leave. Read the local water notes, route guidance and any posted restrictions too.
Arrive early enough to park, walk to the location, open your booking and check your waiver without rushing.
The portal opens 15 minutes before your start. Open pickup appears when your booked time begins.
Match the number on the board or kayak to your booking before carrying it to the water. Leave neighbouring equipment for the next paddler.
Do not force a door or take unassigned gear. Use Report Issue in your booking so support has a record.
If you cannot reach the booking, send a support request with the location, booking reference and what you cannot do next. Contact PaddlePoint before arriving if you need accessibility support.
04 / Gear up
Take 10 calm minutes with the gear before the put-in. Fit the PFD, find your carry and make the first strokes feel familiar.
PaddlePoint requires every paddler to use the provided PFD or life jacket on the water.
Carry it under one arm with fins facing back. With two people, lift at the nose and tail.
Use the carry handles. With two people, take one end each.
Carry, never drag. If the carry feels awkward, stop and reset your grip.
05 / On the water
The water is yours. Stay aware, stay close and make the most of every minute.
Set a turn-around time before you launch and watch your booking timer as you paddle. If Need more time is shown, PaddlePoint checks locker availability before confirming an extension.
Head back with enough time to rinse, return every item and close the rental. Late return can create overdue review and extra charges.
Offshore wind can quietly carry you away from land. If you are losing ground or the water is building, turn back early and stay near the safest shore.
When the route allows, start into the breeze so the return is not the hardest leg. If you are unsure, do not launch.
Stay with your board or kayak and keep hold of the paddle. Your craft makes you easier to see; your PFD helps keep you afloat. On a SUP, climb back on from the side. In a kayak, use only a self-rescue method you know. If you cannot remount, stay with the craft and signal for help.
Stay out of marked channels and give ferries, motorboats and working vessels plenty of room. Paddle where you can be seen, and never assume a larger vessel can stop or steer around you. Check the location page for local traffic.
Watch wildlife without changing its path. Never approach, follow or feed it. Keep the legal distance from whales, dolphins and porpoises, and give seals and nesting birds plenty of room.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first. Then alert PaddlePoint support from your booking if you can do so safely. Stay with your craft.
06 / Return
Give yourself 15 minutes to paddle back, rinse off and close your rental without rushing.
If the location provides a rinse area, wash off visible salt, sand and mud before stowing the gear. Use the station wash area and leave the gear ready for the next paddler.
Remove visible seaweed, plants, shell and debris. Check the fin box, footwells and handles, then use the cleaning tools provided at the location.
Return each item to the assigned locker area shown in your booking. Do not place gear in a neighbouring locker area.
Count the board or kayak, paddle, PFD and every included item before closing.
Use Report Issue in your booking and add a photo when it makes the problem clear. This creates a record for support, but may not solve every issue immediately.
If return is blocked, keep the gear at the assigned locker and close the assigned door if you can. Do not leave until the PaddlePoint Web App shows the return or issue was recorded.
Support when it matters
Read the guide first, then use support if access, gear, return or safety feels blocked.
