Check whitewater kayak availability…email David@PuconKayakHostel.com.
“Do I rent, buy or fly with my whitewater kayak to Pucon Chile?”
The question needs financial transparency for best understanding. As a host of kayakers we see guests broken down into three categories:
- “I want my kayak choice and will pay to reserve it.” This is typically the experienced paddler or persons having less time in Chile. Kayak rental costs are less than or equal to hefty airport luggage fees or buying a new kayak. They’d prefer to spend their time relaxing versus taking chances or haggling a cheaper price on an unknown.
Pitfalls of the Resesrve Now- Not economical for multi-month trips. Ask for discount for big trips.
Check out this list of Pucon Chile’s best whitewater kayaks for rent.
- “I’ll fly with my kayak and sell it.” This is the classic do-it-yourselfer kayak nomad. They know the game and typically plan trips lasting a minimum of a month. The length of their trip does not make financial sense to buy or rent a kayak in Chile or they just love their kayak. If you can get your kayak to Chile you can count on it selling.
Pitfalls of flying with your kayak- Everyone knows stories of kayaker’s who did not board with their kayak. Flying with a creek boat is your riskiest option. We’ve heard everything from not allowed to $400 excessive baggage charges.
- “Can I buy a used whitewater kayak in Chile?” This person has the right ideal but it’s difficult to buy kayaks even in the Pucon Chile whitewater epicenter, why? Pucon has lots of safety boaters, instructors, and instructional schools all competing for the best shape used kayaks at the lowest prices. Any person selling a used kayak goes to those outfitters first and they get bought up quick. So, the solo kayak nomad is competing with established kayakers to buy within a “sellers market.”
Pitfalls to buying a used kayak- In this sellers market expect the company owners and locals to aggressively and quickly buy the best shaped used boats as they hit the market.
Let’s Evaluate the Costs of Flying, Buying or Renting a Whitewater Kayak in Chile.
Shipping Whitewater Kayaks to Chile Costs Explained
Do Kayak Nomads ship, rent or buy whitewater kayaks in Chile? Learn the numbers and ask Pucon Kayak Hostel what they recommend?
Shipping is rarely done by the kayak nomad and typically an option for serious commercial companies. The companies attempt to fill containers in order to cut the large $400/kayak cost. At $400 you’d be better off to buy a new kayak at a Pucon retailer like Rivers, Lakes and Oceans.
US Factory to South Carolina Port, $70 transport.
Freight Company, $125/kayak.
Chile Impuestos (Import taxes), 25% value (pro-rate… $650), $162.50
Santiago to Pucon, $50/kayak
Total shipping: $407.50/kayak … Yikes! Next option please.
Flying Your Whitewater Kayak to Chile
Flying with your kayak will save you a little money... is it worth the risk and hassle?
This is your most economical option. Unfortunately, it’s the risky option too. Practically, all airlines have struck “kayaks” from their allowable baggage lists making it tougher to board. While, there are still options for flying you need to know and follow some strict kayak flight rules and understand it’s stressful with no guarantees.
Flying with Kayak Costs: We’ve experienced everything from free to $400/kayak.
Buying a whitewater kayak in Chile
Johnny Kayaker Tip- “Best creek boats go quick during peak-season so once you see your boat make a reservation early. Ask us about an extended stay or group rental discount.
Wow! That's a lot of kayaks! Yea... pretty cool huh?
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