For any paddler who may not get to go out on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula water trails as much as they may like, or for those who are just visiting and still want to get out on the water, renting paddling equipment can be a much more feasible option than buying it outright.
Luckily, there are numerous local places to rent paddling equipment all over the Middle Peninsula. Here are a few.
Essex County
203 Duke St, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Located on the banks of the Rappahannock River, the historic Essex Inn is primarily a bed and breakfast that offers half and whole day kayak rentals for guests.
Half-day rentals run $45 and full-day rentals run $75. Kayaks are available first come, first served.
Gloucester County
8687 Roaring Springs Rd, Gloucester, VA 23061
An obvious pick for locals, Beaverdam Park is a great place to visit for anyone interested in boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, or picnicking.
Beaverdam Park also offers the only public freshwater fishing spot on the whole Middle Peninsula. Think bass and bluegills galore.
Kayaks and canoes are available for rental for $15 a day or $5 and hour. Small boats are available for $15 a day, too.
If you plan on returning often, annual passes can be purchased.
8109 Yacht Haven Rd, Gloucester Point, VA 23062
If paddling on the York River and her local creeks is your thing, stop in to the York River Yacht Haven, a beautiful marina and boat supply shop that offers paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Booking is available online via their easy-to-use reservation website.
Prices and hours will vary, so plan accordingly.
King William and King and Queen County
8080 Richmond Tappahannock Hwy, Aylett, VA 23009
Mattaponi Canoe and Kayak offers, you guessed it, canoe and kayak rentals, as well as guided tours of the region.
Located on the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers, exploring these beautiful rivers is possible any time from mid-April to late October.
Guided tours focus on native as well as colonial history, plus facts and info on local wildlife.
Canoe rentals run $45 and kayaks are $25. Guided tours range from $20 to $50 per person.
Mathews County
265 Dutchman’s Rd, Port Haywood, VA 23138
Mobjack Kayaking offers numerous options for the potential paddler. Not only do they obviously rent kayaks and paddleboards, they will also deliver them to the area of your choosing.
Family owned, Mobjack Kayaking offers lessons from beginner strokes to advanced methods.
Guided tours of local areas and history are available with the kayak rental cost included in the tour fee.
Numerous varieties of kayaks are available ranging from $30 to $40 for three hours and $50 to $75 for all day rentals. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, weekly rates are available as well.