Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wai Nani Surf, Paddle & Pedal is the leading Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul Stand Up Paddleboard Service Provider offering SUP, Kayak rental and E-Bike rentals, lessons, paddle board yoga and fitness, and custom group events.

Check out our locations in Wayzata and Excelsior!

What is SUP?

Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP for short, is one of the fastest growing water sports around. The sport as it is one of the sup lessons, involves gliding across the water on an oversized surfboard in a standing position, using a long paddle for propulsion. Stand up paddleboards are longer, wider, thicker than traditional longboards used in surfing, which gives them much more float and stability. Stand Up Paddleboarding can be practiced on flat water in lakes, rivers, or in the ocean, riding waves like a surfer. The sport was originally called “beach boy surfing”, named after the famous Waikiki beach boys in Hawaii who combined their skills in outrigger canoe paddling and surfing.

I am New to Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Where Do I Begin?

Stand Up Paddleboarding instruction begins on land, then flat water, where you can fine-tune your balance before stepping up to more aggressive/wavier conditions. The boards are paddled from a standing position, so some initial balance is required.

Wai Nani Surf & Paddle’s SUP Beginner Clinic is a great place to start and to avoid common beginner mistakes. To learn more about our Beginner Clinics, please visit our “Rentals & Classes” page or Click Here.

How Do I Join the Wai Nani Surf & Paddle Tribe?

Join a group of Paddleboard enthusiasts, new and experienced, as we explore our area’s lakes and rivers. All ages and abilities welcome! There is no charge to participate and you do not need to own your own stand up paddleboard equipment to be a Tribe Member. Find the best deals from Wai Nani and get first crack on purchasing gently used boards at the end the season. Click here to join link to https://www.facebook.com/groups/wainanisup/

Is SUP Good Exercise?

Stand Up Paddleboarding is an amazing core workout, working almost every muscle in the body. Balancing on the board works stabilizer muscles in the legs, and paddling will strengthen your abs and back. SUP has virtually no negative impact on the knees and ankles, and can be great for strengthening the muscles around weak joints. In addition, depending on how hard you want to work, Stand Up Paddleboarding can also be an intense cardiovascular workout especially when incorporating interval training and while paddling in waves.

Reservation Policy
Reservations Welcomed!
Wai Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal gladly accepts pre-booked reservations for One/Two Hour Rentals at all of our locations (pre-payment required for reservations – 24 hour cancellation). Non-reserved boards, kayaks and bikes will be available first come, first serve. Call us at 877.WAI.NANI to secure your rental reservation today!

Individual Rentals Include: Paddleboard or Kayak, Paddle, Leash and Life Jacket (PFD) and helmets for biking
Due to high rental demand, reservations along with pre-payment and rental deposit (credit cards accepted) are required for Half/Full Day, Weekend and Multi-Day Rentals. 48-hour cancellation required for full refund.

Age / Pet Policy
Due to safety concerns, One/Two Hour Rentals at all locations are for individuals age 12+ only (age 12-15 must be accompanied on the water by a parent or adult guardian.) Sorry, no riders (including pets) allowed while renting at our locations

Half/Full Day, Weekend and Multi-Day Rentals outside of our locations are available to ALL ages when reserved by a consenting adult age 18+.

Renters under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature on the required waiver form. Waiver forms can be printed by clicking here

What Should I Bring?
Wai Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal suggests a swimsuit, rash guard or athletic top with shorts as appropriate stand up paddleboarding or kayaking attire. We also recommend a towel, dry clothes and some waterproof sunscreen. You may opt for some sunglasses (with an attachment strap) and a hat for extra sun protection. Hydration is very important before and after paddling. Eat one to two hours prior. Wet suits or dry suits are highly encouraged during early/late season paddling. Wai Nani Surf & Paddle will provide a SUP board, paddle, PFD and leash with all board rentals. For bike rentals, dress for the weather and helmets are included with the rental and are required.

What Should I Bring?

Wai Nani Surf & Paddle suggests a swimsuit, rash guard or athletic top with shorts as appropriate stand up paddleboarding attire. We also recommend a towel, dry clothes and some waterproof sunscreen. You may opt for some sunglasses (with an attachment strap) and a hat for extra sun protection. Hydration is very important before and after paddling. Eat one to two hours prior. Wet suits or dry suits are highly encouraged during early/late season paddling. Wai Nani Surf & Paddle will provide a SUP board, paddle, PFD and leash with all board rentals. A valid driver’s license is required for all paddleboard rentals.

What About Rain and Weather Conditions?

A light shower can be refreshing and over in 5 minutes. But, if more substantial rain is anticipated, we will reschedule at a more convenient time. Additionally, if we believe the day’s weather or water conditions to be hazardous, we reserve the right to reschedule. Wai Nani Surf & Paddle will contact renters/class participants a minimum of 1-hour prior to their reservation. Please provide both email and cell phone number at the time of your reservation. Full refunds will be given for any beach or operational closure as determined by the sole discretion of the Wai Nani Surf & Paddle team.

Safety First! Conditions, especially high off-shore wind, can be extremely deceptive for those new to paddleboarding. Wai Nani Surf & Paddle reserves the right to close operations in the event of cautious wind (10+ mph) and weather.

Please call us at 877.WAI.NANI prior to departing for the beach in the event of questionable wind/weather.

What are the Laws Governing SUP Licensing and Life Jacket Requirements?

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially classified stand up paddleboards (SUP) as vessels. These newly classified vessels must comply with federal navigation rules and “carriage” requirements when operated beyond the limits of a swimming, surfing or bathing areas.

Per the 2019 Minnesota Boating Guide, stand up paddleboards must be registered as a watercraft, display valid registration decals and carry a USCG approved life jacket for each person. All operators 10 years of age or older are required to have a Type III adult USCG-approved life jacket (also known as Personal Floatation Device or PFD) on the operator’s person.  All persons under 10 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times on the water.

ALL Wai Nani SUP renters & operators are strongly encouraged to wear a PFD at all times while on the water and are required to have PFD for all on the SUP.

Safety and Liability Waivers

Click Here to view/print safety and liability waivers

Safety waivers are required from each Wai Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal rental, class and excursion participant prior to entering the water.

Where Are You Located?
Wayzata

250 Grove Ln E, Wayzata MN 55391
877-WAI-NANI
(952) 373-1327
Wayzata Beach

Excelsior

135 Lake St Excelsior MN 5531
877-WAI-NANI
(952) 373-1387
Excelsior Commons Beach

Safety and waivers
Bike and E-Bike Safety
We require our guests to wear a helmet.

SAFETY FIRST!

IMPORTANT: Please read Wai Nani Surf & Paddle’s Age and
Safety Guidelines prior to participating in any rental, class or event activity
.