About Flotsam Kayak Rental LLC

Welcome to Flotsam Kayak Rental LLC
No kayak? No problem — your adventure on the water starts here.

At Flotsam, we believe everyone deserves the chance to explore the Hudson River and Catskills from the best seat in the house — a kayak. Our mission is simple: make it easy for anyone to get on the water safely, comfortably, and without the stress of owning or transporting gear.

We deliver high-quality Wilderness Systems kayaks directly to scenic local launch points like Dutchman’s Landing in Catskill, Athens Boat Launch, and the quiet creeks near Germantown. Every rental includes top-notch paddles, PFDs, and helpful guidance before you head out — so even first-timers feel confident from the start.

Our equipment is chosen for comfort, stability, and performance, but our real focus is your experience. Whether you’re chasing sunrise reflections, bird-watching at RamsHorn Creek, or paddling with friends for the afternoon, Flotsam handles the details so you can just enjoy the water.

We’re a local business built by people who love the Hudson. That means when you rent from us, you’re supporting a small Upstate operation that values the river, the community, and the joy of slowing down outdoors.

About Our Gear

At Flotsam Kayak Rental, we believe the right equipment makes the difference between a good day on the water and a great one. Every kayak, paddle, and life vest in our lineup is chosen for stability, comfort, and reliability — because your time on the Hudson should feel effortless.

Our fleet consists of Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayaks, known for their rock-solid stability and spacious cockpits. They’re easy to get in and out of, even for first-time paddlers. Each kayak comes with a gel-filled YakPad seat cushion for all-day comfort and a Wilderness Systems dashboard console for safe storage of phones, keys, or cameras — included at no extra charge.

You’ll paddle with lightweight, carbon-fiber paddles from trusted brands like Aquabound, Boreal Designs, and Carlisle. They’re balanced and efficient, giving you more distance with less effort.

Safety gear matters too. Every rental includes a paddling-style PFD (life vest) from brands like Stohlquist, NRS, and Lotus Design — all designed for movement, ventilation, and comfort while seated.

If you’re paddling with a partner, tandem kayaks are available upon request. Whether you’re gliding solo or bringing the crew, all equipment is inspected, cleaned, and fitted before every trip.

Before launch, we provide a quick orientation and basic paddling instruction to help you get comfortable — because confidence on the water starts before you even push off.

Why Our Equipment Matters

Not all kayaks are built alike, and not all rentals are equal. We’ve tested everything we offer — because we paddle here too. Each kayak, paddle, and vest we rent is selected to make your time on the Hudson safer, smoother, and more comfortable.

From the stable design of our Wilderness Systems Pungos to the lightweight carbon paddles and gel-cushioned seats, every choice has one goal: keep you relaxed and confident on the water. You shouldn’t have to fight your gear to enjoy the river — just show up, and we’ll handle the rest.

Kayak Rentals: Single, Tandem & Touring Kayaks

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Single Recreational Kayaks

Wilderness Systems 12′ Pungo – Premium Single Kayak (24 Available)

The 12′ Pungo is a comfortable, stable sit-inside kayak that’s perfect for most paddlers, from confident beginners to experienced regulars.

Great for:

  • Day trips on calm rivers, lakes, and slow-moving water

  • Adults and teens who want a stable, easy-to-control boat

  • Photographers and casual paddlers who like comfort and storage

Key features:

  • 12-foot length for a smooth, efficient glide on the water

  • Wide, stable hull design that feels secure even for newer paddlers

  • Roomy cockpit for easy entry and exit

  • Comfortable seat with back support for longer outings

  • Onboard storage (typically rear hatch and deck rigging) for snacks, dry bags, and extra gear

If you want one single kayak that “does it all” for a few hours on the water, the Pungo is usually the best choice.

Wilderness Systems 9’6″ Rascal – Compact & Playful Kayak (6 Available)

The 9’6″ Rascal is a shorter recreational kayak that’s easy to maneuver and fun to paddle.

Great for:

  • Smaller adults, teens, and confident beginners

  • Shorter, relaxed paddles close to shore

  • Paddlers who prefer a lighter, more compact boat to move and carry

Key features:

  • Shorter 9’6″ length for quick turning and easy handling

  • Stable recreational hull that still feels secure

  • Lightweight design makes it easier to carry to and from the water

  • Simple layout for no-fuss, jump-in-and-go paddling

Choose a Rascal if you want something small, playful, and easy to manage on land and in the water.

Tandem (Two-Person) Kayaks

Wilderness Systems 14′ Pamlico Tandem – Two-Seater Kayak (6 Available)

The 14′ Pamlico tandem is designed for two paddlers who want to share one boat—perfect for couples, friends, or a parent and older child.

Great for:

  • Paddlers who want to stay together in the same kayak

  • Families with older kids who want to ride along and help paddle

  • Calm-water day trips on lakes and gentle rivers

Key features:

  • Two comfortable seats with back support, placed for good balance

  • 14-foot length for better tracking and smoother paddling than shorter tandems

  • Adjustable seating to help trim and balance the boat

  • Gear space for small coolers, dry bags, and extra layers

A tandem is ideal if one paddler is stronger and doesn’t mind doing more of the work, or if you simply want to share the experience in the same boat.

Touring Kayaks

17′ Touring Kayaks with Rudders – Perception & Wilderness Systems (6 Available)

These 17-foot touring kayaks are built for distance, efficiency, and control—especially in wind and open water. They are best for paddlers with some experience or for those planning longer outings.

Great for:

  • Longer paddles where speed and efficiency matter

  • Open water, bigger lakes, and longer river sections

  • Paddlers who already feel comfortable in a kayak and want to “step up”

Key features:

  • 17-foot length for excellent tracking and glide

  • Rudders to help steer and hold your line in wind or current

  • More performance-oriented hull for better speed and efficiency

  • Smaller cockpit opening that provides a snug, connected feel

  • Extra storage (bow and stern hatches and deck lines) for gear, extra clothing, and food

If you’re planning a longer adventure or want a more performance-oriented rental, a touring kayak with a rudder is the right call.

How to Choose the Right Kayak to Rent

Choose a Pungo 12′ if:

  • You want the most versatile single kayak

  • Comfort, stability, and an easy learning curve are your top priorities

Choose a Rascal 9’6″ if:

  • You prefer something light, compact, and playful

  • You’re planning a shorter, more casual paddle

Choose a Pamlico 14′ Tandem if:

  • You want to paddle together in one boat

  • One person may be doing more of the paddling while the other relaxes

Choose a 17′ Touring Kayak if:

  • You have some kayaking experience

  • You’re planning a longer route and want more speed and control, especially in wind