Frequently Asked Questions

Orders can be placed online or over the phone if easier! We can customize a package for you and send you the reservation details and payment request within 20 minutes of calling, typically.

When you A) rent a kayak or paddleboard and, B) add Delivery to your rental order, you receive:

1. Premium 2024 Crescent brand kayak or HONU brand inflatable SUP (which is lighter, "softer", and more durable than a hardboard).

Did you know? You can choose the exact model you prefer OR call to ask us to pull together our recommendation based on a few inputs you provide us with about the user(s) and their expectations.

2. Accessories including a premium life jacket, paddle, rescue whistle, and complimentary dry bag. Paddleboards also include a SUP leash and manual pump.

TIP: You can also add Ala Carte items to your order like a fishing rod holder, camera holder, cart, cooler, fishing gear, and other fun items!

3. Equipment transportation to and from A) one of the prearranged locations, or B) a custom address of your choosing.

NOTE: customers are welcome to self-transport gear using carriers we provide for free!

4. Equipment setup at the water's edge or other spot of your choosing - participants do not have carry or load a thing other than their personal belongings! NES will even preset the foot braces and seat position for the most ergonomic position specific to a given user.

5. Informational session presented by a highly experienced NES staff member to review safety guidelines, life jacket fitment, paddling techniques, equipment operation, basic navigation, neat places to see, local amenities, and other tidbits.

6. "Live time" correspondence via text with the owner of NES should you like non-emergency assistance with anything including slight changes to the scheduled pick-up times.

NOTE: cellular signal can be spotty throughout the seacoast region, so please plan accordingly. In times of emergencies, please call 911 or one of the local authorities. Those contacts can be found under our Preparedness section on our website. Write down those contacts in advance and take with you.

Participants can choose destinations like the York Harbor which is a popular area near the mouth of the National Scenic York River.

• This protected and scenic paddling spot can be can be accessed during low, medium, or high tide using the gently sloping gravel landing adjacent to the 'York, ME, Town Dock' on Harris Island Road, near the Route 103 Bridge.
• It is the most reliable saltwater put-in along the York River and is also one of the most dependable within the region! Great for for paddling any time of day, weather permitting, as always, of course.
• From here, paddlers can go up the river many miles (if they wish) to see rare birds, aqua life, and salt marshes or explore the Wiggly Bridge and the many lobster shacks and boats that dot the shoreline.

Other popular paddling destinations NES commonly services include

• York River - Scotland Bridge Landing
• York River - Route 1 Landing
• Chauncey Creek at Rachel Carson Preserve - Cutts Island
• Salmon Falls River - William Bray Memorial Park

* NES delivers to almost any location you desire, including vacation homes, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. We do not allow paddling at nor deliver to ocean beaches or other coastline landings due to the rip currents and breaking waves involved.

* Delivery is optional; we provide FREE rooftop or truck bed temporary carrying devices to those who prefer to self-transport. You can take gear anywhere you choose!

Popular choice! There is a very accessible large gravel boat landing near the York Town Dock on Harris Island Road on the southern side of the Route 103 bridge that will put you within minutes of the Wiggly Bridge. You will see many kayaks and rowboats stored on the banks nearby. The Town of York landing is picturesque with plenty of free parking along Lilac Lane (Route 103).

You can launch from this landing at any normal tide level (no mud to contend with). Paddle north along the 'National Wild & Scenic' York River approximately 10 minutes to see the Wiggly Bridge. From there you can keep going upstream to see bald eagles, salt marshes, oyster beds, and many incredible lobster shacks, piers, and homes along the way.

It is one of the most dependable saltwater and scenic put-ins in all of southern Maine because the tides do not affect water and shoreline access the way it does elsewhere.

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Did you know? The York River is one of the few 'National Wild & Scenic' classified waterways in the nation! Paddle the National Wild and Scenic York River during your next getaway. Discover what makes this river one of the rarest ecosystems in the country.

TRANSPORTATION

We do not shuttle customers (only the equipment) nor do we anticipate offering the service in the future because it's generally unnecessary and has more downsides than upsides.

NES brings the equipment to the launch site or trailhead, unless customers choose to transport the equipment themselves.

Customers can meet us at the paddling or trail location or meet us at our shop first and follow us to their recreation spot, unless we are dropping equipment off at a home or vacation property.

NOTE: If you would like NES to transport equipment to or from two different locations, please call and we will happily accommodate.

NES does ALL of the equipment transport, unloading, launch setup, and reloading for you!

The wide majority of our customers prefer paddling from and back to the same put-in, rather than to start at one location and end up at another. Especially in the harbor and within a few miles northwest of it.

They also prefer arriving directly at a launch site or trailhead instead of at our shop first because it saves them a step in their trip.

Being near one's own vehicle also aides in emergency situations. It serves as a helpful place to store extra food, water, clothing, and serve as a shelter during storms. 

TIDES

While slow moving "float" trips from one landing to another along the York River is an option that groups with two vehicles sometimes arrange (although seldom), the river's tidal current is rarely strong enough to prevent paddling against it up or down the river. There are also eddies along much of the river that create neutral zones of current that make for great resting spots.

