{"id":7057363,"date":"2026-09-05T08:10:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T08:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/how-to-rent-paddleboards-kayaks-on-the-south-coast\/"},"modified":"2026-09-05T08:10:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T08:10:40","slug":"how-to-rent-paddleboards-kayaks-on-the-south-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7057363","title":{"rendered":"How to Rent Paddleboards & Kayaks on the South Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you fancy going paddleboarding or kayaking but don\u2019t own all the gear, Yak Shack has come up with a great solution. Self service paddleboards and kayaks, rentable from hot spots along England\u2019s south coast, and Scotland. I\u2019ve been to three of them now, so here\u2019s my Yak Shack review of the process.<\/p>\n

\"Yak<\/figure>\n

Using Yak Shack is easy. You book online, turn up at your chosen Yak Shack location, unlock your equipment using a code sent to your phone and head out onto the water. No arranging to meet someone, no transporting a giant paddleboard around and, most importantly, no having to inflate and deflate the thing yourself.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Hamble<\/figure>\n

On Sunday we tried the Yak Shack at Hamble Foreshore, on the River Hamble in Hampshire. I went on a paddleboard, while my son and partner went out in a kayak. It made for a brilliant morning on the water. <\/p>\n

In my quest to try one of the Yak Shack shacks, I\u2019ve been to two others over the last few weeks too. <\/p>\n

So, here\u2019s my Yak Shack review, along with everything you need to know about how Yak Shack works before you book.<\/p>\n

What is Yak Shack?<\/h2>\n

Yak Shack is a self-service kayak and paddleboard rental company with hire stations along the UK coastline. Rather than going into a traditional watersports centre, the boards and kayaks are stored in a rack at the water\u2019s edge and secured with smart locks.<\/p>\n

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\"What<\/figure>\n
\"How<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

You can either book your equipment in advance or, if there\u2019s availability, turn up and hire something there and then.<\/p>\n

The whole system is designed to make getting out on the water as easy as possible. You don\u2019t need to own a paddleboard, find somewhere to store one or work out how you\u2019re going to fit a kayak in the car.<\/p>\n

Just turn up, unlock and paddle.<\/p>\n

Where are the Yak Shack locations?<\/h2>\n

YakShack has rental locations around the UK, including Hamble Foreshore, Shoreham-by-Sea, Eastbourne, Netley, Colwell Bay and Dorchester in England. And Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lomond in Scotland. <\/p>\n

The equipment available varies between locations. Some have paddleboards and single kayaks, while others also have double kayaks.<\/p>\n

You can check the current YakShack locations and availability on the official YakShack website \n \n \n \n <\/g> \n \n \n \n <\/clippath> \n <\/defs><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

How does Yak Shack work?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s nobody standing at the YakShack waiting to check you in. It\u2019s designed to be completely self-service.<\/p>\n

The basic process is:<\/p>\n

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  1. Go to the YakShack website\/app.<\/li>\n
  2. Choose your location.<\/li>\n
  3. Select the paddleboard or kayak you want.<\/li>\n
  4. Choose your date and time.<\/li>\n
  5. Pay for your booking.<\/li>\n
  6. Turn up at the Yak Shack.<\/li>\n
  7. Use your phone to scan and unlock your equipment.<\/li>\n
  8. Get your equipment out of the rack.<\/li>\n
  9. Head onto the water.<\/li>\n
  10. Return everything in time for you session end, and secure it again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It feels a little unusual the first time because you\u2019re expecting someone to appear and tell you what to do, but once you realise it\u2019s basically a giant watersports vending machine, it makes sense.<\/p>\n

    As you can see in my Instagram video you\u2019re sent a suggested route, and given any unique tips for that particular area, which really helped us out. Just felt good to have confirmation we were doing the right thing!<\/p>\n

    Booking your Yak Shack vessel<\/h2>\n

    You can book your session before you arrive through the YakShack online booking system.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019d recommend booking in advance if you\u2019re planning your visit for a particular day, especially if you need more than one piece of equipment.<\/p>\n

    \"Isle<\/figure>\n

    There are only a limited number of boards and kayaks at each location. At Hamble Foreshore, for example, YakShack currently lists two paddleboards and two single kayaks, so you don\u2019t necessarily want to rely on turning up and finding what you need.<\/p>\n

    You can also use YakShack more spontaneously. If you arrive and equipment is available, you can use your phone to book and unlock it there.<\/p>\n

    How much does Yak Shack cost?<\/h2>\n

    Prices depend on the location and equipment you choose. When I hired ours, the paddleboards were \u00a316.50 an hour and the double kayak was \u00a322.<\/p>\n

    The price per hour can also work out cheaper if you book for longer, depending on the location.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019d recommend checking the YakShack website before your visit for the latest prices rather than relying on these figures, as hire costs can change.<\/p>\n

