Rental Policies and Procedures

This page contains the rental policies and procedures for all rentals through Vermilion River Adventures. Rules are in place primarily for your safety, so please follow them! Below the rules, you’ll find an overview of our rental process as well as some details about specific aspects of rentals.

The Rules

  • Personal flotation devices (PFD) (life jackets) must be worn in accordance with Illinois law when using the Rental Equipment in or near the water.
    • Age 13 and up = Strongly recommended to be worn at all times; legally required to be readily accessible to the user at all times.
    • Under the age of 13 = Must be worn at all times, no exceptions.
  • Paddles should not be used to push off the river bottom, or from a dock, pier, buoy, beach, other vessel, or any other object, as such action can damage or break the end of the paddle and may be dangerous to the user or persons nearby or cause the vessel to become unstable or flip over.
  • Rental Equipment is to be carried, and not dragged, across gravel, rock, pavement, concrete, dock, decking, or other hard surfaces.
  • Rental Equipment is to be returned empty of any trash, free of any damage, and no later than the designated return time. Failure to do so may result in the assessment of additional fees. Contact Vermilion River Adventures at 815.844.9172 if you expect not to make it back by the agreed upon time.
  • Operating any watercraft, including non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and pedal boats, while intoxicated is dangerous and illegal. Alcohol consumption is not allowed on any Vermilion River Adventures vessel.
  • The shoreline / riverbank along the Vermilion River is primarily private property. Please be respectful and do not trespass.
  • Do not litter. All trash should return with you and be disposed of in a proper manner.
  • Fishing licenses are required for all fishing activities in accordance with Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulations. Please visit their website for details and license purchases.

Rental Process Overview

Rental Process Details

  • Bookings must be made in advance, via the Vermilion River Adventures online booking platform, powered by Square. Visit Book Now! | Vermilion River Adventures (square.site) to book your adventure today! If you prefer to discuss the details of your experience prior to booking, please contact us. Ultimately, you’ll end up with a booking through Square, but we can help with that if needed!
  • All renters must be 16 years of age or older and must provide a state-issued ID, per Illinois law.
  • All participants (not just the named renter) must complete safety training as explained below and must also sign the activity waiver. A parent or guardian must sign for all minor participants.
  • Payment is not required at the time of booking; instead, you will pay when you arrive at the designated meeting location on the day of your adventure. We accept cash and credit / debit cards, though we do add a card processing fee to cover our cost for processing. Cash is preferred and appreciated, though we also get the convenience of cards!
  • Completion of state-mandated safety training is required for all participants. Training can be completed prior to your trip by visiting our Boater Safety page and clicking the link for the appropriate training. Please bring the completion email or printed certificate with you for proof of completion. If you don’t complete the safety training before arriving, no problem! We can help you complete the training before your departure.
  • The timer on your rental starts once you’re on your kayak or pedal boat, properly fitted with your PFD, and ready to paddle. In other words, the time required to perform safety training (if not completed in advance), fit your gear, and prepare you for launch does not count against your time.