Bayside Water Rentals | Padre Island Rentals (2024)

From fishing to parasailing, South Padre Island is full of great adventures for you to share with friends or the whole family. Bayside Water Rentals provides several fun activities for you and your group to partake in. Their paddleboarding provides fresh air, relaxation, and the freedom to float in the bay and take in the sights.

Bayside Water Rentals was easy to find; just look for their trailer at Jim’s Bay. I took my niece along with me on this particular adventure, as I thought she’d enjoy it. As we arrived, we were met with great enthusiasm by the staff. They provided a basket to put our belongings, like keys and wallets, in for safekeeping. We signed the obligatory paperwork, and it was time to hit the bay.

The staff provided comprehensive instructions; they made us feel comfortable and safe as we set off into the bay on our boards. My niece took off like a pro and had the pleasure of seeing some dolphins, jellyfish, and fish in the water.

Aside from the fun wildlife sightings, paddleboarding is a highly relaxing, while physical, sport. My niece and I compared it to yoga. You’re so focused on your body and balancing that you find your mind is relaxed and free from everyday stresses. The beautiful views of the water and sounds of the lapping waves are guaranteed to soothe you. You can also get in some exercise with your paddleboard. As you get comfortable on your board, you can paddle back and forth and get in a good workout.

I will admit that I didn’t have the easiest time on my paddleboard. After about an hour of falling into the bay, I asked the staff if I could switch to a kayak for the rest of my time. The staff were very understanding and accommodating, and I was about to try out another one of Bayside Water Rentals many experiences. The kayak was a bit easier on my legs, although you still have to balance to make sure you don’t capsize.

Bayside Waters has a variety of activities to try out. They provide daytime rentals for the paddleboards and kayaks. They also do a Sunset Event where to you go out on a light-up kayak (single or doubles) or a light-up paddleboard. During the summer, you can enjoy amazing fireworks from your board or kayak. One package that seems like a lot of fun is their Giant Stand Up Paddleboard. It accommodates a minimum of 4, a maximum of 8 people. You can take a cooler with you and have a little fun on the water. Coming in May, they will have electric paddleboards for the younger people in your group.

PRO TIPS: As I mentioned before, I was a bit of a klutz on the paddleboard. So I have two huge suggestions! Once you get into the bay, the water gets a little more shallow, so if you fall off your board, you’re met with a swampy, squishy ground. It’s quite unpleasant, so I would recommend a pair of water shoes. Buy your own, or buy some from Bayside Water Rentals. Another thing they sell is waterproof phone holders with a lanyard. My niece had one she previously purchased and she was able to use it to play music on her phone and take great pictures on the water. I would recommend taking your phone along for the great photo opportunities you’ll have.

Other things I would recommend are plenty of sunscreen and a towel. The water reflects the sun, and you can get pretty burnt. If you’re worried about falling in the water, bring along a towel to dry off.