Weekend paddling tours with partner boats

Visitors staying at nearby hotels, campgrounds and vacation rentals, plus local groups and clubs.

A per-person tour fee, with either a boat rental cost paid to your partner or a revenue split with them. Private group trips can be priced higher.

• Comfortable paddling and rescue basics
• Storytelling and local knowledge
• Marketing through social media and local listings
• Handling groups of mixed ability

• Check whether you need your own general liability insurance or can be covered under a partner's policy, and get this in writing
• Check local or state requirements for guides and commercial use of the waterway or park
• Dependence on one partner's boats and schedule can limit growth
• Use signed waivers and a safety briefing on every trip
• Weather, water levels and seasonal demand can make income uneven
• Check sales tax or lodging-related tax rules for tour fees in your state

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your gear, marketing and insurance. These are estimates, so confirm what a partner's policy would cover before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many tours you run. These are estimates. Weather, water levels and seasonal demand can make your income uneven.

Check whether you need your own general liability insurance or can be covered under a partner's policy, and get it in writing. Also check local or state requirements for guides and commercial use of the waterway or park, plus sales tax rules for tour fees.