Looking for a fun summer activity that will get you off of the land? Even if you don’t own water sports equipment you can try out kayaking or paddle boarding on the North Shore this summer. Stand up paddle board, canoe, and kayak rentals are the perfect summer activity, and we have gathered a list of some of the places you can rent equipment. Most locations offer lessons and/or tours.
Sup East Coast Style
Located on Riverhead Beach in Marblehead, the Sup East Coast Style Kiosk meets all your water activity needs, from classic paddle board rentals to large water floaties. Take a group lesson, party board, or a solo ride out into Marblehead harbor with rentals offered every day starting at $25/hour on weekdays and weekends.
Where: Riverhead Beach, Marblehead
Coast to Coast Paddle
Coast to Coast Paddle has locations for paddle board and kayak rentals across the North Shore in Salem, Beverly, and Woburn. All three locations offer rentals, lessons, tours, and group paddle events. This summer, head to any of the Coast to Coast kiosk locations to rent equipment. Each location has a fully hands on staff to help get you out on the water. Hourly rates for all equipment like paddle boards and kayaks start at $25 an hour.
Where: 190 Fort Avenue, Salem; 33 Lothrop Street, Beverly; 85 Lake Ave, Woburn
Cape Ann SUP + SURF
Cape Ann SUP + SURF offers paddle board and surfboard rentals and has three locations on Pavilion Beach, Long Beach, and Essex River. Paddle board lessons and tours are offered at their Essex River and Pavilion Beach locations. Surfboard lessons are offered at their Long Beach location. They also have limited 1-2 person kayaks for rent at their Long Beach and Pavilion Beach locations. Check out their website for more information and reservations.
Where: Pavilion Beach, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester; Long Beach, 33 Rockport Road, Gloucester; Essex River, 35 Dodge Street, Essex
Plum Island Kayak
Guided kayak and stand up paddle board tours, rentals, and programs are offered by Plum Island Kayak this summer. Reservations are recommended but not required. Plum Island Kayak has complimentary drop-offs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and pick ups from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. by arrangement. Rental prices are offered by full and half day rates, with single kayaks and paddleboards starting at $60 and double kayaks at $110.
Where: 92 Merrimac Street, Newburyport
North Shore Adventures & Outdoor Center
Head to Rockport Harbor for a seal/birding tour or an island tour. Touring kayak rentals are limited to highly experienced kayakers only. If you haven’t kayaked before, they encourage you to take a tour with them to learn better paddling techniques and self-rescue safely or rent a stable sit-on-top kayak instead. They also have a pedal boat to accommodate 2 adults and 1-2 children. New for 2025 kayak sailing boats! Join their guide for a 2 hr sail/paddle in their tandem sailing kayak for a relaxing sail/paddle through Sandy Bay. For more information and reservations.
Where: 9 Tuna Wharf, Rockport
Foote Brothers Canoe & Kayak Rental
Foote Brothers has been renting canoes from their livery at Willowdale Dam on the Ipswich River since 1955. They offer everything from the Willowdale Run for beginners and families with young children to a four hour Salem Run to full day and overnight options. Pricing includes canoe/kayak, lifejackets, and shuttle service as needed. Their rental fleet consists of both 15’ & 17’ Grumman canoes and 12’ Perception Joy Ride kayaks. For more information.
Where: 230 Topsfield Road, Ipswich
Crane Estate Kayak Adventures
The Trustees offer saltwater kayak rentals and lessons led by experienced guides from the Crane Wildlife Refuge which boasts miles of salt marsh, tidal creeks, and clam flats. They offer professionally guided adventures, including their fan-favorite Choate Island Kayak & Hike trip, historic Fox Creek paddle, and memory-making sunset paddle. Kayak participants must be competent swimmers and age 15 or older. For more information and reservations.
Where: 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich