The staffperson working yesterday (Sunday) was very nice, but the rental bikes were not in good…read morecondition. My wife and I each rented hybrids, and it took me several tries to find a bike that seemed functional. Multiple had loose front wheels that wouldn't tighten, but after a few attempts the attendant was able to get one tightened. Sizing and fitting aren't really part of the process -- this was more of a "just pick whatever bike you want" situation. Soon after we left, I realized that my tires were underinflated, so we had to go back for air. And midway through our ride, huffing and puffing to maintain speed, we realized that most of the brakes were rubbing -- both wheels on my bike, and the front wheel on my wife's. At $40 for a half day per bike, this was a disappointing experience. If you're looking for a rental bike to bum around for a few hours, this might be fine, but if you want to go for a real ride I'd recommend renting elsewhere, or making sure that River Outfitters improves their maintenance practices.

WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND! Short version of the story: We rented out bikes and stopped at Hotel Indigo…read morefor a drink and parked our bikes out front. Hotel Indigo rented out our bikes to some of their guests so they were gone when we came downstairs. It was the last night of our trip and so we couldn't get the bikes back from the hotel to return them. The hotel said they would drop them off and didn't. The River Outfitters actually went to the hotel and retrieved the bikes for us and didn't charge us anything for going over time or the inconvenience after hearing our story. They were super understanding! I wish more companies would treat their customers like this.

I really hate posting bad reviews, but based on this experience with the owner, I wanted to let…read moreothers know, and hopefully she'll change policies to prevent future scenarios like this. Had 2 SUP full day rentals scheduled for one of our vacation days in the area. At about 10:00 am we got a call asking when we would be there. Our full day was from 9:30am-5:30pm. Since we wouldnt be on the boards all day, we were having a leisurely morning walking our dog and eating breakfast. She informed us that she would charge us 20$ per board for not being there at our pickup time. Nowhere in any communication that she had sent via email or during the order process was this stated. This was the first I heard of it. Upon getting there, I stated I was there for my rental, the woman, the owner stood up to check us in. I asked if she could wave the $40 fee and she laughed at me, saying she is too busy and showing up late messes them up. I was the only person in the store at this point. She also did not further explain what what she meant when she said it "messed them up". She seemed uninterested in explaining the policy and uninterested in my viewpoint. Rental pick up times should be clearly stated on emails if they are so important. And you would think the owner would clearly explain this rather than laugh at us. Again, I literally had no idea. She had already charged the fee prior to us arriving which I thought was weird. The rest of the interaction was very awkward and forced. She went on to make sure we knew if literally any scratches were on the boards we would fit the bill, instilling a level of fear in us that almost ruined the trip alone. To get the boards to lake Michigan they provide hand carts with a wheel to roll. They are very awkward, and she said if they touch the cement at all they would "charge us." Literally everything down at the beach is cement, so were were pretty terrified down at the beach. In addition, you are given a paddle, life jacket and ankle cord. When I asked how to carry the rest of the equipment down she shrugged, and offered no information. At this point I've given this business $130 and she's presented us with the snarkiest demeanor the entire time, and we have no idea why. If she's really that concerned about people not showing up outside the "pickup window " she should clearly put that in the communications with customers. As someone who interacts with customers for a living, I was baffled by the interaction. I gave her an opportunity to make it right, but I have not heard back and she has not removed any fees. When we got back the owner did not interact with us and an employee kindly helped us, missing any opportunity to make it right again. And honestly the fees aren't really the issue, its how we were treated. Had she nicely explained why their policies are in place, rather than laugh and fail to acknowledge our viewpoint, we probably would have been fine. I hate to write a bad review, but I also hate being treated poorly while on vacation.

Family owned business that has been my lifeline to surfing when away from California. I love that…read morethere is a local shop for surf, stand up paddle, and skateboarding in this neck of the woods. I bought my stand up paddle board here a few years ago as well as a trailer to carry it behind my bicycle. The carrier needed some customizing to make it fit my board, which they happily helped me with. A great part of the Empire/Sleeping Bear Dunes community!

It was a slow day and they were going to close early, but the friendly and helpful guy renting us…read moreour bikes figured out a way we could stay out past closing and return the bikes safely and easily. A real hero that guy, too bad I didn't catch his name. Anyway, rental was simple, the gear was very good quality, no attitude or space cadet vibes, just a great and easy process from start to finish.

The perfect place to rent a kayak in TC! I had never kayaked before and my husband had only kayaked…read moreonce before when he was a kid. The younger guy who was working was very patient with us and took the time to explain things (and helped calm my nerves). He did a great job telling us where to kayak to and helped us get into the water. An hour rental was plenty for us newbies and we had an absolute blast out on the water. This is a great place for newer kayakers to rent from and I cannot wait to stop by again the next time we are in town!