The current is mildest (nearly still) from an hour before to an hour after the low or high tide mark. The current is more noticeable during the halfway point - usually at the 3 hour mark before or after high tide.

To reduce paddling effort, one can paddle "with the tide" as it is outgoing or incoming, depending on the traveling direction desired.

For example, if high tide peaks at 1:00 PM and you wish to go upstream (west-to-northwest), you could start your trip around 11:00 AM to have the tide "behind you" pushing you gently upstream--upwards of approximately 4-7 miles--and then take it back to your starting point when the tide switches after 1:00 PM.

You could even plan to eat lunch along the shoreline while you await the transition; or simply proceed without the tide's assistance. 

For those who do prefer to paddle locally on an always still body of water, we can arrange freshwater destinations for our customers. They are the most beginner friendly of the prearranged options we cater to.

Our contemporary 2,500 square foot retail, rental, and demo shop is centrally located to the region's most scenic and pristine outdoor recreation locations. Customers can choose to pick-up equipment from our shop or have it delivered within a 25 mile radius.

Our shop is located 500 feet from Route 1, near the Best Western at 26 Brickyard Court in York, about 1/2 mile from Hannaford Supermarket and the York River.

The facility allows our customers to access, peruse, learn about, and load gear efficiently.

It is located immediately between two of the most popular interstate highways in New England, I-95 and Route 1. It is a perfect location for those traveling into and out of Maine...

• who wish to pick-up some of the finest camping equipment, fishing gear, kayaks, paddleboards, tree tents, hammocks, beach chairs, nordic skis, snowshoes, bikes, and other gear on their way to a northern or southern destination.
• Places that can be upwards of many hours away like Acadia National Park, Katahdin, Sebago, or the White Mountains.

For customers who are self transporting any of the rental gear we offer (e.g., kayaks) you can take the rental equipment hundreds of miles away if you'd like! We do not have a set distance you are limited to.

NES delivers to a number of our recommended or customer chosen recreation locations, depending on the kind of adventure, skill level, conditions, setting, and amenities involved. We typically deliver equipment as far north as Kennebunk and Wells, and as far south as Rye, New Hampshire.

The shop has a warehouse level with garage door access on the bottom floor for fast in and out service. The two floors above it contain a showroom and lounge with complimentary coffee, seltzer, and refreshments!

Our facility allows every piece of gear we rent and sell--even the 60 kayaks we stock--to be kept undercover, out of the elements. The gear we rent is in far better condition and is of far better design than any rental equipment you will find elsewhere. That means a more reliable and more enjoyable experience on the water or trail.

Although NES is not located on the water, we are only 1/2 mile from the York River public landing on Route 1. We can quickly transport kayak and SUP equipment to that location and unload it right at the water's edge for you! The landing, which is across from Goodrich Park, has plenty of parking.

We are only a handful of miles from the National Wild Scenic York River, Federal Wildlife Refuge lands, York Beaches, Seapoint Beach, Mount Agamenticus, The York Land Trust Trails, Kittery Water District Trails, Rachel Carson Preserve, Chauncey Creek, Cape Neddick River, Salmon Falls River, any many more places.

Yes! We cater to beginners and experienced activity participants alike. We ask that you review our resource pages and engage in our informational session closely to improve your likelihood of having an entirely safe and joyful experience.

There are many kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, biking, hiking, and nordic skiing locations within southern Maine and New Hampshire that we have prearranged or can recommend that are appropriate for beginners. We deliver to stillwater ponds and protected saltwater areas that are very popular among newbies and experts alike.

The kayaks and SUPs we rent are among the most stable, comfortable, efficient, roomy, ergonomic, and user friendly you will find anywhere. We truly have the best beginner-to-intermediate level equipment you will ever use. It makes a big difference in your safety and enjoyment level.

Each rental reservation includes a comprehensive tutorial, navigational map, tidal chart (if applicable), how to videos, and other resources that can be found on this website's landing page under the "Preparedness" menu.

Unlike other outfitters in the area, we invest heavily into the quality, comfort, performance, and upkeep of our gear--we do not skimp on anything we provide because we believe it has a direct impact on the safety and overall quality of your experience outdoors. We also include a number of complimentary accessories that we feel will add value to your experience.

Simply put: the gear we rent and sell must be the very best on the market--from how its designed to how it is constructed and maintained--or we will not offer it.

We will always discuss your reserved location and equipment before you take possession of it to ensure everything is matched well to your skill level, ambitions, and other factors.

We are highly responsive; call or text as often as you like.

A guided tour is a fun way to experience a new place, sure. But a tour is not an instructional course. A guided tour's purpose is to show people the sites, wildlife, and scenery of an area, usually as part of a larger group outing. While guides will provide quality individualized attention, their larger focus is on keeping the group interested and safe.

With every rental, NES provides a comprehensive overview at the water's edge or at the trailhead, if not at our retail shop or at your place of stay. We review the equipment's operation, teach basic skills including self rescue, discuss navigational considerations, point out interesting attractions nearby, and cover the day's weather and conditions.

