Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at our FAQ section below for additional information. 

If you have a question that isn't answered here, please reach out!

Phone: 1-802-222-0425

Email: [email protected]

FAQ

  • Renting Kayaks or Paddleboards from our business is a simple process. Simply follow the below instructions:

    • Start by visiting our website (you’re already here).
    • Select your desired product (choose Rental Options for shortcut).
    • Choose your rental and click 'Add to Cart' to select your rental time block (We offer 2-Hour, 4-Hour, and 8-Hour rental periods).
    • Complete the payment process (via Stripe). If you're not a member, click 'Continue as Guest'.
    • Put in all the required information, including payment info.
    • You will be notified via email of your order confirmation, which will act as your receipt – there may be a follow-up email as well.
    • At the time of your delivery, a representative from Paddle Time Rentals will be there to meet you - there will be decals on the truck. At this time, you will be required to sign the Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver.
    • We will assist getting you in the water and off you go. You will be responsible for the care of equipment during your rental period.
    • At the time of return, a representative will be there to meet you and assist getting you out of the water and equipment returned.

    If for some reason, we are not there at the return time, we will have a trailer available for drop-off. We won’t be far behind.

  • In order to get a full refund, you need to cancel your reservation at least 24 hours in advance by either calling, texting, or emailing us - No refunds will be provided for cancellations within the 24 hour period. All same day reservations and sales are final. The only exception is in the event of severe weather (Heavy Rain/Storms), in which case you will be provided a full refund or a rental IOU for a different date/time block. 

    If Paddle Time Rentals makes a weather-related judgement call to close due to inclement weather and/or public access to the lake becomes restricted for any reason, you will be notified asap and provided with either a full refund or an IOU coupon for a future available date/time.

    If any rental time block adjustments need to be made, we will do our best to accommodate you. Best thing to do is contact us and we'll see what we can do. 

    If you don't cancel or we don't cancel, we will be there. No refunds will be provided.

  • Accidents can happen, we get it. If you accidentally damage any rented equipment, please inform us as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may incur additional charges (as noted in the Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver). We understand that normal wear and tear will occur, but don't go out of your way to help that process. We expect all renters to treat the equipment with care. 

  • Not at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

  • Yes – In order to rent with Paddle Time Rentals, you will indeed need to sign a Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver, which will occur at the delivery location. Prior to renting, we advise that you read the Rental Agreement/Liability Waiver in full. We are happy to answer any questions you may have if something isn’t clear, just let us know.

  • We do not offer a refund for exiting your rental period early. If something does happen that requires an earlier than scheduled departure, call, text, or email us to let us know. There will be a trailer located at the Primary delivery/pick-up location in the event of an early departure (You'll see a Return sign). If you’re able to, just safely put the equipment in the trailer (or next to it on the ground away from traffic) … we won’t be far behind.

    If you are in a situation where you have a rental and you have to leave from an alternate launch location, please call us and let us know (1-802-222-0425). If this occurs, a $10.00 alternate pick-up charge will be implemented.

  • At this time, we only offer 2-Hour, 4-Hour, or 8-Hours rental periods (Note: You can choose a rental period and return them early, but you will be charged the full time reserved). If you want to keep them longer than you initially scheduled, you must treat it as a new transaction.

    However, keep an eye on the Paddle Time Rental Specials as there will be opportunities to rent for alternate periods of time.

  • Our primary delivery location is Harriman Reservoir – Currently the Mt Mills/North-End Boat Launch, located at 264 Fairview Ave. Wilmington VT. Our primary delivery location will change occasionally.

    However, we do offer alternate delivery and pick-up locations based on availability and timing. If you decide you would like to have equipment delivered to an alternate location, please call prior to reserving for availability information. We can’t make any promises, but it doesn’t hurt to try. It’s important to keep in mind that you can visit other areas of the lake, including the multiple picnic and boat launch areas via rented kayak or paddleboard (but you will be responsible for handling the equipment and keeping it safe).

