Riding the Thunersee: Self‑service Surfski Rentals at Gunten Parkhotel

GUNTEN RENTALS FIELD GUIDE

Riding the Thunersee: Self‑service Surfski Rentals at Gunten Parkhotel

Self-service surfski hire on Lake Thun lets you carve flatwater and chase small surf beneath the Bernese Alps; this guide explains what’s included, the mandatory prerequisites and how the rental process works.

Riding the Thunersee: Self‑service Surfski Rentals at Gunten Parkhotel.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Gunten
Operator
SURFSKIPOINT
Category
Rentals
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Glide a robust PE surfski across the clear water of the Thunersee with the towering Bernese Alps as a backdrop; SURFSKIPOINT’s Gunten Parkhotel location offers online booking and self‑service pickup so paddlers can step straight from shore into a high‑cadence, full‑body workout and occasional wave surfing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Ready‑to‑go surfskis and essentials
THE EQUIPMENT

Ready‑to‑go surfskis and essentials

Rentals include a PE surfski, leash, transport cart and boat supports stored on site so you can retrieve and rig the boat yourself; wing paddles are available to hire for an additional fee.

Self‑service pickup at lakeside stations
THE SETUP

Self‑service pickup at lakeside stations

Surfskis are kept directly at the water across multiple Surfskipoint locations, letting you reserve online, open the material box and lift the boat out via video tutorial for an independent launch.

Paddle on Thunersee beneath the Bernese Oberland
THE LOCATION

Paddle on Thunersee beneath the Bernese Oberland

The Thunersee provides the flatwater and occasional wave conditions surfskis are built for, framed by the striking mountains of the Bernese Oberland—ideal for fitness paddling and learning surfski technique.

What the day feels like

What the rental feels like

After an online reservation you arrive at the lakeside material box, follow the operator’s video tutorials and the skills taught in the Surfskipoint basic course to set up the craft and launch; once on the water the surfski rewards steady technique with efficient, full‑body pacing—on flatwater for endurance or to catch small wave faces when they appear.

Ready‑to‑go surfskis and essentials

THE EQUIPMENT

Ready‑to‑go surfskis and essentials

Rentals include a PE surfski, leash, transport cart and boat supports stored on site so you can retrieve and rig the boat yourself; wing paddles are available to hire for an additional fee.

Self‑service pickup at lakeside stations

THE SETUP

Self‑service pickup at lakeside stations

Surfskis are kept directly at the water across multiple Surfskipoint locations, letting you reserve online, open the material box and lift the boat out via video tutorial for an independent launch.

Paddle on Thunersee beneath the Bernese Oberland

THE LOCATION

Paddle on Thunersee beneath the Bernese Oberland

The Thunersee provides the flatwater and occasional wave conditions surfskis are built for, framed by the striking mountains of the Bernese Oberland—ideal for fitness paddling and learning surfski technique.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits

1
Fitness paddlersExcellent fit for anyone wanting a full‑body, endurance workout on flatwater—surfskis are popular for fitness paddling and wave practice.
2
Beginners entering the sportAccessible as an entry point to surfski when paired with the mandatory Basiskurs; rental gear and tutorials support independent practice afterwards.
3
Multigenerational groupsSuitable for young adults and older paddlers alike—the program is described as appropriate for 'Jung und Alt' provided age and course prerequisites are met.
4
Independent adventurersIdeal for self‑sufficient paddlers who prefer to book, collect and handle equipment themselves using provided tutorials and on‑site material boxes.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Prices

Rental slots range from 1 to 4 hours with tiered pricing (1 h CHF 35; 2 h CHF 45; 3 h CHF 55; 4 h CHF 65); annual or seasonal subscriptions may allow free reservations.

What to bring

Bring your own life jacket (wearing one is mandatory); surfskis are provided with a leash, transport cart and boat supports; wing paddles are available to rent for CHF 10.

Booking & payment

Reserve and pay online using a credit card; if you hold an annual or season subscription you receive a code for free bookings.

Pickup locations & availability

Surfskis can be rented at five locations around Thunersee and Wohlensee—including Gunten, Thun, Unterseen, Leissigen and Wohlensee—and the service operates 365 days a year.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Do I need prior training to rent a surfski?

Yes. Rentals are only possible after successfully completing the Surfskipoint Basiskurs in Thun or Unterseen.

What is included with the rental?

The surfski (PE), leash, transport cart and boot supports are included; a wing paddle can be rented for an additional CHF 10.

Is a life jacket provided?

No. You must bring and wear your own life jacket; wearing a life jacket is mandatory.

What is the minimum age to rent?

Minimum age for rental is 16 years.

How do I book and pay for a rental?

Book and pay online with a credit card through the Surfskipoint booking system; subscription holders receive a code for free reservations.

When can I rent a surfski?

Surfskis are available for rental 365 days a year at the listed Surfskipoint locations.