INDIAN RIVER CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Haul-It-Yourself Tandem Kayaks on Michigan’s Indian River — Pack, Paddle, Repeat
One- to seven-day rentals of Solo or Tandem sit-in kayaks from Big Bear Adventures; pickups and returns run 9:00 AM–7:00 PM and each boat comes with paddles and lifejackets for independent trips.
Haul-It-Yourself Tandem Kayaks on Michigan’s Indian River — Pack, Paddle, Repeat.
Big Bear Adventures’ Haul it Yourself program puts Solo or Tandem “sit‑in” kayaks in your hands for day trips or multi‑day escapes on the lakes, beaches and rivers around Indian River. Rentals include paddles and lifejackets so you can load a craft onto your vehicle and head to the water on your own schedule.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sit‑in kayaks with safety kit included
Renters choose Solo or Tandem sit‑in kayaks and are supplied with paddles and lifejackets, so you show up, secure your deposit, and drive to the water with everything needed for a safe outing.
Bring it, launch it — explore local waters at your pace
The haul‑it‑yourself model is about flexibility: pick up a craft, choose a nearby lake, beach, or river, and set your own route and timetable within the rental window.
Know your water — some rivers are not gentle
If you plan to transport rented gear to the Sturgeon River, be prepared: it is explicitly not a lazy river and offers a more challenging paddling experience than calm lakes or beaches.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
This is a self‑directed paddling experience: collect your chosen sit‑in kayak from Big Bear Adventures, sign the required deposit form, and drive to a launch of your choosing. The simplicity of the package — boat, paddles, lifejackets — lets you focus on route selection and the water under your hull, whether you want an easy shoreline paddle or a more demanding run on local rivers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should pause.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Paddles and lifejackets are included with each rental; bring personal items, weather‑appropriate clothing, and any required permits for your chosen launch site.
Choose Solo or Tandem sit‑in kayaks; the operator does not offer Old Town canoes, sit‑on‑top kayaks, deluxe tubes, cooler carrier tubes, or rafts.
Other 24‑hour rental items include regular tubes ($20), lifejackets ($10), paddles ($10) and kayak paddles ($13).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What types of boats are available?
Big Bear Adventures rents Solo or Tandem “sit‑in” kayaks; they do not offer Old Town canoes, sit‑on‑top kayaks, deluxe tubes, cooler carrier tubes, or rafts.
Are paddles and lifejackets provided?
Yes — each rental includes paddles and lifejackets.
When can I pick up and return the equipment?
Pick up and return are handled between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
How long can I rent a kayak?
Rental options range from 1 to 7 days.
Is the Sturgeon River suitable for these rentals?
Caution: the Sturgeon River is not a lazy river; if you transport rented gear there, expect a more challenging experience.
What deposit or payment arrangements are required?
A signed, open‑ended credit card slip is required as the equipment deposit; pricing is charged per watercraft.