+ How do you optimize safety?
Please watch the required videos in our Safety tab above. They explain how to fit a lifejacket (which you’re legally obligated to wear), how to re-enter a kayak, and other important kayak safety recommendations from the American Canoe Association. Additionally, avoiding drugs and alcohol before and during kayaking, along with always WEARING your lifejacket prevents > 90% of deaths (NOTE: most people are not able to succcessfully put on a lifejacket once they are in the water because it floats, try it once in shallow water and you'll understand). We also use predominantly sit-on-top kayaks which are self bailing through scupper holes. You’re obligated to keep any kayak hatches closed which adds flotation. Finally, our Safety tab has many links to additional boating and kayak-specific safety videos and courses, many free of charge. We STRONGLY recommend getting certified in boating and kayak safety before using a kayak on saltwater OR moderate or fast-moving rivers.
+ How do I rent?
Please see the short video on the homepage that explains webpage navigation, where to find the rules, find the schedule and pricing for each boat, how to sign the waiver, and pay. After paying, you'll be sent a code to unlock your boat for the duration you reserved it.
+ How much does it cost?
Pricing varies based on location, the type of boat, and duration. See the pricing listed on the webpage of the location you'd like to rent from.
+ When are you open? What hours can we text/call customer service?
In the warm summer months (May-Sept), our boats are available to rent every day from 9AM to sunset. During the cool months of Oct-April we are open Friday-Sunday from 10AM-5PM. Customer service hours are the same as the hours of operation. If you have questions outside that time frame, feel free to call to leave a voicemail, text, or email but anticipate a 1-2 day response time.
+ How do we unlock the boat & later lock up the kayak/SUP at the end?
See the video on the webpage of the location you rented from. Different locations may have different set ups.
+ What do the kayaks come with?
Single Kayaks and SUPs come with 1 kayak paddle and 1 adult lifejacket (weight > 90 lbs) as part of the rental. Double Kayaks come with 2 kayak paddles, 2 adult life jackets and 1 child life jacket (weight 50-90 lbs).
+ How do you prevent kayak/SUP theft?
We have 24/7 video monitoring recorded to the cloud in multiple areas for each site. Cameras monitor the kayaks, other cameras themselves, and all vehicles coming and going including license plate recognition. We also have 2 different kinds of GPS monitoring in each kayak coupled with geofenced notifications. The GPS monitors and plastic-impregnated KayakShare.com branding can’t be removed without destroying the hull making the kayak accordingly worthless and useless. So basically we can see you and/or the kayak in person via camera and/or from space at any time. Trying to steal anything else, anywhere else, is a better idea.
+ How big do kids have to be to participate?
Please read our Waiver for full details. Legally one has to be 18 year old to sign the waiver to rent a kayak/SUP. Parents and legal guardians can sign the waiver on behalf of their child(ren) only. We provide life jackets for kids weighing 50-90 lbs only on double kayaks. In the interest of safety, we unfortunately don't allow children < 50 lbs from being on any kayak or SUP and don’t supply a lifejacket for them accordingly. It is illegal and against the terms of our Liability Waiver to have a person on a kayak without a lifejacket.
+ What should I wear when kayaking?
Provided lifejackets are legally required. Dress for immersion or getting wet. If hot, you can always take a layer off and put your hands, feet, or hat in the water to help cool down. But if you’re overboard, the water takes heat away from your body 20x faster and hypothermia is a real threat in cool water if you’re not able to be rescued quickly. The US Coast Guard recommends a wetsuit or drysuit if the water temperature and air temperature, added together, are less than 120 degrees F.
Avoid cotton. Instead choose polyester or other fast drying materials.
Consider long sleeves and hats to protect from the sun.
Wear footwear that will protect the bottom of your feet from sharp rocks or debris.
Glasses straps if you have glasses (it’s neither pretty nor safe to kayak without corrected vision).
While we supply "adult universal size" life jackets (designed for "adults > 90 lbs"), some larger individuals may be more comfortable bringing their own larger lifejacket (XL-XXXL).
+ What else should I bring?
Water, snacks, sunscreen, charged smartphone with drybag, and extra layer of dry clothing in another dry bag.
See recommended smartphone apps on our safety page.
+ I paid but never got text/emailed a PIN code to unlock the lock even though I paid more than 10 minutes ago? What should I do?
Texts with your smartlock PIN code will get send the day of the rental (not the day the reservation is made online unless they are the same). If you still haven't gotten a text on the day of your rental (or within 10 minutes of making your reservation when it's a same-day reservation), call or text our customer service team at (650)772-6710 with your name, phone number you put in your order form, and location. If you text us, we will call you back in the order the text was received so you don't have to wait on hold.
+ My lock doesn't open to start my rental. What should I do?
Double check the time, date, and location on your email and/or text message. Also remember, after you enter the code accurately, you push the "Unlock" (or "Enter") button on the lockpad or it won't unlock.
If you're still having problems, call or text our customer service team at (650)772-6710 with your name, phone number you put in your order form, and location.
+ What happens if I bring back the kayak/SUP too late and I can't unlock the lock anymore?
Correct. If you bring back the kayak/SUP after the duration you've rented it for, the lock will no longer work with the PIN code you originally received (and moreover, the person who rented it after you will be upset that you've used some/all of their time). Then you will need to call and let us know you've locked yourself out. Unfortunately we have to charge for the additional duration of your use plus a late fee or some people abuse the system. But we will help you lock up the kayak/SUP so you don't have to pay replacement costs. So please be respectful of others time. Thanks!!!
+ How do I cancel my reservation?
In the email you were sent when you made your reservation, there is a link at the bottom that allows you to cancel your reservation up to the minute before your reservation begins for a refund (100% refund minus a required 5% booking fee). We would much rather you cancel because the weather or conditions are poor than take a risk on the water. Your safety is most important!
+ I'm where Google Maps marker states KayakShare.com is, but I don't see any kayaks. Where should I go?
Use the map on our homepage, KayakShare.com. You can zoom in on where the pin/marker is. That is where you'll find the kayaks.
+ How do we facilitate group rentals?
Scheduling in advance (>1 week) and during weekdays often makes for much greater availability. Small groups (4-6 boats) will likely be able to rent on their own easiest. For locations with > 6 boats, if you're looking to have everyone rent at the same time and having difficulty, reach out to our customer service to help understand potential dates and times to help facilitate your rental.