    What do you get with Yak Shack?<\/h2>\n

    One of the big advantages of using YakShack is that you don\u2019t need to bring a car full of watersports equipment with you. The equipment is stored ready for you at the launch point, making it much easier than bringing your own paddleboard or kayak.<\/p>\n

    If you check out my Instagram video you\u2019ll see I was at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight<\/a> raring to go with my friends. We were thrilled to have Yak Shack paddleboards as we\u2019d never have fitted enough in the car for the four of us. Unfortunately it was just windy to hire them out when we got there though. But, on the plus side, at least we hadn\u2019t tried to squeeze in four paddleboards to the car, only to not use them!<\/p>\n

    Yak Shack is especially useful if you like the idea of paddleboarding but don\u2019t do it often enough to justify buying your own board, paddle, pump and all the other equipment that comes with it. Or have space to store. <\/p>\n

    It also makes trying kayaking or paddleboarding while travelling much easier. You could potentially find a YakShack location while you\u2019re away and get onto the water without bringing any equipment from home.<\/p>\n

    Using the Yak Shack at Hamble<\/h2>\n

    The Hamble Yak Shack is in a great spot for paddleboarding in Hampshire<\/a> at Hamble Foreshore. There\u2019s a Ringo car park right next to the shack (and toilets), which makes the whole thing even easier. From there, you\u2019re straight onto the River Hamble.<\/p>\n

    \"Hamble<\/figure>\n

    Hamble itself is a lovely little village too, so I\u2019d allow some time before or after your paddle to have a wander around rather than simply driving home afterwards. We had a pretty spectacular cheese and bacon turnover at Pirate Pasties after our paddle sesh.<\/p>\n

    Using the Yak Shack at Colwell Bay <\/h2>\n

    When we visited Colwell Bay, we awkwardly parked above the shack in a kind of layby as a member of the public said we\u2019d be fine. <\/p>\n

    \"Isle<\/figure>\n

    What we should\u2019ve done was carried on a little to the Colwell Bay Long Stay Car Park at PO40 9NP. Then it\u2019s just a short walk to the Yak Shack (above) where you can just lift your paddleboard down to the beach. <\/p>\n

    The famous \u2018The Hut\u2019 is here, but we went for delightful affogatos at Colwell Captains Cabin Cafe instead. They do the Isle of Wight\u2019s speciality Minghella Ice Cream<\/svg><\/span><\/a>. <\/p>\n

    Using the Yak Shack at Royal Victoria Country Park<\/h2>\n

    I\u2019ve been to Royal Victoria Country Park many times, but this was my first walking down to the beach. I managed to park in the car park right next to the beach and it was just a short walk over to the Yak Shack. <\/p>\n

    \"Netley<\/figure>\n

    Is YakShack good for families?<\/h2>\n

    Yes! Depending on the age and water confidence of your children of course. I loved it for Reggie as it was low commitment, low drama \u2013\u00a0if he didn\u2019t like it, we\u2019d go back and hadn\u2019t had the faff of inflating boards or transporting kayaks. <\/p>\n

    \"My<\/figure>\n

    He\u2019s 4 and pretty confident being around water but had never been in a kayak before. I took a life jacket especially for him as the ones provided are only for 40kg and above. I would not have taken him out on the water without this.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

    With younger children, I\u2019d keep the adventure relatively short and stay close enough to the launch point that you can easily get back if they get cold, tired or decide that kayaking is suddenly the worst activity anyone has ever invented. Obviously we took snacks for a half way kayak picnic, and a dry bag with dry clothes as well as dry clothes and towels in the car \u2013\u00a0just in case. <\/p>\n

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    Pay even more attention to the weather and tides when paddling with children. A route that feels like a fun adventure for an adult can become much harder when you\u2019re also responsible for a child. I\u2019ll admit I had a sick feeling in my stomach the night before looking at the weather conditions, but I think it pays to be over cautious. And we were FINE. The weather was perfect. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    What should you wear for your YakShack experience?<\/h2>\n

    What to wear depends on the time of year, weather and what you\u2019re hiring. On a warm summer\u2019s day you might be comfortable in swimwear, shorts and a quick-drying top. When it\u2019s cooler, you\u2019ll want more protection. Check out my article on paddleboarding in winter<\/a> for more advice. <\/p>\n

    I\u2019d avoid anything heavy like jeans or thick cotton clothing that becomes uncomfortable and difficult to move in when wet.<\/p>\n

    Water shoes are useful too, particularly when you\u2019re getting in and out. Although I was fine barefoot, I liked it. My partner had full on trainers on though. <\/p>\n

    What should you take with you?<\/h2>\n

    I\u2019d keep your belongings to a minimum. Yak Shack did provide a small dry bag for phones, which was very helpful, meant I didn\u2019t have to keep opening the one I bought which had clothes in. <\/p>\n

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    \"Kayaks<\/figure>\n
    \"Yak<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

    Useful things to bring include:<\/p>\n