NES offers a wide array of different models within an equipment category (like kayaking) that can be matched to the anatomy of a user, their abilities, the type of water or terrain they will be operating in, and whether other persons will be using the same equipment.

Other rental and tour providers in our region assign equipment randomly--it's not matched precisely to the user. This can compromise safety, access, comfort, and maximum enjoyment.

NES opened in May of 2024. Just a few months ago. But we are growing quickly, thanks to the quality and flexibility of our service, equipment, facilities, partnerships, and operation.

We don't have the dozens of online reviews other operators have because we are new! NES will never incentivize review submissions nor subscribe to AI apps that create falsified positive reviews to increase review volume.

NES started as a lifelong dream. The owner has managed dozens of paddlesports, cycling, mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and sporting goods stores owned by others since 1999. Thanks to his team of incredible guides, managers, and associates, industry awards were won in seven of those 20+ years. Now it is time to put the hard work and passion into his own shop! Your support is much appreciated.

Yes, if we have inventory and schedule availability! We will do everything we can to try to accommodate you and your party.

Equipment can be checked out or returned as early as 9:15 AM or as late as 4:45 PM during any day of the week, depending on availability. That said, earlier and later accommodations can usually be made, as early as 7:30 AM or as late as 7:00 PM, with enough advance notice.

For most equipment, we ask that you give us at least a 2 hour period (during our 9:00 to 5:00 PM operating hours) from the time you place your reservation to the time you wish for your rental period to start. For our larger packages like kayaks and SUPs, we usually need at least 2 hours to prepare your equipment and transport it to your destination, if applicable.

During high demand periods, the lead time we need could be as much as 6-8 hours so please book as far in advance as you feel comfortable. We often have little to no inventory left during busy days.

Please choose the most accurate times you can, but know we can usually accommodate last minute adjustments.

Each rental 'day' is measured by calendar day.

Rentals that start after 3:30 PM get their 1st of 2 or more calendar days FREE!

Multi-day rentals are at reduced prices (generally 20%) and you gain a free day when renting a week or more!

We are building the next generation of rental experiences for vacationers and locals alike. We greatly appreciate you being here to learn more.

Yes, kind-of : )  We do not sell our rental equipment until it reaches half of its usable lifespan. This is a far faster turnover rate than other outfitters who sell off their rental inventory at the very end of the equipment's useful life...

Simply put, the caliber and quality of the gear we rent is of critical importance to us because our customers tell us time and time again how much of a difference it makes to their outdoor experience. Why compromise?

All this to say... we provide a 20% rental cost credit toward the purchase of new gear--yes, we are a retailer, too! Ask us for details.

By the way, when we do sell our rental gear, we will be sure to let you know through our exclusive email newsletter before it gets announced publicly so you get first dibs!

Our customers often say, "wow, this is the nicest, newest gear I have ever rented!".

Kayaks. Let's just say that nearly 100% of the time a prospective buyer tries a Crescent Kayak through our Demo Program, they buy one.

• They are made from the strongest, stiffest polyethylene, and
• use patented displacement hull designs for maximum stability, glide, and tracking.
• They have a reduced amount of interior molded-in sections (like footrests) that improve interior space and ergonomics,
• use high-backed adjustable and removable powder coated marine aluminum chairs,
• contain a bunch of storage and organization features,
• and are mobility-challenged friendly.
• There are no rivets used in their construction--only stainless steel hardware.

SUP boards. According to many independent sources, including SUP Boarder Magazine, HONU inflatable paddleboards are known worldwide to be the lightest and stiffest inflatables on the market.

• HONU paddleboards can be inflated between 16 and 22 PSI which is nearly double the pressure of economical products out there.
• This means you get more speed, stability, and reliability than any other SUPs available.
• The paddleboards we rent and sell are built with carbon stringers, triple layered rails (sides) with some carbon fiber reinforcement strips, and a two-layer deck and hull, using heat welding instead of vulnerable glue.
• The fabric is "x-woven" instead of the weaker "zig-zag" or "hoop and hook" styles the majority of SUP makers use.

Tree Tents. Tentsile Tree Tents and Hammocks are built from some of the strongest fabrics and hardware that exist. They have been prototyped, iterated, and have won many design awards over the years; they are loved across the world for their user friendliness, reliability, features, and overall integrity as a brand and product.

All of the seasonal equipment we rent, including our fishing gear, beach chairs, coolers, bikes, skis, and snowshoes--are made by reputable and often "niche" manufacturers that are breaking new ground in the outdoor industry. We are partnered with them because we are like minded and focused on delivering the very best product experience to our valued customers.

All of our equipment is stored inside, out of the elements to prevent them from prematurely aging or getting acid rain, mildew, bird droppings, dirt, and other buildup. Our gear is insect free--no hidden spiders, ants, or bees!

We use an ecofriendly saltwater removal solution to clean our watersports products; we use cleaners for sanitization of paddle grips, lifejackets, wetsuits, and seats.