Awesome store, wonderful people, nothing beats small town feel an atmosphere. Absolutely wonderful…read morecustomer service

We've been here several times now. A nice selection of water gear and clothing accompanied with…read moregreat help.

Claims to be in the business 22 years. One star only for convenience of boat launch location…read more(launch just north of Sutton's Bay public beach), boat we rented was trailered there. We spent 35 minutes of our time listening to the owner give instruction and prep and launch the boat. Time was from 10-5, boat should have been in the water waiting for us, but we waited on him. Boat was in terrible condition, both pontoons had significant scratches/dents. Seating was in good condition and floor was nice (not carpet). Not informed ahead of time, but do not allow fishing from their boats. Boat listed very hard to our right the entire day and a check engine oil light came on shortly after we launched. Owner knew the boat was damaged and admitted it was recently repaired. No reparations were given to us, just told he resented being told this issue was known to him (stated so himself and pointed out the damage to the pontoon where it was repaired). Would not recommend this rental company when so many others are available in the area and take good care of their boats.

My guests have had great experiences with Get Outside Rentals for SUP Boards, Kayaks, Bikes, and…read moreespecially brand new pontoon boats! They are located in the village near the grocery store, and just off the bike trail, with plenty of parking for easy access. They also provide convenient drop-off and pick up services. I would highly recommend Get Outside Rentals in Suttons Bay!

Super fun! The SUP yoga class is really fun and a challenge!! The boards are really nice and…read morestable. When we rented boards it was really cool that they had kid sized boards! Our family had a blast!

Can't wait to come back for another SUP yoga class this summer! My friend and I came for a sunset…read moreclass and it was really enjoyable. even though I had never paddle boarded and didn't think I'd be able to stand, let alone do yoga one! The instructor was very encouraging and accommodating to all levels though and to my surprise I did a lot of the yoga and was able to actually stand on the way back to shore.

This kayak trip was absolutely beautiful, and so peaceful. This is the place you want to go if…read moreyou're not super interested in floating the Platte with everyone and their brother! Lots of wildlife, crystal clear water and very few other people! The owners of Alvina's were wonderful to work with. Could not have been more kind and helpful! Truly a one-of-a-kind float!

We rented some kayaks and went on the river / Green Lake. Amazing experience, and the sisters were…read moreso sweet and personal, helping us get on and off the kayaks, and explaining everything thoroughly. Price is reasonable too, would come back here again for sure. Thank you for a great time!! :)

Great experience. Knowledgable, flexible, and has great equipment…read more I was traveling to Michigan to meet up with a range of family. I wanted to rent some equipment that would allow me to have fun as an experienced windsurfer and to be able to teach a range of people weighing from 145 to 225 lbs, and ranging in age from 19 to 60+. Dave provided everything we needed and offered to swap things out as wind conditions changed. He knows his stuff and is fair and honest and a nice person.

Torch Lake is Michigan's longest inland lake at 19 miles, deepest at 285' and 2nd largest. What…read morethose facts don't convey, is the beauty of the lake. Drive NE Torch Lake from M88 for a couple of miles and look to your right take in the beauty of the lake from the hills NE Torch lake winds through. Locals say that 6 shades of blue can be found in Torch's crystal clear water and I believe it to be true. I've had the pleasure of getting to know the owners Dave and Lisa over the last couple of years. They are seasoned sailors and and can provide lessons if you are new to sailing/windsurfing or just rusty. In the case of windsurfing they have a simulator on land that allows them to give instructions while you practice, without getting your feet wet. They will also take you out into the lake and provide instruction based on your skill level. Their business is located in a small subdivison on the NE side of the lake. Wak-Wing can be challenging to find with a GPS, keep in mind the city is Central Lake. Look for the white sign with a sailboat on it. While it's possible to catch them at the beach, it's highly recommended that you call and make an appointment. Enjoy!

Do NOT rent here. We are experienced boaters and had a terrifying experience with their pontoon…read morerental. The boat's engine failed on the water, leaving us drifting into a rocky shoreline in dangerous, choppy conditions. Neighbors ran down to help, children were crying, and several people were injured. The company told us not to call the Coast Guard (others did anyway) and promised help--but instead sent two men in a truck who could only take three people, stranding the rest of us with small children and no keys or phones. When we finally got back, the owner was rude, blamed us, insisted his boats never fail, and tried to charge us the full rental plus $2,000 for damages--on the boat that had broken down. Check the Google reviews before booking--this isn't the first time this has happened. Spend your money elsewhere.

Our whole experience was exceptional from the time we arrived where employees arrive at your car to…read morehelp with belongings. Thorough explanation of do's and dont's including recommendations for visits while on the water. Boat was beautiful and very clean. All of staff were beyond friendly and helpful, specifically a shout out to our main "coordinator" of the day Brendan, thank you for making such an amazing boating experience for me and my family. We will absolutely be renting and recommending in the future.