Mobile kayak and paddleboard hire business

Holidaymakers, locals on weekends, holiday park and caravan park guests, and groups such as families, school holiday groups and birthday parties.

Hourly, half-day and full-day hire rates per item, plus delivery fees for pre-booked drop-offs and package prices for groups.

• Confident on the water
• Customer service and clear safety briefings
• Basic towing and trailer handling
• Simple bookkeeping

• Permits or permission to operate on beaches, foreshores and in parks. These vary by council, state and land manager, so check before buying kit
• Public liability insurance that specifically covers hire of watercraft, and check what it requires for life jackets and briefings
• Rules on life jackets and safe operation for paddle craft, which differ by state or territory. Check with your state's maritime or marine safety authority
• Weather, seasonality and theft or damage to equipment
• Having customers sign a waiver or hire agreement, and get legal advice on wording

Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on the number of kayaks and boards, the trailer, life jackets and insurance. Check your costings carefully before buying any kit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $7,000, depending on location, season, weather and how many days you operate. Treat this as an estimate rather than a guarantee.

Check for permits or permission to operate on beaches, foreshores and parks, as these vary by council, state and land manager. Also check public liability insurance covering watercraft hire and your state's life jacket rules.