SQUAMISH WATERSPORTS

If you have any questions, please send us a message, we will be happy to help!

How do I purchase my experience?

If you are interested in purchasing an experience with us, you can do so with a credit card or PayPal account directly through our website: squamishwatersports.com. If you are not sure which experiencefits is best for you, give us a call at our toll-free number 1-855-5MY-KITE or direct line 778-989-5483 or email us at info@squamishwatersports.com and we would be happy to guide you through your decision. We also accept cash and e-transfer as a form of payment.

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Where do I go for my experience?

All experiences are held in Squamish, BC, Canada. Squamish Watersports runs courses from their downtown location, at 38124 Loggers Lane, Squamish, BC. Once suited up and ready to go. Located right on the water, our guides pick you up right from our shop to head out on the water. If you are renting paddling equipment, you are welcome to launch from our private dock next to our property using the Kayak launcher that allows for an easy entry and exit in the water. You are also welcome to travel to nearby lakes if you want to experience a different type of water basin. We offer straps to help secure vessels to your car. We also offer equipment transport and drop off.

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What time do you open?

Our Squamish office is open from 8 am to 8 pm via phone and available anytime by appointment throughout the year. Our Downtown shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm from May 1st to September 30th. Our experiences and courses run from 7:00 am to 8 pm (weather dependent) from mid-March to mid-October. 

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Are there any additional costs?

For all paddle tours and lessons, everything is included. For all other experiences, all safety and sports equipment is included. The only additional cost would be the rental of a wetsuit if you do not have your own suitably thick enough. Taxes are not included in the listed price.

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What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Scheduled lessons must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 48 hours before your scheduled start time, or your credit may be voided. Group courses have a 7-day cancellation policy.

For all touring and expedition kayak rentals, as well as multi-day rentals, a 7-day cancellation policy is in place. For all paddle rental or tour group bookings (booking 5 or more vessels), a 2-week cancellation policy is in place.

Since kiteboarding is a wind-dependent sport, we are limited to the hours in the day when Mother Nature provides us with sufficient wind. Giving us 48 hours’ notice allows us to fill your time slot with another interested student, as well as adjust our staff’s schedule. 

Do I need previous experience?

No previous experience is required for most beginner lessons and guided tours. Our instructors provide all necessary safety briefings and introductory instruction before heading out on the water.

Kayak rental is very dependent on weather conditions. For someone with no paddle experience, a morning paddle (start around 9 am) would be ideal since wind usually picks up around 11 am and that makes it more challenging. 

Can children participate in activities?

Many of our tours and lessons are suitable for younger participants. Minimum age requirements vary depending on the activity, so please contact us directly for recommendations.

Are pets allowed on rentals or tours?

Pet policies vary depending on the type of rental or guided experience. Please contact us before booking if you plan to bring a pet.

Can I book a private group event?

Yes, private bookings are available for corporate groups, families, celebrations, schools, and special events. Contact us to discuss custom packages and pricing.

Kiteboarding/ wakeboarding/ foiling/ winging

Is Kiteboarding Easy?

Yes and No. Kiteboarding is a very technical sport, and with the proper instruction, you could be riding within your first few hours on the water in Squamish, BC Canada. Naturally, there will be some frustrating patches, such as when you are faced with a difficult new task. Kiteboarding is a progressive sport, and as a kiteboarder, you will always get better and learn new things every session. As kiteboarding is a skill-dependent sport, it does not require force or strength but rather finesse and technique.

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Can I teach myself?

Learning on your own can be dangerous and impossible in Squamish, BC. Learning the proper kite skills and the many safety features of the kites will allow you to kiteboard safely. In addition, teaching yourself can be frustrating and often leads to bad habits. Self-taught riders often damage their kites while learning and, as a result, spend more money in the long run than they would on lessons. Lastly, there are many different kite companies, however few produce quality performance kites. Having the opportunity to spend time with an experienced rider and Squamish Watersports instructors in Squamish will provide you with better knowledge about kiteboarding equipment as well.

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What happens if there is no wind for my lesson?

