Summary: 4 stars for great price and equipment; friendly employees but inconsistent service could confuse first-time visitors; still highly recommend this place for paddle board and kayak rentals
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HOW IT WORKS
We booked reservations over the phone without issue. You can walk in, but you might have to wait depending on how busy they are. Summer rates were $20 per person for 3 hours, which was more affordable than other locations from what I've seen. My first visit to OC Paddlesports was with a group of 6 on a Saturday at 1pm last year. We rented a combination of stand up paddle boards (SUP) and double kayaks. My second time was yesterday with a group of 3, all SUP, on a Saturday at 12pm.
All of the equipment (SUP, kayaks, vests, oars/paddles) were clean and well maintained. Note that the SUP do not come with ankle straps, but we did not have issues with retrieving the board.
Parking was free across the street in the areas behind businesses and beach homes. It seemed much easier to find an open spot at 12pm (circled for 5 mins) than at 1pm (circled 20 mins), but we also parked father on the 7th St block. The shop is closer to 11th St. There should also be paid beach parking on 2nd St, about half a mile away.
For your personal belongings, you get one locker per group. Transfer your group's essentials (towels, change of clothes, sunblock, water, payment method) into one of your backpacks. Do not leave without verbally confirming your locker number! You need to remember it upon return. Since there is only 1 restroom for customers, I recommend arriving in your swimsuit and desired outerwear (the water temp averages 62F - 72F).
Physical waivers will be available at the counter when you check in and pay. If you print and prefill your own waiver, do not sign until you arrive. The employee must witness your signature in person.
Shoes go on black racks to the left of the storefront before you head over to the water. Employees help you board the equipment on the water and push you out. They can provide some tips if requested, but first-timers should educate themselves on sports basics beforehand.
SERVICE
Due to the extremely chill beach town vibes, service was inconsistent between visits. On my first visit, all guests were fitted with life vests before they were directed to the shore. This step did not seem optional. Yesterday, I was getting on the SUP before it occurred to me to request a life vest. My bf actually wanted one too, but didn't ask the employee. He put on the small vest tied to the SUP. Everything worked out. I was just surprised by this relaxed attitude regarding safety in comparison to other rental shops.
When we returned, there was no one on the shore receiving the equipment. We "parked" on the sand, laid down our paddles, and looked around for assistance. This was simply resolved with eye contact and a hand wave. In contrast, we received more guidance on my first visit. Employees called us over more systematically from the docking of equipment to hosing the sand off our legs.
LOCATION
I like that the watersport activities take place on residential canals. You get to admire beautiful waterfront houses lined with uniquely designed boats. Despite being green and murky, the water does not smell. According to my friend who capsized and got a mouthful of it, it's salty. In terms of wildlife, I've seen seagulls, a pelican, and a flying fish.
Since the canals were essentially neighborhood "streets", the water and atmosphere were calm. Still, be careful of your surroundings. You're sharing the "road" with other people and yachts of all sizes. The boats leave choppy waves in their wake.
For a light to moderate active person, 2 hours is a tiring core workout. It's good to pay attention to your energy reserves as the hours pass. The starting point at OC Paddlesports flows with the current, so you're pushing against it on your way back. On my first visit, the current from 3-4pm easily carried me away when I stopped paddling. I was also using the wrong side of the paddle... my arms felt like they were falling off LOL. read more