Paddleboard Hire

Explore Highland has a small fleet of Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co. inflatable boards to guaranteed you a great day out on the water!

The paddleboard fleet includes;

  • 2023 Freshwater Bay 10’6 All-rounder paddleboards,
  • 2023 Freshwater Bay 11’5 Compact Tourer paddleboards,

Explore Highland paddleboards are great for use on the Caledonian Canal, lochs, and sheltered coastal waters around Scotland. Hire boards are NOT to be used in open water locations, or for moving water/river use.

Paddleboards hire season is generally from March to October each year. But happy to arrange hire outwith this season if given advanced notice.

Transporting Hired Paddleboards

When hiring them from Inverness, by default all hire boards will be packed deflated in their storage bag unless otherwise requested so ready to be loaded straight into your vehicle at the time of collection.

 

If you do have roof bars on your own vehicle, you can request your hire paddleboard be inflated for the collection so can be loaded straight onto your vehicle roof. This will save you the hassle of having to inflate and deflate the board during your hire period. You will be given a pump no matter to ensure you have the correct pressure for the weather and temperature conditions.

Evening Collection

Should it be easier, paddleboard hires can be collected the evening before hire dates if easier at no extra cost.

Flexible Return Time

Paddleboard hires can be returned to a secure safe place on the return date to offer more flexibility in the hirer.

Paddleboard Hire Kit

Explore highland includes on request the following kit FREE OF CHARGE with all paddleboard hires:

  • a buoyancy aid (with whistle) for all SUP’ers
  • a travel rucksack to transport and store the ISUP safely
  • an adjustable adult paddle plus a spare split paddle
  • a towline/tape issued per hire group
  • a coiled leash & waist quick release belt to ensure to keep you tethered or easily release from your board
  • a six-inch removable fin (FWB boards only) to ensure your board tracks well when paddling
  • a hand pump and connector to inflate and deflate your hire board when required
  • a sponge for wiping down your board before packing away
  • a 10-litre dry bag per person to keep  important items safe & dry

Please complete the downloadable SUP Kit List and submit it at the time of booking so your kit is reserved along with your craft.

Paddleboard Hire Costs

Explore Highland paddleboard hire charges for August 2021 onwards are;

  • One day – Afraid single day hires are no longer being accepted.
  • Two days – £70
  • Three days – £100
  • Four days – £125
  • Five days – £150

For longer hires, please add £25 per day.

Booking your Paddleboard Hire

You can enquiry about your paddleboard hire service availability by completing the provisional booking form on the contact page!

Paddleboard Hire Terms & Conditions

  1. Paddleboard hire is offered on the basis that hirers are appropriately experienced and qualified in the craft being hired, including safety & rescue of the craft, kit, and group, in the environment being paddled.
  2. No instruction or safety cover is included with hire.
  3. Buoyancy aids are issued free of charge with all hires. All hirers are required to be at the collection/drop-off point to ensure all are fitted with a suitably sized buoyancy aid. These are required to be worn at all times when on the water when out paddleboarding.
  4. £100 refundable security deposit is required per paddleboard at the time of hire. This is taken via online payment and refunded when all hire kit is returned and check to be in the same condition it was hired out.
  5. Minimum of 14 days notice is required for all hires during peak season (March to October). Please see the online diary for Donald’s availability as longer may be required as frequently away on guided multiday adventure holidays with little to no signal.
  6. Should any hire kit be lost or damaged during the hire period, the charge for each item is clearly listed on the Paddleboard Kit List should a repair not be possible. Repair costs will also be chargeable including labour. Should there be damage to the paddleboard itself, additional charges to fix or replace will apply.
  7. Hire Agreement terms & conditions are listed above and visible on the payment portal at the time of paying the security deposit. By paying the security deposit, the hirer is agreeing to all hire terms and conditions.
  8. Drop off/collection service is also available when booked at the same time as your hire.

Responsible Paddleboard Access

When out paddleboarding, under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, you must take responsibility for your own actions on and off the water. We can help by providing you with our local knowledge, responsible access, and safety information before you head off on your adventure.

As a responsible company, stand up paddleboard hire is only available to those with paddling and safety experience on the board and intended environments. For those who have no experience or looking at venturing into unknown waters, a professional guiding service is available.

Alternatively, Donald can offer a skills/safety training workshop for those wishing to hire paddleboards without any experience.