Waterfront watersports rental shop

Tourists, day-trippers, cottage-country visitors and locals, plus groups, camps and event organizers.

Rental fees by the hour or day, add-ons like wetsuit or dry bag hire, lessons, guided tours and sales of small items such as sunscreen and water shoes.

• Water safety and rescue awareness
• Customer service
• Managing staff and bookings
• Equipment upkeep

• A business licence and possibly permits for operating on public land or shoreline, check with your municipality and the landowner
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers rentals and instruction
• Hiring staff means WCB/WSIB coverage, rules differ by province
• PFDs and safety equipment must meet Transport Canada requirements, check current rules
• Short season and weather swings can make revenue uneven, so budget carefully
• Winter storage for equipment and a lease that may only cover the summer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the kiosk or shop, fleet size, wetsuits and accessories. Also budget for winter storage of equipment and a lease that may only cover the summer.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, fleet and whether you add lessons or tours. The season is short and weather swings can make revenue uneven, so budget carefully.

Check for a business licence and any permits for operating on public land or shoreline with your municipality and the landowner. Also check commercial liability insurance covering rentals and instruction, WCB/WSIB rules if you hire staff, and current Transport Canada safety equipment requirements.