How It Works
A kayak sharing system on the Mississippi River
1. RENT
Rent a kayak online. Your access code will be sent to your email. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it.
2. UNLOCK
Use your access code to unlock your locker at your starting location. Inside will be a kayak, paddle, and life jacket.
3. PADDLE
Put on your life jacket and use the map inside your kayak to explore the river and navigate to your end location.
4. RETURN
Take out at your ending location and return all equipment to locker by designated ending time (for river routes). *Please note late returns will incur a $100 late fee.
Watch this video to see these steps in action:
If it is your first time kayaking with Paddle Share, you must watch the following Kayak Safety Video.
Know Before You Go
Follow these guidelines and safety precautions to ensure an enjoyable trip:
You must be 18 or older to rent a kayak. If you are younger than 18, you may ride with a responsible adult in a double kayak.
Previous kayaking experience is required. Conditions on the Mississippi River are constantly changing. Paddlers may encounter obstacles, strong currents, and other recreational boat traffic. Less experienced paddlers may consider a double kayak with an experienced paddler, or can make a reservation at the Pickerel Lake Station.
Tell a responsible friend that you are going kayaking on the Mississippi River. Share your itinerary and let them know when your trip is over.
Bring water, sunscreen, and your reservation code. Consider wearing water shoes/sandals and clothes that are okay to get wet (avoid cotton). Consider bringing rain gear or warmer layers. You may also want to bring insect repellent, a dry bag, sunglasses, and a hat. Paddle Share is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Life jackets are required. They are provided and must be worn properly.
Late returns may incur a $100 fee. All kayaks must be returned before the end time of your reservation. Please plan accordingly. The rental time is longer than the paddle time. This leaves adequate time to complete the route, while allowing for exploration along the way.
This is an unguided experience on the Mississippi River. If you are a beginner, please consider a guided tour or classes with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Three Rivers Park District, Paddle Bridge, Wahoo! Adventures, Wilderness Inquiry, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or your local park and recreation department.
Paddling Tips
Most rules of the river are similar to the rules of the road. Keep towards the right of the river. As a kayaker, stay out of the center of the main channel.
When encountering other boats, the more maneuverable boat must yield to the less maneuverable boat. Kayakers should yield to other boats and stay out of their way.
Large boats and motor boats can create large wakes. The best way to handle these temporary waves is to head right into them. Point the bow (front) of the kayak into the wake. If that is not possible, point the stern (back) into the wake. Avoid letting waves crash into the side of the kayak, which could cause you to tip. Paddle Share kayaks are sturdy and difficult to capsize, but it is best to be prepared.
Keep a lookout for hazards and avoid them. Hazards include bridge substructures or piers, partially submerged logs, trees and branches, and rocks or sandbars.
How To Use The Lockers
Make your reservation online, and you will receive an email containing a 10-digit “access code.” Check your spam folder if you do not see it.
When you arrive at the station, find the locker that corresponds to your reservation (e.g. S2U4 – indicates Station# Unit#).
Enter the 10-digit code on the keypad. The unit will beep and a green light may flash, indicating that the locker is open. Note: The locker will only open after the reservation time.
Retrieve the kayak, paddle, and life jacket (2 paddles and 2 life jackets for double kayaks).
Close the locker.
Carefully carry (do not drag) the boat down to the river. Rest the majority of the boat on shore until you are ready to paddle.
When you reach the return station, find the locker that corresponds to your reservation (e.g. S2U4R – indicates Station# Unit# Return).
Enter the 10-digit code on the keypad. The unit will beep and a green light may flash, indicating that the locker is open.
Either place the kayak in the locker as you found it. OR for external stations, place the kayak on the outer racks. Find the cable that corresponds to your locker. Loop the cable through the metal U on the boat, and attach the end to the lock. Place the paddle (detached) and life jacket in the locker.