Frequently Asked Questions
We’re more than happy to answer all of your stand up paddle board and kayak rental questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to contact us.
What kind of shape do I need to be in?
It really depends on you and the conditions. Lady Bird Lake and the connecting creeks are relatively gentle and the Austin weather rarely creates the type of wind resistance faced in other areas of the country. The beauty of SUP is that you can make it as hard or as easy as you want. SUP does require you to kneel, stand and paddle. Apache Water Sports boards and kayaks do have a 250 pound weight limit.
So, I can do it if I'm a newbie?
Absolutely! The beauty up SUP is that almost anyone can do it. The boards are very stable and the physical exertion is within your control. In fact, many people sit or kneel and paddle for a little while just to get a feel for SUP.
Do I have to know how to swim?
You don’t have to know how to swim, but you assume all risks associated with renting from Apache Water Sports and participating in SUP. Also, you must wear the life jacket provided with your rental if you are 12 or under. If you're over 12 years old, the vest doesn't have to be on your person, but must remain on the board at all times. Even though the boards are very stable, there is a chance that you may fall off your board. As detailed in our waiver, you release Apache Water Sports from all liability associated with your rental from Apache Water Sports and participation in SUP.
What should I wear?
It depends. But the Austin weather during the primary SUP season can be incredibly hot and sunny. Therefore, Apache Water Sports recommends you wear comfortable clothing given the weather conditions on the day of rental. You should be prepared to get wet as you may fall in or you may find a local watering hole to cool off in (please note that there is no swimming allowed in Lady Bird Lake). A swimsuit and water shoes usually suffice. Hats, sunglasses and other appropriate items can be worn. Apache Water Sports highly recommends that you wear and continuously apply sunscreen throughout the day.
Do I need to bring a photo ID or anything like that?
Yes. Please bring a current driver's license, passport or other government issued photo ID.
What can I do with my valuables while I’m on the water? Can I brink a backpack?
Apache Water Sports recommends you leave as many valuables as possible at home or in your car. For keys, photo ID and other similar items, Apache Water Sports recommends you bring a waterproof container. Apache Water Sports recommends you bring a camelback or other drinking water to stay hydrated while on the water. If you do not have a camelback, then bring a backpack with bottles of water. You can then put the waterproof container in your backpack. Please be sure to keep Austin weird and beautiful, so don’t litter.
Can I bring my kid?
Yes!! Depending on the age of your child, he/she can paddle alongside you or ride on your board or kayak. Apache Water Sports does require a properly completed waiver for every person in your party.
What about my dog?
Absolutely! However, Apache Water Sports does not provide canine life jackets so you'll have to outfit your pooch.
What are your prices again?
Our rental prices are as follows:
Full day (8+ hour rental with a 2 board/kayak minimum): Kayak - $55 / SUP - $60 (per unit)
3 full days (8+ hour rental with a 2 board/kayak minimum): Kayak - $160 / SUP - $170 (per unit)
Weekly (7 full day with a 2 board/kayak minimum): Kayak - $350 / SUP - $400 (per unit)
What equipment is included in the rental?
Our rental includes delivery to the selected location, paddle board (with fin), carbon fiber paddle, leash and life jacket. Kayak comes with one kayak paddle, backrest support seat, life jacket. Everything you need to enjoy an incredible time on the water.
How do I make reservations for a large group?
This is one of the great things about Apache Water Sports, using our online contact system you can request as many boards/kayaks as are available for a given time slot! Contact Us!
What time should I be at the delivery location to pick up my rental?
Be at the delivery location 15 minutes prior to the time your rental period starts. (Preferred 8am delivery/pick-up.) We want to make sure all of your questions are answered prior to you launching without eating up any of your rental time.
What happens if I arrive late at the delivery location?
Unfortunately, you will lose some of your reservation time. We want to make sure you get all of your desired time on the water and will make every attempt to issue the rental to you as quickly as possible to reduce lost time. However, your reservation starts at your reservation time — not when pick up the rental from us.
When and where do I return the rental equipment?
Return your equipment to the location where Apache Water Sports delivered it to you. All rentals are due back at the end of your rental period. Apache Water Sports understands that sometimes you can’t get back to your location right at the end of the rental period and allows a 15-minute grace period. However, any equipment that is returned more than 15 minutes late will incur a $20 late fee. Any equipment returned more than an hour late will incur a $20 late fee plus you will be charged an additional full-day rental fee. All full-day rentals are due back at 8am and will incur the same charges listed above in the event of late returns.
What happens if I want to return my equipment early?
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, Apache Water Sports only picks up rental equipment at the end of the rental period.
What happens if I damage my equipment?
The paddle boards used by Apache Water Sports are of the highest quality and very resilient. Yet, the Apache Water Sports staff understands that with any level of physical activity, there’s a risk of damaging equipment. Our staff will assess any damage upon return. In the event that any equipment is missing or needs repaired, you are responsible for the cost of such damage or missing equipment.
What happens if I lose any equipment?
In the event you lose any rented equipment, the Apache Water Sports Rental agreement, Waiver and Release allows Apache Water Sports to charge your credit card the full retail price for such missing equipment. We truly hope this never happens!! In fact, if possible, Apache Water Sports staff will try to locate the missing equipment to help you avoid such charges.
What is your cancellation policy?
You will receive a 100% refund for cancellations made 12 or more hours in advance of your scheduled rental. Cancellations within 12 hours or less of scheduled delivery will not receive any refund.
What about bad weather, illness or any early returns?
There are no refunds for illness, weather, early returns or non-usage, unless the cancellation is made 12 or more hours in advance of the reservation time. However, Apache Water Sports understands that the weather is unpredictable. If you are unable to participate at the time of delivery because of inclement weather conditions, Apache Water Sports is happy to provide a voucher good for 100% of the cost of your rental. This voucher must be used within 1-year of the issue date.