Let's Go Paddling!

• Make your reservation.  (Remember, all rental sites are on Eastern time.)
• Look for a confirmation email with details about your booking, and follow instructions for filling out your electronic liability waiver.  
• Arrive on time for your reservation (5 minutes ahead of your scheduled time is best!). If you're late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you.
• You'll paddle for your scheduled duration, returning to the same place you started. The current on our section of the Galien River is very slow and weak, so paddling against it is not difficult at all, even during high water levels. That’s what makes the paddle fun – you can explore either way!

Prefer not to reserve your rental equipment in advance? You’re welcome to drop by to rent, but please note that your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.

What to Bring

• Electronic liability waiver - complete ahead of time for yourself, and anyone else in your group. (Find the link to the waiver in your confirmation email.) ‍
• Your driver’s license - our staff will need a photo of your license (only one needed per party) as a security deposit while you paddle.‍
• Dress for the weather - come prepared to get a little wet and be out in the sun. Sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat are a good idea. Your phone/camera have a possibility of getting wet, so bring a waterproof bag. ‍
• No alcohol allowed on the water.

Age Policy

• Kids under the age of 18 - cannot paddle alone without someone over 18 in the group.
• Kids age 14 and older - can paddle their own kayak or paddleboard if accompanied by a parent or guardian in another kayak or on another paddleboard.
• Kids under the age of 14 - can ride in a double kayak only if accompanied by an adult; there is no age limit, and it is up to the parent’s/guardian’s discretion.

WEATHER  |  Rescheduling  |  Cancellations

• Arrive on time for your reservation - if you are late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you when you arrive. (Remember, our rental sites are on Eastern time.)
• Weather conditions - if we are unable to open the rental site due to unsafe weather conditions, we will contact you as soon as possible regarding the change in plans, and you'll receive a full credit to reschedule at your convenience. Please note that if the rental site is open as usual but you don’t plan to paddle at your scheduled reservation time due to possible weather conditions, you will need to use the reschedule link in your confirmation email to select a new day and time before your original reservation time.
• Need to reschedule? If you need to reschedule your reservation, you can use the reschedule link in your confirmation email to select a new day and time. Please note that rescheduling must be completed before your original reservation time.
• Cancellations & refunds - we're happy to reschedule rentals or offer full credit to use for future rentals, but there are no refunds on these services. For guests who would  prefer the option of a refund rather than rescheduling for another date, our reservation software vendor, Peek Pro, provides the option to protect your experience through Peek Protect Coverage by Spot. This coverage is ONLY available if booking your reservation online and cannot be added after your booking has already been confirmed.

Visit Us

Galien River kayak & paddleboard rentals are located at the New Buffalo boat ramp in New Buffalo, Michigan, across the street from New Buffalo Beach and within walking distance of downtown New Buffalo. Please note that you must pay to park in the City Boat Launch parking lot; the City of New Buffalo charges $7.50 for 3 hours of parking. You also have the option of parking somewhere else and walking in.
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Third Coast Paddling – Galien River Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
New Buffalo Beach & Boat Ramp, 200 Marquette Drive
New Buffalo, Michigan 49117

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AREA INFORMATION

Southwest Michigan Tourist Council
Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce