FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No prior experience is necessary to enjoy a day out SUP-ing or kayaking on Lake Superior. Almost everyone who rents from us are first timers or novices. We love catering to families and beginners, and our equipment is perfect for them because they are quite stable.

However, you should be physically fit enough to be able to get to a standing position from your hands and knees and to adequately paddle. Participants should also not have any balance issues.This activity can be as strenuous, or as leisurely as you make it. 

You will want to be strong enough to pull yourself back up onto the paddle board or kayak in the event that you fall off. This is not difficult, but does require a certain level of fitness.

A paddle board, otherwise known as “SUP” or stand-up paddleboard, is configured similarly to a surfboard, but is usually longer, thicker, and much more stable than a traditional surfboard. The operator of a paddle board can kneel to start or stand upright on the board and propels it through the water by using a long paddle.

Wear whatever will make you the most comfortable while paddle boarding, given the weather conditions of the day. SUP-ing is a water sport and so you will want to wear clothing that you don’t mind getting wet in the event that you fall into the water. Most guests come wearing swimwear, or board shorts and have water compatible shoes. A hat and sunglasses will be appreciated if the sun is out, and do not forget to apply sunscreen. Bring a spare set of clothes to change into afterwards, in case you are wet. It is important that your clothing is unrestrictive!

Baggy clothing becomes heavy when wet. It also makes swimming rather difficult, so avoid excess bagginess. Don’t forget an easy long sleeve or pant layer for when a cooler breeze occurs. Lake Superior is unpredictable and it’s best to bring more layers and be prepared!
If not, we have extra layers in our shop for purchase! Wet suits are not provided nor are they available. They are not necessary during the summer season in the location we paddle.

You want to feel solid and stable when using your stand-up paddleboard. This feeling starts at your feet. Serious riders often swear by the barefoot approach. Feeling “at one with the board” is often a common reason why bare feet are preferred. However, other paddlers prefer wearing water sport shoes due to the grip and protection. Water sport shoes or strap sandals can provide a comfortable, reassuring grip which makes balancing easier – especially for beginners. It is advisable to have some sort of footwear for launching and landing. You will want to have some sort of footwear available to you for this. There are bungee cords on the front of the SUPs that can hold sandals, or dry bags available for rent/purchase

Anyone under the age of 18 who wants to rent a paddle board unaccompanied by an adult must first have their parents print out and sign a release form.

Due to the inherent risks involved with paddling on Lake Superior, all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents must use their own discretion when taking boards away for use on freshwater, and anyone who may be using the rented paddle board must first sign our Release Form. All rentals are required to have a Rental Agreement. The Rental Agreement must be signed by an adult, and renters are responsible for any damage or loss to the equipment.

Parents know their children best and you will want your child to have the arm strength to pull the paddle through the water, and for your child to know how to swim. It will make the experience much more enjoyable for you, and for them. We suggest age limits for paddle boards and kayaks are 8 and older with an accompanying parent or legal guardian per child. You may not have a child ride on a SUP or single kayak with you. Paddle boards are a single occupancy craft, and should be used based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. They are not made for two people. All of these rules and regulations are for the safety of our customers, our staff, and for the longevity of our equipment.

Our inflatable Portagers, Karve Kayaks, and The Loon can hold up to 350lbs. Anyone below 400 lbs will feel very balanced and focus primarily on paddling. Paddlers over 350 lbs may have trouble balancing. Our Karve Kayak XL is well balanced to handle extreme water resistance and paddler weight up to 600 lbs.

It is very important to be honest about your weight, and not to exceed the weight limits. If you show up for your reservation and are over the weight limitations then you will forfeit your reservation at your expense. So once again, please make sure that you do not exceed any of the specifications listed above or below. This is for your safety and for the longevity and structural integrity of our kayaks and paddle boards. Damage done to any equipment due to misuse or exceeding any limits explained will be at your expense.

It is recommended that you arrive one half hour before your reservation. This ensures you plenty of time to sign all necessary waivers and pick out your equipment.

