Eight Ways To Paddle Regularly When You Don’t Have A Car

You don’t need a car to make paddling your go-to hobby, but it sure helps. If you don’t live near a shoreline, the logistics of launching a kayak, canoe, and even a SUP board can be cumbersome. Luckily, while it’s true that paddlers without motor vehicles face unique challenges, there are still plenty of ways to paddle regularly when you don’t have a car.

Paddling without a car is made easier by renting a locker for your paddling vessel near a launch site. You can also search for a nearby paddling buddy who has access to a car and is willing to help. Consider renting a paddling vessel and gear from a paddling shop at a discounted monthly and seasonal rates. Investing in an inflatable SUP board or kayak is another great option.

Many paddlers don’t consider the importance of having access to a motor vehicle to enjoy this great hobby. If, however, you don’t own a car, then you know all too well the complications this can cause. There are, however, still many ways you can paddle all summer long when you don’t have a car. Below is a list of the best ways to ensure paddlers without cars can still embark on frequent paddling adventures.

Eight Creative Ways To Paddle Regularly Without A Car

1. Rent A Locker Near The Shore

One of the most seamless ways to enjoy paddling season without a car is to rent a storage locker. Many popular paddling locations have some form of kayak, canoe, and SUP board storage nearby.

Sometimes the storage facility is completely dedicated to small vessel storage. In other cases, marinas, paddling clubs, and even oceanfront businesses offer this service. If you struggle to find paddling storage near you, try getting creative and ask around. There’s a good chance a business owner nearby will be willing to rent out a small space for your vessel and gear.

2. Join A Paddling Club

Paddling clubs have tons of benefits. They often embark on fun group adventures that are informative, social, and safe all at once. In addition to providing fun group paddles, these clubs may have paddling vessels you can use regularly.

Most paddling clubs offer the option of renting a space to keep your vessel or allow you to use their equipment. While this usually comes at an additional cost, it makes it very easy to paddle when you don’t have a car. With the added social benefits, this expense is often worth it.

3. Find A Paddling Buddy (With A Car) Near You

It’s always a good idea to paddle with a buddy. Whether you paddle with your significant other, a friend, or someone you meet and make a connection with on the water, the benefits of paddling with another person are fruitful.

If you don’t have a car, a paddling buddy can also offer the added benefit of assisting you with transporting your vessel from your home to the water. There is no shame in asking for help, especially if you offer gas money and bring along tasty paddling snacks for both of you in exchange.

4. Get A SUP Attachment For Your Bike

If your preferred paddling vessel is a SUP board, then you might not need a car to transport it to your nearest launch site. If you are comfortable on a shorter SUP board (in the 10-foot range), then a Surf/SUP board carrier attachment for your bicycle could be a great option.

If you are too far to walk with your board, but only a short pedal from shore, then a bike is a great mode of transport. If the roads are mellow and there is no traffic, you can even consider towing a kayak, as long as the roads are flat and safe. Just confirm that towing a small paddling vessel is allowed in your municipality before you invest the money.

5. Buy An Inflatable SUP/Kayak Hybrid

Inflatable paddling vessels have come a long way since their inception. Many brands now offer boards with solid balance and tracking. This makes them almost as stable as solid boards. If you don’t have a car but have a constant desire to paddle, then an inflatable SUP/kayak could be the perfect solution.

Most inflatable SUP/Kayak hybrids come with a carrying backpack that fits all your essential gear. These bags weigh under 30 pounds, making it easy to carry them with you on public transportation.

6. Find Rental Companies With Monthly Rates

Renting a kayak, canoe, or SUP board might seem like an expensive last resort. While it’s true that companies charge high fees for daily rentals, especially in peak season, there might be a way you can make it work.

Some companies offer weekly and even monthly rentals. Even if they don’t, if you are a local, consider introducing yourself and try to negotiate a deal for a monthly or seasonal rental rate. If there’s a sizable discount, then this option could be worth your while.

7. Look For Community-Based Paddling Organizations

There are organizations of paddlers worldwide dedicated to community outreach, ocean clean-ups, and more. They often support great causes that are worth getting involved in. These organizations may also offer you a chance to paddle with a vessel that isn’t yours.

Not only is this a great option for paddlers without a car, but you can support a worthwhile cause in the process.

8. Volunteer At Your Local Paddling Shop

If you are paddling obsessed but have trouble getting your paddling vessel to launch locations without a car, then consider working part-time or volunteering at your favorite paddling shop. These shops often require extra help in the summer months.

You may have the opportunity to lead tours, or use some of the equipment for free when you aren’t working or volunteering. This is also a great way to meet local paddlers who share your passion.

Summing Up Different Ways To Paddle Often Without A Car

If you’re a paddler who doesn’t have a car, don’t let this keep you from paddling. While paddling regularly is more challenging without a car, it’s still possible.

Search for storage lockers near your favorite launch locations, or consider joining a paddling club. See if one of your paddling buddies can help you transport your vessel when you venture out together. Smaller SUP boards can often be attached to bicycles. Alternatively, you can invest in a quality SUP/Kayak hybrid that you can easily bring on local buses and trains.