    Please keep in mind that you will be expected to return the equipment at the initial delivery location. If you have a need for an alternate pick-up, there will be a $10.00 convenience charge and requires a phone call (1-802-222-0425).

    If equipment is abandoned at a different location with no contact to us, the late fee rate will be implemented ($50.00 per hour), until the maximum replacement cost is reached - See the Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver for replacement costs.

  • There is always a certain level of danger while participating in water activities. While the lake is usually pretty tranquil, there are days (mostly weekends/holidays) when it is full of boaters, jet-skiers, swimmers, and other paddlers, which is cause for a some rapid activity, especially in the busier locations - Ward's Beach and Mt. Mills/Fairview Ave.) On busy lake days, it is always advised that you stay somewhat close to the shoreline away from motorized boats. It’s very important that you remain vigilant of your surroundings, including large rocks just below/above the surface, as well as numerous areas where it’s not very deep. You are required to have a life jacket on you at all times while on the water and have basic swimming skills.

    The Southern Boat Launch locations (Whitingham Access/Brickhouse) are generally much more 'peaceful' with calmer waters.

    There is specific lake information on this site, including rules, regulations, public expectations, and fun historical facts. Just click on any of the Lake Information links on the site for more details.

  • Chances are you will see a variety of wildlife; including numerous fish, loons, herons, geese, deer or moose (on the land portions), and you may even see some resident Bald Eagles! 

    It is highly recommended to bring a camera as you never know when a loon will pop up near you or a Bald Eagle will soar down to grab a fish! We’ve seen it ourselves!

    It is very important that you do not approach or chase any wildlife - View and admire only!

  • Yes you can, but it's only advised if you have rented for the half or full day (4 or 8 hours). You must remain on Harriman Reservoir, and you need the ability to transport the rented equipment safely and return it on time. Paddle Time Rentals does not provide any transport equipment.

    Please keep in mind that traffic in these areas can be heavy and we do charge fees for late returns - $50.00 per hour (effective after the ten-minute mark). So, if you're 15 minutes late, you'll be charged an extra hour. If you’re 1 hour and 15 minutes late, you will be charged for 2 hours, and so on.

    Please plan accordingly to avoid these extra costs!

  • It is entirely possible that you will get a little wet, especially when safely entering and exiting a kayak/paddleboard. Depending on motorized boating activity, sometimes a rapid will hit the kayak/paddleboard and cause a slight splash. It is also fun to take a little dip on a hot day (but make sure you are able to safely exit and enter the kayak/paddleboard and be mindful of shallow placed rocks/boulders). There are lots of little islands and shorelines where you can ‘park’ the rented equipment and swim. We only ask that you be mindful of how much water you allow to enter the Sit-In Kayaks – the more water inside, the more unstable and harder to handle. If necessary, the sit-ins do have a drain plug - just please don't forget to put it back on.

    Also important to keep in mind, we sometimes get locally non-forecasted rain/thunderstorms. If you happen to be out on the water when this happens, do your best to find a safe space to exit your kayak/paddleboard, and in the case of a sit-in, do your best to flip it over to protect it from incoming water. It’s always recommended to paddle closer to the shoreline in the event something like this happens.

    It is very important you pay attention to the local weather forecast prior to renting with us.

  • This is 100% a personal decision, and it really depends on the length of time you plan on being out on the water. At minimum, it is highly advised that you bring sunblock and plenty of water. It’s always a good idea to have dry clothes, a first-aid kit, a towel, sandals or water shoes, sunglasses, and snacks. We offer dry bags if needed ($5.00 per rental period).

    Important:: Paddle Time Rentals is NOT responsible for any wet/damaged items you choose to keep in the Dry Bag. It is also advised that all electronics (especially phones) have an extra layer of water-proof protection.

    It is NOT recommended that Dry Bags be left floating in the water or sitting in a puddle of water. Use the bags as intended and you shouldn't have a problem.