Become a Portland Paddle Member

• Operating Hours: Rentals must align with Portland Paddle’s operating hours, and all renters must be off the water at least 30 minutes prior to sunset.
• Weather Conditions: Rentals may be canceled or curtailed based on weather conditions — most commonly due to thunderstorms, strong winds or dense fog; members will be notified promptly if they have booked in advance.
• Booking online required: We ask members to use their member code to book rentals through our website. This can be done at the last minute, as long as there is availability. 
• Rental Policies: Members must comply with Portland Paddle’s rental policies. These include the following requirements for renters: bringing a working phone on the water (we provide a dry bag); checking in upon returning; treating gear with care; not consuming alcohol or recreational drugs while paddling; avoiding boat traffic and busy channels.
• Skills Requirements for Paddling to Islands & Use of Sea Kayaks: Until a member has demonstrated competency at certain skills, they will be required to remain within the “shore zone” area along the East End shoreline – an area that is terrific for one- or two-hour rentals. Members who want to paddle beyond the “shore zone” to destinations such as Fort Gorges, Mackworth Island or Peaks Island, must first demonstrate (if they have not already done so) that they are able to perform a capsize recovery, have competency in basic paddling technique and an awareness of risks involved with paddling in Maine’s coastal environment. Members are encouraged to use their discount on introductory lessons to learn these skills. Similarly, the same skills requirements apply to the use of sea kayaks, as opposed to recreational kayaks.
• Assisting with Gear: We ask that whenever possible members assist with moving kayaks, and any other gear used, to and from the water.
• Cancellation policy: A full refund on memberships purchased will be offered up until the start of the membership season (June 1). After that date, memberships will be non-refundable.
• Violations of Policies: Members who violate any Portland Paddle policies, or who use rental gear inappropriately, may lose benefits without any refund. 
• No rentals are available on July 4 (or July 5 if the Portland fireworks show is postponed). 
• Benefits may not be shared, except when renting tandem kayaks: Your member benefits may only be used by you. However, if you’d like to paddle with a companion, you may apply your benefits to rent a tandem kayak with them.

How many rentals would it take for the cost of membership to be worth it?

At the standard membership rate, just nine 2-hour rentals over four months would cover the cost of membership (or just six if you’re using tandem kayaks). But that’s not taking into account any of the other benefits. 

Taking all three intro kayaking courses with 50% off, for example, would save you well over $100, and if you joined nine of our friendly races on Monday evenings, you’d save another $100. Opting for longer rentals? Just three discounted half-day rentals would save you another $100.

Do I have to book online, and then fill out paperwork, every time I want to go out? 

We want to make it easy and quick for members to get on the water, so we are streamlining things as much as possible. You will not have to sign a waiver each time you paddle. We do ask that you book each rental online using your member code, but you do not need to do that in advance and you will not need to enter any other information besides what you are renting and for how long. This will ensure availability and help us track who is on the water.

Can I go out early in the morning or stay out after dark?

The unlimited free rentals you get as a member can only be used during our operating hours. We generally open for rentals at 8am on weekdays and 7am on weekends, weather permitting. We rent during the evening hours, but we need all renters off the water at least 30 minutes before the official sunset time.

If you want to paddle outside of our operating hours, you can use your member benefits to get discounts on longer rentals, but you would need to store and transport the kayak or SUP yourself while renting.

Can I get a refund if I only use my membership a few times? What about if the weather ends up being awful every time I want to paddle, or you don’t have kayaks/SUPs available? 

We are not able to provide any type of refund on memberships after the membership period begins on June 1, 2024. Up until that point, you can receive a full refund.

There are sure to be days when you are not able to paddle due to strong winds, rain, fog or other weather conditions. We hope, however, that by taking away the cost of each rental membership will encourage people to paddle on overcast and even rainy days, when conditions on the water are often the most calm and pleasant.

We’ve increased our inventory of kayaks and SUPs, and made other changes, to minimize the chances that we won’t have kayaks or SUPs available when a member wants to rent. However, there may still be very popular time slots when lots of people want to rent at once. At those times, if you are able to be somewhat flexible with the timing of your rental we should still be able to get you on the water. It will help too if you book online in advance, so you can choose a time slot with availability.

Can I use my free unlimited rentals to paddle to Fort Gorges? Can I paddle anywhere I want? 

If you have demonstrated that you meet the skills requirements, you are free to paddle to Fort Gorges and other islands, assuming weather conditions are favorable and you have enough time in your rental period. That said, you are always responsible for your own safety when renting, and each time you go paddling it is essential to evaluate the conditions and assess whether your trip plan is appropriate given your skills and preparation.

Until a member has demonstrated competency at the required skills, they must remain within the “shore zone” area along the East End shoreline – an area that is terrific for one- or two-hour rentals. Members who want to paddle beyond the “shore zone” to destinations such as Fort Gorges, Mackworth Island or Peaks Island, must first demonstrate (if they have not already done so) that they are able to perform a capsize recovery, have competency in basic paddling technique and an awareness of the risks involved with paddling Maine’s coastal environment. Members are encouraged to use their discount on introductory lessons to learn these skills. Similarly, the same skills requirements apply to the use of sea kayaks, as opposed to recreational kayaks.  

How do I demonstrate that I have the skills required for renting and kayaking to Fort Gorges or another island? 

There are a few ways to demonstrate you meet the skills requirements. One is to take our Intro to Sea Kayak Rescues (50% off for members) and ask the instructor to confirm that you were able to perform the skills taught in the course. If you have already learned the required skills, you can demonstrate them to our staff at the start of a rental. Alternatively, if you have received sea kayaking training through another organization and can show credentials (American Canoe Association certification, guide license, etc.) that may be sufficient.

What are the limitations on where SUP paddlers can go? 

We have found that even SUP paddlers who are quite experienced are often surprised at how difficult it can be to paddle back to the East End Beach from Fort Gorges, Mackworth Island and other points that most novice SUP paddlers don’t reach. For that reason, if winds are forecasted to be stronger than 10 knots in Portland harbor we require SUP paddlers to remain within the “shore zone.” If winds are forecasted to be less than 10 knots only experienced SUP paddlers may venture beyond the “shore zone.”

Can I use any of your kayaks or SUPs that I want? 

We have quite a variety of vessels, and you may find that you prefer certain ones. We will always try to provide you the kayak/SUP you prefer, but in some cases that may not be possible. It will help if you book in advance and make a note in your booking about your preference.

We do have certain skill requirements for anyone renting a sea kayak, however. The vast majority of renters paddling near our site use “recreational kayaks” that are generally more stable and easier for novice paddlers to use. For those paddling to the islands, we require that sea kayaks are used, since these boats are better designed for handling open water conditions.

Can my family member or friend use my membership? 

Only if they are paddling with you in a tandem kayak. Your membership provides unlimited free tandem kayak rentals. But if you rent SUPs or solo kayaks, your membership benefits only apply for the one you use.