Kayaking for Kids Open
Portland State Outdoor Program and Rental Center
4.5(15)4.5 out of 5 stars, 15 reviews Portland, OR
About Portland State Outdoor Program and Rental Center
This is a prime spot for parents looking to equip their families for outdoor adventures (including kayaking, rafting, and cross-country skiing) on a budget. The unique value lies in their significantly below-market-value gear rentals, making outdoor activities more accessible. While staff are generally friendly and some gear is excellent, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in gear quality and a very strict return policy.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families planning DIY outdoor adventures (kayaking, rafting, camping, cross-country skiing) who want to save money on gear.Parents introducing their children to various outdoor sports without the upfront cost of purchasing equipment.Budget-conscious families seeking good value for their outdoor activity dollar.No specific age ranges mentioned in reviews, as this is a gear rental service. Suitability for children depends on the specific activity parents choose (e.g., kayaking, rafting, skiing) and the age-appropriateness of those activities for their kids. Parents will need to determine if the rented gear fits their children's needs and sizes.
Why families love it
- Significantly below market value pricing for outdoor gear rentals.
- Friendly and helpful staff (as per Review 1).
- Offers a wide variety of outdoor gear including kayaking, rafting, and cross-country skiing equipment.
- Some gear is described as 'very nice, clear' (implying good condition and cleanliness).
- Customer service is generally 'fine' or 'great'.
- Exceptional pricing for gear rentals, offering significant savings for families.
Insider tips
- **Inspect gear thoroughly upon pickup:** Always check all components (e.g., tent poles, straps, paddles) for functionality and condition *before leaving the rental center* to avoid issues and ensure safety during your trip (and to document any pre-existing wear).
- **Understand the return policy and be meticulous:** Be prepared for 'very picky' staff during returns. Clean and organize all gear precisely as it was received to avoid potential charges or disputes.
- **Plan return timing carefully:** If there's a specific return window, adhere to it strictly. Arriving early might not grant early return and could result in waiting (Review 2).
- **Communicate any gear issues immediately:** If you find something like a stretched tent cord, report it before use if possible, or upon return with clear documentation.
Good to know before you go
- Parents who expect perfectly new, flawless gear for every rental.
- Families who are pressed for time or dislike strict, potentially inflexible return procedures.
- Anyone unwilling to meticulously clean and organize gear before returning it.
- Some gear may need TLC; a specific example is a tent with 'totally stretched' shock cords requiring manual tying (Review 5).
- They are 'very picky' about gear returns, requiring everything to be returned 'the way you got it' (Review 4).
- Value
- Excellent value for money. Reviews consistently highlight 'way below market value' and 'good prices' for gear rentals, making it a very economical choice for outdoor equipment.
- Safety
- While not explicitly detailed, the mention of 'clear gear' (Review 1) suggests a degree of cleanliness and maintenance. The 'very picky' return policy (Review 4) might also contribute to maintaining gear in good, safe condition for subsequent renters, though this is an inference.
What parents say
"Awesome place to rent outdoor gear, very friendly staff, and very nice, clear gear!! Will definitely be coming back!"
2 months ago
"Overall great experience. Only thing I thought was funny was returning the gear. I got there 2 minutes early. Was asked to wait inside until 2. Then when they opened said I could just put the gear on the counter. If I could do that than why did I have to wait until 2?"
a year ago
"Great place to rent cross country skiing gear!"
3 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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