INDIAN RIVER SELF-GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Haul It Yourself: Sit-In Kayaks and Tubes from Indian River’s Big Bear Adventures
A self-guided rental program offering Solo and Tandem sit-in kayaks and tubes with paddles and lifejackets, ideal for crafting a day on nearby lakes, beaches, streams—or testing the Sturgeon River’s current.
Haul It Yourself: Sit-In Kayaks and Tubes from Indian River’s Big Bear Adventures.
Big Bear Adventures’ Haul it Yourself Rentals hands you the kit—Solo or Tandem “sit‑in” kayaks and simple tubes—and the freedom to pick a waterway in and around Indian River, Michigan. The program bundles paddles and lifejackets so you can load up, drive to lakes, beaches or streams, and set your own pace on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ready-to-Go Sit-In Kayaks and Tubes
Rentals include Solo or Tandem sit-in kayaks and tubes, and each watercraft is issued with paddles and lifejackets so you have the essentials for a safe, self-directed day afloat.
Take Your Trip Where You Want
The program is built around convenience and flexibility: transport your chosen watercraft to any nearby lake, beach or stream and plan the day on your schedule within the rental hours.
Know the Rivers Before You Go
Not all waters are leisurely: the Sturgeon River is explicitly not a lazy river, and if you choose to transport equipment there you should be prepared for a more challenging experience.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a self-directed, put-it-in-and-go experience: pick up a Solo or Tandem sit‑in kayak or a tube, stow it on your vehicle, and pick a local lake, beach or stream to explore. You decide pace and route; Big Bear supplies the boat, paddles and lifejackets so the focus stays on the water and the weather.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits—and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each rental includes paddles and lifejackets; bring weather‑appropriate clothing, vehicle tie‑downs for hauling a kayak or tube, and any personal items you need—Big Bear supplies the basic safety gear.
Pick up and return equipment between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM; rentals are managed as haul‑it‑yourself trips so you set your own on‑water schedule within those hours.
A signed, open‑ended credit card slip is required as the equipment deposit; pricing is charged per watercraft.
Big Bear does not offer Old Town canoes, sit‑on‑top kayaks, rafts, deluxe tubes, or cooler carrier tubes—rentals are limited to Solo or Tandem sit‑in kayaks and standard tubes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What types of watercraft can I rent?
You can rent Solo or Tandem “sit‑in” kayaks and Tubes; Old Town canoes, sit‑on‑top kayaks, rafts, deluxe tubes and cooler carrier tubes are not offered.
Are paddles and lifejackets provided?
Yes—each rental includes paddles and lifejackets to ensure basic safety on the water.
When can I pick up and return equipment?
Pick up and return between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM; rentals are designed for same‑day, haul‑it‑yourself use within that window.
What deposit or payment method is required?
A signed, open‑ended credit card slip is required for the equipment deposit and pricing is per watercraft.
Can I take rental equipment on the Sturgeon River?
You may transport rental equipment to the Sturgeon River, but be aware the river is not a lazy river and presents a more challenging experience.
Can I rent for multiple days?
Rentals are structured as haul‑it‑yourself trips with pick up and return between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM; check with the operator for any multi‑day arrangements.