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Vendor pitches self‑serve kayak kiosks; board raises safety and procurement questions
Summary
A vendor, Whenever Watersports, presented a self‑serve kayak and paddleboard kiosk model at the March 3 Clallam County Parks Advisory Board meeting. The company described hardware, pricing and a revenue‑share model; board members asked staff about vendor permits, procurement and suitability of ocean launches.
A vendor that operates self‑serve kayak and paddleboard kiosks outlined its model to the Clallam County Parks Advisory Board on March 3, prompting questions about safety, procurement and where kiosks would best be sited.
The presenter, identified as a cofounder of Whenever Watersports, said the company operates kiosks that function like bike‑share or scooter‑share programs and emphasized remote operations, customer service, and local technician support. He said the kiosks use battery‑powered Bluetooth locks (no grid or solar required) and require routine on‑site maintenance by a locally hired technician. "We have over 53 locations, nationwide," the presenter said, and described pricing examples: single kayaks and paddle boards typically rent for about $20 an hour, $30 for two hours or $50 for a full day.
Board members expressed concern about launch safety on exposed coastal sites. "Kayaking in Washington is deadly," one member said, noting cold water and wind risks for novices; another suggested the kiosks might be most appropriate on more sheltered lakes or river reaches than on exposed surf beaches. Staff noted the parks department would need a vendor permit and that a formal procurement (RFP) and legal review would be required before a contract could be approved. Director Crawford said adding the kiosk type to the parks comp plan could smooth the path for a permit and vendor agreement.
Next steps: staff agreed to follow up with the vendor on site selection and timeline, to review procurement and vendor‑permit requirements with legal and procurement colleagues, and to check whether the department wants to include self‑service rentals in the parks comp plan. The board did not take a vote; members asked staff to report back with a procurement path and risk analysis for potential launch sites.
