Is Paddle Board Rental a Good Side Business?
Turn Your Love of Water into $15-30K Annual Weekend Income with Low Startup Costs and Maximum Flexibility
Start a Paddle Board Rental: Profit, Flexibility, and Fun
Launch a micro-rental in your local lake, river, or beach and turn sunny weekends into income. Typical weekends for a small setup bring $1,200 – $2,500 in revenue during peak season with modest startup costs of $3,000 – $10,000 and healthy ~70% margins.
Basis: 3–4 boards × $35/hr × 4–6 hrs/day, Fri–Sun (3 days), peak season. Actuals vary by location, weather, permits, and execution.
See how to start
SPRING SIDE HUSTLE STARTER PACKAGES
For a limited time, we're offering special packages featuring our award-winning Solo SUP™ - the world's first hikeable paddle board at 14.8 lbs:
BASIC STARTER
2 Solo SUP™ boards
$1,198 $998
Save $200!
- Complete with paddles, pumps & backpacks
- FREE rental business starter guide
- FREE listing on SUP Finder
PREMIUM STARTER
3 Solo SUP™ boards
$1,797 $1,497
Save $300!
- Complete with paddles, pumps & backpacks
- FREE rental business starter guide
- FREE listing on SUP Finder
PRO PACKAGE
4 Solo SUP™ boards
$2,396 $1,996
Save $400!
- Complete with paddles, pumps & backpacks
- FREE rental business starter guide
- FREE listing on SUP Finder
*Start your low-stress outdoor side hustle today!*
Your Top Questions, Answered
What are the best weekend side hustles?
The best weekend side hustles are paddle board rentals ($1,200 – $2,500/weekend), food trucks ($500 – $1,500/weekend), and market stalls ($200 – $800/weekend). Paddle board rentals offer the highest profit margins at ~70% with only $3,000 - $10,000 startup costs - plus you work outdoors in beautiful locations instead of being stuck in traffic or standing at a stall.
How can I make an extra $1,200 – $2,500 per weekend with 3–4 boards?
Start with just 3–4 boards. At $35/hour:
• 3 boards × 4 hrs = $420/day
• 4 boards × 4 hrs = $560/day
• 4 boards × 6 hrs = $840/day
Operating Friday–Sunday, that's roughly $1,200 – $2,500 per weekend in peak season. You can pick weather-perfect days and typically keep ~70% of revenue as profit.
Basis: $35/hr, 3–4 boards, 4–6 hrs/day, Fri–Sun.
What side businesses have the highest profit margins?
Paddle board rentals average ~70% margins, compared to food trucks (~30%), rideshare (~20%), and market stalls (~40%). High margins come from low overhead, no inventory spoilage, minimal maintenance, and the ability to charge premium rates for a premium outdoor experience.
Best summer side businesses?
Paddle board rental is a top summer pick, commonly generating $25,000 - $50,000 in a 3-month season. Other options (lawn care, outdoor fitness classes, tour guiding) can require more physical labor, certifications, or fixed schedules. With rentals, you choose your days and hours based on weather and demand.
How do teachers make money during school holidays?
Many teachers earn $18,000 - $50,000 over summer by running paddle board rentals Friday–Sunday. This often beats tutoring (limited hourly rate), summer camps (full-time commitment), or retail (lower pay). One teacher said, "I cleared $18,000 in 60 days at the lake - no lesson plans, just sunshine and happy customers."
How to make money doing outdoor activities?
Launch paddle board rentals at beaches, lakes, or rivers. With startup costs of $3,000 - $10,000, it's realistic to earn $1,200 – $2,500 per weekend while staying active. Basis: 3–4 boards × $35/hr × 4–6 hrs/day, Fri–Sun. In many places you don't need formal certifications; just confirm local permits and insurance requirements first.
What business can I start this weekend?
A paddle board rental can start fast with 3–5 inflatable boards ($1,500 - $2,500) and basic safety gear (~$300). Many beaches and lakes allow daily permits - check your local rules—so you could buy boards Friday and rent Saturday.
Side businesses I can start with no experience?
Paddle board rental requires no special background - if you can stand on a board for a few minutes, you can orient beginners. Provide a 5-minute safety briefing and let customers learn while having fun. (As always, verify any local permit/insurance needs.)
"I started with 4 boards and did $420 my first weekend; by week 6 I was hitting ~$2,100." - Weekend operator
Turn Weekends into Real Income
A realistic look at a small, part-time setup:
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Weekend revenue | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Seasonal revenue | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Startup cost | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Break-even timeline | ~1 – 2 months |
| Weekly time | ~8 – 15 hrs (in season) |
Teachers often earn $18,000 - $50,000 per summer running Fri - Sun with no grading - just sunshine and happy customers.
Why It's Perfect for Teachers & Part-Time Entrepreneurs
Keep it seasonal, stick to weekends, and choose your days based on weather and demand.
- School breaks align with peak paddle season.
- Flexible hours; no obligation on bad-weather days.
- Family-friendly routine; recharge outdoors.
- Easy to expand into kayaks, bikes, or partnerships.
What You Need & 5-Step Launch Plan
Minimum Gear (Under ~$3K)
- 3–5 inflatable SUPs
- 10x life jackets, extra paddles
- Basic first aid kit
- Phone & simple booking form
Typical Costs
- Boards (5–10): $2,500 - $5,000
- Safety gear: ~$500
- Insurance (typical): ~$1,200/yr
- Marketing: ~$300
5 Steps to Launch
- Fri: Order boards & essentials
- Sat: Scout beaches/lakes; confirm local permits
- Sun: Test setup; practice check-in & safety briefing
- Mon–Thu: Set up bookings & socials
- Next weekend: Open for business
Weekend Side Hustles: Snapshot
| Option | Startup | Weekend Revenue | Margin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddle board rentals | $3K - $10K | $1,200 – $2,500 | ~70% | Weather-flexible, scalable (3–4 board setup basis) |
| Food truck | $50K - $100K | $500 - $1,500 | ~30% | Permits, food waste risk |
| Rideshare driving | $0* | $300 - $600 | ~20% | *Vehicle wear & gas cost |
| Market stall | $5K - $15K | $200 - $800 | ~40% | Fixed market days |
Why Paddle Board Rentals Win on ROI
Break even in roughly 8 - 12 weekends, avoid inventory spoilage, and extend equipment life over 3 - 5 years. Prices can scale with demand, and growth is as simple as adding boards.
From Research to Your First Booking
Research Your Location
- Search local lakes/rivers for access points and launch rules
- Check permits, insurance, and daily-use guidelines
- Favor calm water and easy parking for quick turnarounds
Choose Boards for Rentals
- Durability: Quality inflatable (drop-stitch) or rugged hardboard
- Stability: ~32"+ wide; 10'6" - 11' is the sweet spot
- Portability: Inflatable SUPs pack small for transport
- Features: Non-slip deck, multiple carry handles, bungee tie-downs
Ready to Launch Your Rental Business?
View the Rental Setup Guide for everything you need to get your first customers on the water this weekend.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.