How to prepare for your Shore Thing Rental

No hauling your own gear. No complicated preparation. No waiting until the last minute to figure everything out. Just complete your steps, show up, and play like you're on vacation.

Before you arrive, everyone participating in a rental must complete the Shore Thing waiver.

You can fill out a waiver for your group upon arrival or print ahead of time and bring with you, or complete your digital waiver online, or download the waiver and email the completed form to:

shorethingrentals@gmail.com

Completing your waiver ahead of time helps us get you on the water faster. 

Now for the fun part.

Choose the equipment that's right for your day:

Kayak
Go solo or bring a paddling partner for a double. We have various sizes and types of equipment for all people. 

Paddleboard
Get out on the water and explore at your own pace. If you’re new to paddleboarding we can give you a quick dockside lesson. Hempstead Harbor is generally calm for paddling, we will let you know if conditions are not favorable. 

Bike
There is a beach and boardwalk area one mile down the street from our marina location or check our guide on Apple Maps for destinations like Garvies Point Preserve, Welwyn Preserve and the Harbor Landing waterfront area.  

Canoe (RSVP Only)
Looking for a canoe experience? We do have a couple in our rental fleet, but generally people prefer to kayak or paddleboard in wavy conditions.  

Want someone to show you where to go?

You can request a private tour guide for an additional fee.

A guided experience can be a great option if you're new to kayaking or paddleboarding and need help exploring the harbor, discovering destination stops, or simply having someone else handle the route.  Most people new to paddling do great with our simple instructions and map, or they can join our guided group paddles.  Large groups benefit from a guide who can help them in and out of kayaks at beach and take photos.  

Private guides must be requested in advance.

You've done the prep. Now it's time for the good part.

Arrive, check in, grab your gear, and get out on the water.

Explore Hempstead Harbor, paddle along the North Shore, find a quiet spot, take a swim, or simply enjoy being outside.

And because Shore Thing is committed to keeping the water beautiful, we invite you to help us take care of the place you're enjoying.

Bring it back to Shore Thing and we'll give you an ice pop or another treat.

A little cleanup can make a big difference—and yes, we think rewarding good deeds with ice cream is a pretty good idea.

You made it onto the water. You explored. You got outside.

Take the photo.

Capture your Shore Thing moment and share it with the people who came along—or the people who need to come next time.

And if you enjoyed your experience, we'd love for you to leave us a Google review.

Your review helps other locals and visitors discover a new way to enjoy the North Shore.

Your rental doesn't have to be the end of the day.

Take advantage of the showers and bathrooms, grab a snack or beverage, relax for a while, or head out for your next North Shore adventure.

Want to keep moving?

Add a bike rental and explore the area by land after your time on the water.

There are beaches, parks, restaurants, and other places to explore nearby, so make a whole day of it.

Paddle. Shower. Snack. Bike. Explore. Eat. Repeat.