Do your homework. Spend time researching options for rentals. While the Web is a great resource for gathering information, don't assume that outfitters with Web sites or ads in paddling magazines are the only (or best) options available. Read about the area you're going to be paddling in, talk to other paddlers, and use Web discussion forums (such as www.paddling.net and www.epaddler.com/wwwboard/wwwboard.html) to get information about rental possibilities. When I was planning a five-week trip in Prince William Sound, the outfitter I ended up using did not have a website and did not advertise in paddling magazines. I found out about them from an article in an outdoor magazine. I chose them because of the quality of the gear they rented (fiberglass boats, lightweight fiberglass paddles) and because they had a selection of kayak models from which to choose. Since I was renting single kayaks for myself (5'8", 175 pounds) and my friend (5'1", 110 pounds), I didn't want to use an outfitter that rented only one model or one-size-fits-all kayaks. I was also concerned about being able to rent boats with enough volume to handle five weeks' worth of food and gear.

Ask what equipment is included in the rental of a kayak, and whether to expect extra charges for extra gear. Some outfitters in cold areas include a wetsuit in the rental fee; some don't. Are standard safety gear items such as bilge pumps and paddle floats included in the rental price? Many outfitters now offer VHF radios for rent. Be clear about what gear you're bringing and what you need from the outfitter.

Many outfitters have restrictions about who may rent their equipment and where the equipment is allowed to be used. Since the mid2980s, when I began renting kayaks, there have been major changes in the availability of rental equipment. With the increasing popularity of kayaking in recent years, and given the relative availability and affordability of liability insurance, there are lots of rental options available at many popular kayaking destinations. However, many outfitters restrict who may rent their equipment. Some outfitters require would-be renters to take a class or trip with the outfitter before renting. Other outfitters require renters to pass some kind of test of their ability-anything from demonstrating wet exit and self-rescue skills to answering questions about self-rescue techniques. It's important to be honest when describing your abilities and needs.
(See "Outfitter Perspective," p. 30).

If you are renting near your launch site, what type of "local knowledge" pre-trip briefing is available from an outfitter? Will you have an opportunity to review your trip plan with a knowledgeable local paddler? Don't assume that whoever you pick up your gear from has the information you want. The rental site staff may not themselves be experienced paddlers. If you want a briefing, arrange for it in advance.

In addition to restrictions about who may rent from them, some outfitters restrict the areas where their equipment may be used. During our pre-trip briefing in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, our outfitter identified areas that were off-limits. These areas were known for challenging combinations of wind and strong currents.

Although some of these areas had been on our list of possibilities to visit, we weren't heavily invested in exploring these areas. Ask about the standard procedures for picking up and returning rental equipment. Does the outfitter have a routine for dealing with paperwork, checking over and fitting equipment, and orienting renters to the local paddling area? It will help you plan your schedule to know how long the process takes and what it involves. How the outfitter responds to such questions will also provide you with information for evaluating their level of professionalism.