Our policies & guidelines.
Portsmouth Paddle Co. wants to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the water during stand-up paddle boarding and yoga activities! We strive to provide a safe environment for participants of all levels.
All paddlers must sign and submit waivers prior to participation.
All minors under 18 years of age must have a signed Parent/Guardian waiver to participate. Must be 18+ to rent equipment.
Minors 16+ may join activities with a PPC Guide. Minors under 16 years of age may participate with adult supervision; however they must weigh at least 80lbs to paddle their own SUP. We encourage you to contact us to discuss height and weight requirements of paddle boarders aged 12 and under.
All paddlers must know how to swim and be comfortable in the water. No exceptions.
Life preservers / inflatable PFD systems are required on board at all times.
Leashes / leg ropes are required to be attached at all times.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages before or during use of equipment is prohibited.
Portsmouth Paddle Co. rules.
What should I bring?
We recommend that you wear and bring sunscreen, and consider bug spray as well for evening activities. Wear a hat or visor to keep the sun out of your eyes. Sunglasses and glasses may be worn if properly secured with a croakies (they sink when submerged in water!). Wearing a rash guard or light layer can help protect you from the sun and changing weather.
Should I bring my Phone?
If you choose to bring your phone, camera, or other valuables it is at your own risk. Please ensure electronics and other valuables are attached to a floatation device as these items will sink when submerged in water. Our guides will happily take photos for you and text them to you after your activity!
What should i wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing or swimwear. If you choose to wear a bathing suit we do recommend wearing board shorts or light athletic shorts as well. We also recommend rash guards or light layers for sun protection and changing weather conditions. During evening activities, wind breakers will help keep you warm after sunset.
FAQs
Am I supposed to tip?
Tipping is not required but it is encouraged! Our staff both on shore and on the water work hard to transport and carry your equipment, and to show you a great time on the water. Cash tips are always appreciated by our crew!
Will I fall in?
Nothing is out of the question, but we will say that it happens very infrequently! Our guides and instructors are experts at teaching beginners how to paddle board. While our goal is to keep you dry, we promise that the water will only feel refreshing if you do get wet!
Is there onsite parking?
Our water access location is a public boat ramp. There is onsite parking as well as parking along the road. However, it can be very limited during summer days, so we strongly encourage carpooling and ride-sharing. Please plan to arrive 15 min prior to your activity to secure parking and stow your valuables.
We have a parking lot at our Board Shop in Portsmouth, NH for our retail customers.
All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferrable to others. Purchases and credits are valid during the 2023 summer season.
Customers will receive a credit if notice of cancellation is received at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. All reservations cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the start of the activity and no-shows will be charged as attending.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances due to COVID-19, refunds may be issued, less a 10% processing fee, at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellation policy.
Portsmouth Paddle Co. reserves the right to cancel any activity due to dangerous weather or water conditions.
In the event of operator cancellation, customers will receive a credit for use during the remainder of the 2023 Summer Season, or a refund, less a 10% processing fee, if rescheduling is not possible.
Weather policy.
To participate in Portsmouth Paddle Co. activities, each participant is required to accept our waiver and release of liability. You will receive a link to our online waiver in your confirmation email – please ensure everyone in your party has completed one. Anyone who has not completed the waiver online, will be required to do so on-site prior to the start of the activity. All minors under the age of 18 must have a parent guardian waiver signed to participate.
Waivers and release of liability.
At Portsmouth Paddle Co. your safety has always been our number one priority. Of course, we want to show you a good time, and now more than ever we are committed to putting your health and safety first. We believe that paddle boarding is a great way to reconnect with family, friends, colleagues and community while outdoors, and have developed protocols and procedures to do so safely. We welcome you to stay active and socially distant with us!
Here’s what we’re doing to ensure the safety of all guests and staff while reducing the spread of COVID-19 :
We have developed policies and operating procedures that comply with State of NH, CDC and ACA Guidelines.
We have reduced capacity to promote social distancing. Therefore, we encourage you to book your activities in advance as availability is limited!
Staff and guests are asked to practice social distancing while on shore.
Hand sanitizer will be made available to guests for use before and after using our equipment (if desired).
Seeing as we operate outdoors, face masks are optional for guests and staff. Please note that masks must be removed while on the water for your safety.
We encourage you to plan ahead with a dry bag, fanny pack, backpack, pocket or other means to store your mask, as it will be required upon your return to shore.
We require both staff and guests to follow NH State Guidance regarding self-isolating or self-quarantining if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to someone who has tested positive within the last 10 days.
Thank you for your support in helping us to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Now let’s get out there and enjoy the beautiful NH Seacoast summer!