We suggest parking at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) parking lot. The entrance for the lot is approximately 200 yards north of the entrance to Zenith Adventure. It is only $10 to park for the entire day.

Fishing is not allowed from any of our Kayaks or Paddle Boards. We are not a fishing outfitter. Any damage or mess created from fishing will incur additional charges, up to and including the cost of replacement.

Intoxication is not allowed on our equipment. Drug use is not allowed on our equipment. It isn’t safe, folks! Enough said.

We do allow coolers on our kayaks within a reasonable size. A small 6-pack cooler is fine. They must not be full-size coolers or any cooler that will interfere with the normal safe operation of the craft due to its size or weight. We do not allow coolers on our SUP at all. We do not inspect coolers, so you will be on the honor system!

Keep in mind that this is a water sport, so you should expect to get wet. You have the potential of falling into the water so you should have the ability to swim. PFDs (personal flotation devices or life jackets) must be worn at all times. In the state of Minnesota you need one life jacket per person on a watercraft. Please understand that our rentals are not intended to be diving or swimming platforms and your safety while on the water is your responsibility. We understand that at some point you may be in the water. Please be safe at all times by being mindful of the depth of water, conditions, and other watercraft.

-Comfortable hiking boots and socks that fit snugly but do not constrict the foot
-An extra pair of socks (friction and moisture can cause blisters)
-Hat with wide brim (for sun and rain protection)
-Breathable rain gear for top and bottom
-Wicking (synthetic, wool or silk) long sleeve and/or short sleeve shirt (Remember: long sleeves can help protect from sun and bugs)
-Long pants
-Warm change of clothing (Think: “If I got soaked and wanted something to put on right away, what would I bring?” The minimum to bring is an insulation/fleece jacket.)
-Sunscreen
-Sunglasses and strap
-Insect repellent and/or head net
-Water bottle or hydration pack
-Cup for hot/cold beverages (unbreakable, travel-style mug)
-If needed: medications; eye glasses and/or contact lenses and spare(s)
-Optional: camera in a waterproof, protective case

Moisture wicking bottoms are always a good idea for a summer hike on a warm day. Long pants might seem like a risky choice on a hot day, but they offer a lot in terms of protection. If you burn easily, long pants will protect you from the sun, as well as any vegetation you may encounter. They’re also ideal on hiking trails where you might brush against branches, weeds, prickly barbs, and whatever else the trail can throw at you.

Breathable socks. Heat is a breeding ground for blisters, so opt for material with temperature regulation like merino wool. Try to avoid cotton socks as they won’t have a chance to dry out.

Protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat or apply sunscreen regularly. Some hats will offer UPF protection and/or ventilation to help keep you cool. At a minimum, you should wear a cap; just make sure you apply sunscreen at regular intervals to the back of your neck and your ears.

Optional neck gaiters. Quick drying, odor-resistant and lightweight, a neck gaiter is perfect for extra sun protection around your neck. You can also soak a gaiter in some water and wrap it around your head or neck to help keep you cool.

A hiking backpack with the right harness will allow air circulation between you and your pack so you can stay cool and more comfortable. Our guides will be carrying their own backpack with essential supplies and first aid, but if you have valuables or other items you’d like to bring, consider comfort as key.

Sunglasses help protect your eyes and cut the glare and protect your eyes from UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Polarized glasses do exactly that and are available for both men and women.

Water bottle. We will have water bottles supplied for each post hike, but if you feel a water bottle on the trail is necessary on a hot day, please bring your own!

Sunscreen — it should have no less than UPF 50 rating. Apply before you get started but bring it along so you can reapply along the way.

Supportive shoes with good tread.

Restrooms at certain trailheads are limited or unavailable. Please plan accordingly.

It is recommended that you arrive one half hour before your reservation. This ensures you plenty of time to sign all necessary waivers.

We will send you detailed directions to our meeting location in a confirmation email!