The City Administration recommends the approval of this paddleboard rental program for the benefit of residents and visitors by increasing access to watersports recreation (at a relatively low cost) and, as such, recommends that the Mayor and City Commission waive the formal competitive bidding requirement, by a 5/7^th’s vote, as permitted pursuant to Section 2-367 of the City Code, as being in the best interest of the City.

At the March 18, 2020 City Commission meeting, a discussion regarding the possibility of commencing a paddleboard rental program, at the kayak launches located within the Parkview Park Annex and Pine Tree Park, was referred to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee (“NQLC”) (see Exhibit A). The item was subsequently deferred to the July NQLC meeting due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the July 15, 2020 NQLC meeting, the Committee heard the presentation and directed the Administration to bring the item back to the Committee post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further, at the Committee’s request, the Administration conducted research into other vendors and companies that offer similar services for paddleboard rentals, and none were found locally.

PADL LLC is a local company whose mission is to get more people out on the water by providing paddle sport rentals at self-serve stations (Exhibit C). PADL LLC currently has paddleboard stations located in the following areas:

·       Fiesta Key

·       Key Biscayne

·       Boynton Beach

·       Juno Beach

·       Jupiter

·       Vero Beach

·       Lake Butler 

Additionally, PADL, LLC plans on adding approximately fifteen (15) more paddleboard rental stations throughout Miami-Dade and Clay Counties, and plans to expand its business into states such as California, Virginia and North Carolina.

PADL, LLC would like to install paddleboard rental stations in the City of Miami Beach, at the kayak launches in Parkview Park Annex and Pine Tree Park.

PADL LLC possesses GPS, cellular service and self-locking technology in its fleet so that kayaks and paddleboards may be locked and opened by users with an app and tracked to provide for operations and maintenance. As noted in Exhibit C:

•   All rentals are done via a smartphone app
•  Boards are equipped with GPS for constant tracking and communication
• Docking stations are solar powered
• Leashes and life jackets are provided with each rental
• Safety videos provided in app in addition to location specific safety signage
• PADL LLC would be responsible for all installations and operations
• PADL LLC will cover all maintenance costs for the kayak and paddleboard fleet and docking stations
• PADL LLC rentals are charged at $15.00 per hour or $24.99 for a monthly membership (discounted to $97.00 for six months). Rates are subject to change
• As part of the program agreement, a 20% share of revenues received by PADL LLC would be paid to the City monthly. Revenue share is calculated as a percentage of gross revenues from  rentals, and allocation of gross member sales. The allocation of member sales is calculated based on the number of member rentals taking place at the station.