SWEETWATER KAYAKS

unknown

I was disappointed, but I obviously understood the liability and that they didn't want to send people out there when it's windy and the waves could knock you over. It's $17 and hour and $56 for a four hour block which I think is about the norm for the area. I went with my son there a year and a half ago and the rentals are all that I have experience with, but they also sell kayaks. Overall, they struck me as very knowledgeable and have done things like kayaking up to Alaska. They've been in competitions and know about the local area and the kayaks that they sell. They're friendly and I was very impressed. The price seems a little high, but where they launch is a state park and I'm sure they have to pay a fee to be there. I'd like it to be lower, but I think it's fair. I'm sure their quality hasn't gone down and it was really good the last time I went. On their website they tell you a lot of things like to bring a couple of liters of water. They also recommend that you have rubber shoes because you'll standing in the water and getting in and out of the kayaks and may step on something sharp and just have a whole list of things. I thought they were very thorough and professional in getting you prepared so you know what you're in for. They keep track of the tides and there's certain times when they want let you go. I suppose that you could just drop in, but I've just done it by appointment and they give you a time and you show up and go. My only minor complaint is since they're at the state park they are kind of difficult to find. When you go to the place where they launch it's a big sign that says Sweetwater Kayaks and it has all the information, but there weren't any arrows on it or anything. I went straight ahead, but there was nobody there and it turned out that they were somewhere else on the property. There's a visitors center there so I asked and they told me that it was nearby. When I drove out I didn't see them then, but I knew they were there. They do have another location that they go from, but I haven't been there before. One is Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg.