BOARDING AT BRAUN'S BAY. Or kayaking, whichever works for you! A new rental kiosk is host to kayaks and paddle boards at Braun's Bay in Eau Claire.

If you’ve been itchin’ to get out on the water but aren’t aquatically equipped, there’s a new option in Eau Claire for you: rentable kayaks and paddle boards at Carson Park.

The City of Eau Claire recently announced the new addition, found at Braun’s Bay in Carson Park for easy access to Half Moon Lake. Locked to a kiosk, the six kayaks and four paddle boards can be rented by booking your ride online at InstaPaddle.com.

The kayaks and boards are first-come first-serve, so you’ll have to swing by to see what’s available at any given time. Head to InstaPaddle.com to submit your payment, which will then earn you the PIN code needed to unlock your ride of choice. Life jackets and paddles are included in the rental.

After you’ve gotten your fill, return your equipment back to the kiosk and lock it back up to end your rental (late fees will be applied as necessary). See this PDF for a rental how-to.

The rental kiosk (left) and where to find it. (Photos via City of Eau Claire Facebook)

Steve Plaza, the city parks, forestry, and cemetery manager, said his office has only heard positive feedback so far.

A single kayak or paddle board is $12 for the first hour and $9 for every additional hour. The tandem kayak (two-person) is $17 for the first hour and $12 for each additional hour. Users must be 18 years old or accompanied by a guardian and life jackets must be worn at all times. Alcohol is prohibited while ’yaks or boards are in use.

Rentals are available during park hours: 4am-11pm, seven days a week.

The kiosk is located at Braun’s Bay in Carson Park (520 Carson Park Drive, Eau Claire) • The kiosk is maintained by Surf Shack Rentals and can be contacted with questions at (608) 910-0679