From 1923 until 1997, the Naval Training Center took up a huge chunk of Point Loma real estate. In fact, the huge expanse of training center was my daily view growing up in a house right across the street. But since its closing during the Clinton administration, housing, walking paths, sports fields, shops, fitness studios and restaurants have bloomed on this prime property, now called Liberty Station. And now it’s my favorite place for a San Diego kayak rental when I visit. SUPs, too.
Ease of Rental
The SUP Connection sets up shop at Liberty Station on weekends year-round, and on some weekdays, too, in summer. You can also call ahead and arrange for rentals on off-hours.
SUP Connection stores their boards and kayaks in a trailer at Liberty Station. Their rental set-up is a table underneath a canopy. I’ve rented from the SUP Connection twice. Both times, it was pretty darn easy. You sign a waiver form on an electronic tablet. You pay with cash or card. They make sure you have a general idea about how to paddle a kayak or SUP. They tell you you’re required to bring a PFD with you, but not necessarily to wear it. You stow possessions you don’t want to bring with in a plastic tub. They help you shove off, if necessary. The whole process took maybe three minutes.
Kayaking at Liberty Station
One of the best things about renting a kayak or SUP at Liberty Station is that you have a few choices of route. Assuming it’s not a windy day, you probably won’t find an easier, more protected area of water than that within Liberty Station. I’m not sure if it has a name, but it’s a little inlet from San Diego Bay with hardly any boat traffic. You could spend 45 minutes to an hour just tooling around here. This would be a good place to learn to SUP.
If you’re feeling a bit bolder, you can paddle underneath the North Harbor Drive bridge and cruise around the water between Spanish Landing Park and Harbor Island. This is still fairly protected but you’ll likely encounter a lot more boats. When I kayaked here, I stayed close to shore. It’s a fun place to watch all the outdoor activities of people running, dog walking, picnicking and pushing strollers in the park, plus the other people on the water. I saw several SUP dogs, including a double dog SUP.
Those who like more excitement from their San Diego kayak rental can paddle out into North San Diego Bay. This is deeper and more open, so recommended for experienced folks.
Fun with SUP Connection
Hourly rates currently range from $20 for an hour in a single kayak to $75 an hour for the Motherboard. The Motherboard is five feet wide, 20 feet long and can hold up to 12 people or 2,000 pounds. The SUP Connection has a monthly membership plan, in case you live in San Diego or are planning an extended stay. The SUP Pups class, offered by owner Samantha and her dog, Dingo Jack, also looks like a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a San Diego kayak rental, check out this friendly Liberty Station business.
