Rentals: Half-Day SUPSQUATCH (6+ Persons)

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the stunning waters of Buena Vista, Colorado, renting the SUPSQUATCH might just be your next favorite outdoor activity. This half-day paddleboard rental offers a fun, social, and scenic escape for up to six people—an exciting way to explore the Arkansas River with friends or family. While it’s not a guided tour, the sheer size of the SUPSQUATCH and the potential for a memorable outing make it worth considering.

What we love about this experience is the large, stable platform that comfortably fits up to six paddlers, making it ideal for groups who want to share a paddle adventure without the need for prior skills or lessons. Plus, the rental process is straightforward, and the friendly staff at Dvorak Expeditions adds a helpful touch, ensuring your safety and enjoyment. A note to consider is that transportation of the board to your preferred launch site costs extra, so budget for that if you’re not launching from the provided location.

This rental suits thrill-seekers, families, or groups eager to enjoy water-based fun in a flexible, self-guided format. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and want a relaxed yet exciting experience on the water, this could be your perfect day out.

Key Points

• Large Group-Friendly: The SUPSQUATCH accommodates groups of up to 6, making it perfect for family outings or friends.
• Flexible Duration: About 4 hours of use, with the ability to inflate or deflate the board for easy transport.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Comes with 5 paddles, PFDs, and helmets, ensuring safety and comfort.
• Additional Costs: Transportation of equipment and shuttles are extra, which is worth planning ahead.
• Weather and Season: Operates from May 15 to August 15, in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.
• Booking and Return: Pickup is daily from 9 AM, with return required by 5 PM to avoid late fees; rentals are non-refundable.

Exploring the SUPSQUATCH Rental Experience in Depth

What Is the SUPSQUATCH?

The SUPSQUATCH is a massive, custom-built paddleboard designed to hold up to six people comfortably. It’s not just a larger-than-average paddleboard but a sturdy platform that offers enough space for everyone to paddle together. This makes it a great social activity, especially for families or groups of friends wanting to enjoy the Arkansas River without the stress of individual gear or skills. The board is available fully inflated or rolled up with a pump, giving you options for transport and setup.

How Does the Rental Process Work?

Rentals are available from Dvorak Expeditions in Nathrop, Colorado, a trusted local outfit known for friendly service and helpful guidance. The location is convenient—just off US Hwy 285—and opens daily at 9 AM. You can pick up the board ready to go or with a pump to inflate on your own, which adds a layer of flexibility. The return policy is straightforward: the equipment must be returned by 5 PM, but late returns incur a $25 fee if kept overnight, with a possibility to return the next day for an additional rental fee.

What Are the Costs and What Do You Get?

For $125 per group, you get the use of the SUPSQUATCH for around four hours and five of each essential safety and paddling gear: paddles, PFDs, and helmets. This setup ensures that everyone in your group stays safe and comfortable while paddling. However, additional costs like gear transportation to your desired launch site or shuttles from launch to takeout are extra, so plan accordingly.

What Should You Bring?

Since it’s a half-day on the water, appropriate footwear, swimwear, and sun protection are necessary. The weather can vary, and since the rental operates in all conditions, dressing in layers and bringing sunscreen and sunglasses keep you comfortable. While the rental includes basic equipment, if you want extras like wetsuits, coolers, or tie-down straps, you’ll need to request these in advance.

How Is the Experience?

From the feedback available, the experience is quite positive. One reviewer shared that they had an “amazing time with the family,” paddling from Big Bend to Salida East, which is a pretty scenic route. They appreciated the friendly, helpful team at Dvorak, who offered guidance and made the process smooth. The overall vibe is relaxed, but the size of the board allows for a fun, social adventure on the water.

What About Safety and Preparation?

While guided tours and lessons aren’t included, safety gear such as PFDs and helmets are provided, and the staff is known to be helpful with rigging the board and offering tips. Since the activity is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, you should be comfortable paddling and balancing on a large platform. The season runs from mid-May to mid-August, aligning with warmer weather, but always dress appropriately for fluctuating conditions.

Transport and Logistics

Transporting the SUPSQUATCH can be straightforward if you have a vehicle with tie-downs because deflating and storing it inside your car is safest. However, if you prefer to keep the board inflated, you’ll need to have some method of securing it to your vehicle. The rental company can assist with rigging if needed but will not be responsible for damage.

If you require transportation of the equipment to your preferred launch site, this is available at an additional cost. For those not local to Nathrop, arranging a shuttle from your hotel or campsite is also an option, but again, at extra charge.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This activity is perfect for groups or families looking for a relaxed yet fun adventure on the water. It’s also well-suited for those with moderate physical fitness who want to enjoy the scenery without technical paddling skills. If you’re not interested in a guided tour but want the flexibility to paddle at your own pace, the SUPSQUATCH provides an excellent platform. It’s less about instruction and more about social paddling and enjoying Colorado’s beautiful waterways.

The Sum Up

The Half-Day SUPSQUATCH rental offers a genuinely enjoyable way to explore the Arkansas River with friends or family. Its large, stable platform makes it accessible for groups, and the rental process—especially the friendly staff at Dvorak Expeditions—helps make it easy and hassle-free. The added flexibility of inflating or deflating the board and the option to customize your experience with additional gear or transport services makes it versatile.

While it’s not a guided tour, this self-guided adventure allows you to set your own pace, take in the scenery, and bond over a shared water experience. The cost is reasonable considering the size of the platform and the inclusiveness of basic safety gear, though extra transportation costs should be factored in if you’re not launching from the default location.

This activity is best suited for groups who enjoy moderate physical activity, outdoor fun, and scenic river views. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun day out in Buena Vista, renting the SUPSQUATCH is a practical, memorable choice.

FAQs

Is the SUPSQUATCH suitable for children?
Yes, children can use the SUPSQUATCH as long as they are accompanied by an adult and fit within the safety gear provided. The experience is suitable for families with kids aged 12 and up, based on reviews.

What time do I need to return the equipment?
Rentals need to be returned before 5 PM. Late returns will incur a $25 fee if kept overnight, but you can bring it back the next day for an additional rental charge.

Can I rent the SUPSQUATCH for a full day?
No, the current rental is for approximately 4 hours during a half-day period. For longer adventures, you’d need to arrange additional rentals or services.

Are guided tours offered with this rental?
No, this is a self-guided rental. Any additional guided or lesson options would need to be requested separately.

Does the rental include transportation to the launch site?
No, transportation of equipment to your launch site is an additional cost. You may also arrange personal vehicle shuttles for additional convenience.

What weather conditions does this operate in?
The rental operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately. Always check local weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes.

Is the rental suitable for beginners?
Yes, the rental provides a stable platform and basic safety gear, making it suitable for beginners who are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Can I inflate the board myself?
Yes, you can inflate it yourself using the included pump, or opt for a fully inflated board if preferred.

How many people can paddle together?
Up to six people can paddle on the SUPSQUATCH at the same time, making it a fun group activity.

Whether you’re after a fun social experience or a scenic adventure on the Arkansas River, renting the SUPSQUATCH offers a practical and enjoyable water activity that brings everyone together. Just plan ahead for transport costs, dress appropriately, and you’re set for a memorable half-day on the water.