As kiteboarding and wingfoiling are wind-dependent sports, it does happen from time to time that we need to cancel lessons due to poor wind conditions. We will always send a final confirmation for your lesson the evening before your appointment. If we anticipate a no-wind day, we will cancel your lesson. If your lesson needs to be cancelled at any point due to wind, we will invite you back to complete your lesson at another time.

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What do I need to bring to my kiteboarding or wakeboarding lesson?

For your lesson, you will need a bathing suit and a towel. We also recommend that you bring a thermos water bottle, a sweater, and some comfortable shoes.

Please DO NOT bring mobile phones or other electronics. Squamish Watersports LTD accepts no responsibility for damaged electronics brought onto lessons. 

If you have your own wetsuit or any kiteboarding equipment, please feel free to bring it. The minimum thickness required in order to participate in a lesson with our school is a 5mm seam-sealed full suit with booties. However, in early season (March-May) we strongly recommend a 6mm wetsuit, which we have available for rent or purchase at our store onsite: https://kite-wing-shop.com/

Paddling 

Why should I rent from Squamish Watersports?

Squamish Watersports offers a variety of paddle vessels at competitive prices. We are the only watersports store in Squamish with direct water access, private dock, hot showers, hot tub and our own kayak launcher, making it comfortable and easy to explore the Howe Sound.

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What do I need to bring for my paddling tour?

The purchase of your paddling tour includes the necessary board or boat. The minimum requirements that you should have with you are a towel, a water bottle and some sunscreen. If you have a good waterproof bag, there are ways to tie it down to your board or boat. In your bag, you might consider bringing snacks, drinks and anything else you might want during a full day on the water. 

Also, when it gets windy, the temperature is lower compared to temperatures downtown. So, always a great idea to take an extra layer or a windbreaker jacket.  

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Will I get wet?

You will likely get wet when kayaking, even if you don’t take a tumble into the water! Your feet are likely to get wet when launching into the water, and your paddles and people paddling around you are likely to splash you, too. If you find you are cold, having an extra layer with you will help. You can also rent wetsuits if you plan to do some more advanced paddling or think you might get cold.

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What happens if I damage equipment?

During a rental, you are responsible for your own equipment. The equipment will be signed out to you; you will be responsible for returning it in the same condition or responsible for the repair/replacement cost.

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Do you rent Sea kayaks?

Yes, we do! We have single touring and expedition kayaks as well as tandem expedition kayaks available for rent. PFD and skirts are included in the rental.

Jetski and boat rentals

How old do I need to be to rent a jet ski or boat?

You are required to be 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and speak and read fluent English in order to rent one of our vessels.

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Do I need a boat license to rent?

Not at all! We provide all the necessary training to help you feel comfortable and safe on the water.

Before your rental, you will be required to watch a short boating safety video and complete some paperwork to obtain a valid temporary boat licence. This process takes approximately 45 minutes and must be completed prior to departure.

Once completed, our team will provide a thorough orientation and safety briefing to ensure you are confident operating the vessel and navigating the area.

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How early do I need to arrive for my boat or jetski rental?

We recommend you arrive 60 minutes early for your appointment in order to ensure you are out on the water for your reservation time. There are quite a few safety protocols and paperwork to go through in order to make sure you understand everything well prior to driving your own vessel.

Sailing  

What types of sailing experiences do you offer in Squamish?

We offer a variety of sailing experiences, including shared sailing tours, private sailing charters, sailing lessons, certification courses, full-day charters, overnight trips, and special event sailing experiences on Howe Sound.

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How many people can join a sailing tour?

Most sailing experiences can accommodate up to 12 guests, depending on the type of booking and charter.

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Can I book a private event on the boat?

Yes. Private boat rentals are available for events such as birthdays, corporate outings, weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and other celebrations.

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Fishing and Crabbing 

What types of fishing charters do you offer?

We offer a range of guided fishing experiences, including crab charters and prawn charters in Howe Sound. Each experience is designed for both beginners and experienced anglers.

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Do I need fishing experience to join a charter?

No experience is required. All charters are beginner-friendly, and our guides provide instructions, support, and local knowledge throughout the trip.

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Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, all guests participating in fishing are required to hold a valid BC freshwater or tidal fishing license, depending on the activity. The license must be printed and brought on board. Get your Fishing License HERE 

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