Stand-up paddles, or SUPs for those in the know, are booming among water sports equipment rentals. Accessible, easy to transport and more economical than surfing, SUPs are taking off on the seashore and on all types of water, lakes, rivers and leisure centres. This growing interest does, however, raise the question of safety. For rental companies, one solution is to integrate a rental contract into the rental process. Here are five golden rules to ensure that your contract is both clear and secure, for you and your customers.
Interaction with the natural environment, the convenience of starting from any point and this summer's high temperatures, which undoubtedly reinforce the nautical aspect, are stimulating growing interest in stand-up paddling, also known as SUP," explained Benoît Sfiligoï, head of Sup Riders 47, an association set up in Agen (Lot-et-Garonne) in an article published in La Croix in August 2022.
Supervision by SUP rental associations and professionals is a challenge, however, as the popularity of this new sport is not without safety risks. The tragic disappearance of a 16-year-old girl in the Tarn, in July 2022, was a reminder of the potential dangers of the water. Indeed, while SUP offers a real sense of freedom, it's crucial not to overlook the associated dangers, to understand that guidelines differ between the sea and open waterways, and that it's best not to venture out alone.
In this context, a rental contract is essential to clearly define the contours of this leisure experience.
Here's all the information you need to write it well:
1. Clarify the terms of the lease 📝
Detail each item
Your rental contract must be precise. Mention the equipment rented (SUPs, paddles, life jackets), the rental period, and the total amount due. To avoid confusion, also include clear definitions of terms such as "renter", "rental company" and "equipment".
Indicate how the equipment will be made available
Clarify the conditions under which equipment is made available, including pick-up and drop-off times, and the consequences of late return.
Equipment identification
Make sure that all your rental equipment is numbered or marked, and that the hirer agrees to return the equipment with the same identifiers, thus facilitating inventory management.
Include terms of use
Clearly define where and how the equipment can be used. This includes age restrictions, authorized stand paddle areas, and acceptable weather conditions.
2. Specify responsibilities engagées🛡️
When drawing up a rental contract for stand paddling, it's essential to include specific clauses covering all aspects of the provision of equipment, the renter's responsibilities, and conditions in the event of damage, loss or theft. Here's how these elements can be detailed by integrating the requested keywords:
Civil liability and damage
The stand-up paddle rental contract explicitly states that the renter of the equipment assumes full responsibility for any damage caused to the rented equipment or to third parties during use of the equipment. This responsibility extends from the moment the equipment is made available until it is returned, in the condition in which it was supplied, numbered and identified in accordance with the contract. It is therefore very important for the hirer to have personal liability insurance covering these eventualities. For minors, parental authorization and a medical certificate attesting to their fitness to practice stand paddle are required.
Equipment management
The stand-up paddle rental contract also details the conditions under which the equipment is made available, emphasizing that each item rented, from paddles to life jackets, is supplied in optimum working order and must be returned with the same identification numbers or marks. The hirer therefore undertakes to use the equipment in accordance with the instructions provided, guaranteeing his or her safety and that of other participants.
In the event of loss, theft or damage to the equipment, the hirer is required to inform the rental company immediately by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt, and to assume the associated costs, in accordance with the articles of the Civil Code mentioned in this contract. A life jacket must be worn throughout the activity to ensure the safety of the hirer and participants.
The purpose of this contract is to provide a framework for the rental of stand paddle equipment, clearly defining the responsibilities and obligations of the renter, in order to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
3. Safety first ⚠️
When renting stand-up paddles, the contract states that safety is an absolute priority. absolute priority for both owner and renter. This involves a series of clearly defined measures and responsibilities, to ensure a risk-free experience for all participants.
Equipment and accessories in good condition
The rental company is responsible for providing SUP equipment in perfect condition, including the necessary safety accessories such as life jackets or helmets if required. For his part, the renter must ensure that he uses the rented equipment responsibly, in accordance with the instructions provided at the time of provision and during the training course, if applicable.
Optimum use of equipment
The article in the rental contract emphasizes that each hirer, when reserving the equipment, undertakes to comply with the safety rules laid down by the rental company, including the compulsory wearing of a lifejacket throughout the activity.
Medical certificate and parental authorization.
Some rental companies require a medical certificate if necessary, proving fitness for stand-up paddling activities, especially for minors who will also need parental permission to practice SUP. This document is an additional guarantee for both the rental company and the renter, ensuring that water sports activities are carried out under optimum safety conditions.
SUP training
SUP or Stand Up Paddle training can be a crucial component of your rental contract. It commits you to ensuring the safe practice of this nautical activity. In some of the more dangerous locations, such as the open sea, stand-up paddle rental companies always offer an orientation or detailed training course on the proper use of equipment and paddling techniques, prior to launching.
4. Cancellation and modification policy 🔄
The cancellation and modification policy for stand-up paddles is an important part of the rental contract. Firstly, because it guarantees the rights and responsibilities of both the renter and the rental company. Secondly, because, let's be honest, this will often happen to you, due to 1001 criteria: weather, too many activities, laziness or the great classic, wrong date and day! In short, be flexible but transparent. Be sure to state your cancellation and modification policy in black and white, so that renters can modify or cancel their reservations under certain conditions.
Reservation cancellation
In the event of cancellation by the hirer, the rental contract must specify the time required to notify cancellation without incurring charges. For example, cancellations made more than 48 hours before the equipment is to be made available may result in a full or partial refund of the total amount paid. On the other hand, late cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled date may not give rise to any refund. In this case, the costs incurred by the rental company in preparing the activity are taken into account.
Reservation modification
For booking changes, the hirer must communicate any change request within a time limit specified by the rental company, often by e-mail, telephone or, for the best teams, directly on Lokki (in which case you don't have to do a thing, it's updated directly in your schedule and you don't have to pull your hair out constantly cancelling). Modifications may include changing the date, time or type of equipment rented, subject to availability.
5. Integrate legal terms and conditions 📜
When setting up stand-up paddle rental services, it is possible to integrate the legal terms and conditions that govern not only the rental contract, but also the following environmental and and safety practices. This ensures safe, respectful SUP use.
Environmental protection and protected areas
The rental contract must emphasize the renter's responsibility to protect the environment and respect protected areas. Before any equipment is made available, inform holidaymakers of the areas where stand-up paddling is permitted, highlighting any local environmental restrictions, such as marine protected areas or nature reserves where access may be restricted or prohibited.
Precautions in dangerous seas
It's true that paddleboarding is more chill than surfing. But it's not without risk either, especially at sea. So it's vital that renters are aware of the potential dangers associated with SUP riding in certain sea conditions. The contract can therefore include precautionary measures to be taken when navigating in areas known to be dangerous, such as strong currents, changing tides, or areas of intense shipping. The provision of safety equipment, such as life jackets, is mandatory, and their use will be stipulated as a non-negotiable condition of charter.
Respect for local laws and environmental protection
Make sure your contract complies with local laws and regulations concerning stand paddle rental and practice. This includes waterway regulations and insurance requirements. For more information, contact your local tourist office.
Confidentiality and data protection
Don't forget to include a clause on the management of customers' personal data, in compliance with privacy protection laws.
Conclusion
Writing a solid paddle rental contract is crucial to protecting your business and providing a safe, enjoyable experience for your customers. By following these five rules, you'll be well armed to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of recreational equipment rental.
For more tips and advice on running your rental business, feel free to explore the resources available on our GetLokki blog. Whether you're looking to open a rental store, manage your equipment rental business, or get tips on how to deliver an exceptional rental experience, Lokki is here to guide you! 🚣♂️ If you rent other types of equipment such as bikes, surfboards or scooters, we've created other content to help you rent them well 💙.
