Operating Manual: Giannis Kayak Rental Service on the Guadalupe River, Texas

Scope and Prerequisites

This manual provides detailed operating procedures for customers utilizing the Giannis Kayak Rental Service, a local business operating on the Guadalupe River in Victoria, Texas. This service is designed for outdoor recreation, water sports, tourism, and family-friendly adventure in a natural river setting.

Applicability: This manual applies to single-day kayak rentals for individuals or groups. It covers the rental process, safety procedures, on-water operation, and return protocol.

Prerequisites:

• Users must be at least 18 years old to rent, or accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Users should be in good physical health and able to swim.
• All participants must complete a digital liability waiver prior to rental.
• A valid government-issued ID and a major credit card are required for the security deposit.
• Booking must be confirmed via the online Paddle booking system prior to arrival.

Preparation

Before arriving at the Giannis rental dock, ensure you have completed the following:

1. Booking Confirmation: Secure your rental time slot via the official website. You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code.
2. Personal Gear: Prepare appropriate attire: quick-dry clothing, water shoes, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with a strap. Bring a waterproof bag for personal items like phones and keys.
3. Safety Briefing Acknowledgment: Review the basic water safety and kayaking instructions sent in your confirmation email.
4. Location: Navigate to the Giannis dock at the specified address on the Guadalupe River. Parking is available on-site.

Operating Procedures

1. Check-in and Documentation

   Proceed to the Giannis rental kiosk. Present your QR code and ID to the attendant. The attendant will:

   • Scan your QR code to pull up your reservation in the Paddle system.
   • Verify your ID and collect the security deposit hold on your credit card.
   • Ensure your digital liability waiver is signed. If not, you will be directed to a tablet to complete it.
   Expected Result: You receive a rental ticket and are assigned a kayak number.

2. Gear Issuance and Fitting

   An attendant will guide you to your kayak and provide:

   • Kayak: A stable, sit-on-top recreational kayak suitable for beginners.
   • Paddle: An adjustable aluminum paddle.
   • Personal Flotation Device (PFD): A US Coast Guard-approved Type III PFD. You must wear this at all times on the water.
   • Safety Whistle: Attached to the PFD.
   The attendant will adjust the paddle length and PFD fit for you. Code Example (Paddle Adjustment): The attendant will loosen the push-button mechanism, extend the shaft to a length where your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when holding the paddle overhead, and re-lock the mechanism. Expected Result: Properly fitted safety gear and equipment are issued.

3. Launch and On-Water Operation

   Follow the attendant's guidance to launch your kayak from the dock.

   • Enter the kayak from the dock, keeping your weight low and centered.
   • Use basic paddle strokes: Forward stroke for propulsion, reverse stroke for braking/backing, and sweep strokes for turning.
   • Stay within the designated rental zone of the Guadalupe River, which is marked by buoys. Follow the suggested route for a 2-hour or 4-hour adventure.
   • Enjoy the nature and scenery. This is a family-friendly section with mild currents.
   Expected Result: Safe and enjoyable paddling along the designated route.

4. Return and Check-out

   Return to the designated Giannis dock area before your rental period expires.

   • Signal to an attendant as you approach the dock.
   • Exit the kayak onto the dock as instructed.
   • Return the paddle, PFD, and safety whistle to the attendant.
   • The attendant will inspect the equipment for damage and note the return time in the Paddle system.
   Expected Result: The attendant finalizes your rental. Your security deposit hold will be released (typically within 3-5 business days, pending equipment inspection).

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

Issue 1: Kayak is taking on water.
Solution: Sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing; small amounts of water in the footwells are normal. If water ingress is significant, calmly paddle to the nearest shore or the dock and alert an attendant immediately. Do not attempt to empty the kayak in deep water.

Issue 2: Unable to control direction or kayak is spinning.
Solution: Ensure you are using balanced paddle strokes on both sides. For a straight line, take 2-3 strokes on one side, then switch. If you are caught in a mild current, point the kayak downstream and use forward strokes to steer.

Issue 3: Lost or damaged equipment.
Solution: The security deposit will be used to cover the cost of lost or negligently damaged equipment (paddle, PFD). For a lost paddle, signal for help using your safety whistle. For minor scrapes on the kayak hull (normal wear), no charge will be applied.

Issue 4: Feeling fatigued or unwell.
Solution: Drift to a calm, shallow bank to rest. Use your whistle to attract the attention of other paddlers or the Giannis safety patrol boat (monitoring the route during operating hours). Do not continue if you feel unwell.

Issue 5: Booking system error or expired confirmation link.
Solution: Contact Giannis customer service via the phone number listed on the website. Have your booking reference ready. Staff can manually verify your reservation in the system. Note: This is unrelated to expired-domain issues; always use the official website link.