Ocean Explorer Water Sports Hub (Water Sports Equipment Rental) (April 2025)

The Hong Kong Playground Association Ocean Explorer Water Sports Hub will bring a variety of water sports experiences to the public. During Business hours, water sports equipment rental services will be available, allowing citizens to engage in water activities in the area and enjoy the waterfront views of Victoria Harbour.

Rental hours for water sports equipment:

Rental prices for water sports equipment and the qualifications required for renters:

1. The SUP(stand-up paddleboard) rental fee includes one set of SUP(stand-up paddleboard), paddle, leg leash, and buoyancy aid.
2. The single sit-on-top kayak rental fee includes one set of single sit-on-top kayak, paddle, and buoyancy aid.
3. The double sit-on-top kayak rental fee includes one set of double sit-on-top kayak, two paddles, and two buoyancy aids.
4. The Board Rowing rental fee includes one set of flatwater kayak, paddle, and buoyancy aid.

Remark:

* Renters can rent single or double sit-on-top kayaks without needing a kayaking certificate. They can register by walk-in start at March 2025, and the prices are the same as online tickets.

* Participants are required to pay an additional online ticketing system processing fee of $10

You must wear a standard life jacket or buoyancy aid during the activity. Participants are also advised to bring the following water sports equipment (see the following pictures)

Map:

Section A: Rental Qualifications and Conditions

1. All water sports equipment rental services must be booked on the POPTICKET online platform and must be booked at least two days in advance.
2. Participants are required to comply with any instructions given by the organizer.
3. Applicants who apply to rent any water sport equipment must be 14 years old or above.
4. Boat users aged 18 or above must sign a declaration stating that they are able to swim for at least 50 meters with clothes on/are proficient in swimming, and that they do not have any medical conditions that would prevent them from participating in the activity.
5. When applying to rent equipment, teenagers aged 8 to 13 must do so together with a parent or guardian who holds the relevant boating qualifications. Renter must rent the same type of boat from the center in a 1:1 ratio for water activities. Additionally, while no qualifications are needed for renting a tandem kayak, renter must still participate in kayaking activities with a parent or guardian.
6. Applicants aged 14 to 17 must first seek consent from a parent or guardian, or an authorized representative of their parent or guardian, and have them sign a declaration on their behalf.
7. The organizer does not recommend participation for individuals who have experienced any of the following conditions within 24 hours prior to the activity, including but not limited to fever, cough, flu/cold, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, rash, skin disease, heart disease, lung disease, haemophilia, epilepsy, dizziness/fainting/loss of consciousness when exposed to animals, fear of animals or water, or immunodeficiency.
8. Participants must ensure that their physical condition is suitable for participation in the activity. Participants aged 65 or above and those with chronic illnesses should consult a doctor first, and bring any necessary medications. Participants should also fill out the medical history section on the enrolment form. If needed, the organizer may also require participants who feel unwell to leave during the activity.
9. Participants who are unwell should stay at home to rest, in order to protect the safety of all participants. If necessary, the organizer may also request unwell participants to leave the activity during the event.
10. Participants must be able to swim and swim at least 50 meters while fully clothed.
11. Participants infected with any communicable disease listed in the First Schedule of the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) (note2) are not allowed to participate.
12. If the Organiser observes at any time that the renter’s health condition is not suitable for learning or that he or she shows symptoms of infectious diseases, such as fever, respiratory symptoms (such as cough, runny nose, sore throat), conjunctivitis, rash, skin damage, etc., the coach has the right to terminate the training for safety reasons.
13. The renter must bring the original/copy of the identity document used for registration for verification. Participants under the age of 18 must submit a parental consent form on the day of the event, otherwise the organizer has the right to reject the renter's application.
14. For safety reasons, renters must hold the appropriate certification and submit a copy of the certificate to the "Pop Ticket" platform to verify their qualifications. All certificates must be valid.
15. The renter or user must use the water sport equipment within the designated activity area and is not allowed to swim in the area or exceed the floating wave boundary without the consent of the Association. If the renter/user is found to have left the designated activity area without authorization, the Association has the right to stop the renter's future rental application. The Association will not be responsible for any accidents that occur when activities are not within the designated activity area.
16. Unless approved in advance by the Association, the equipment rented may only be used for its designated purpose. If the applicant plans to use a water bike (4-person boat) for other activities, he or she must consult the organizer before renting the equipment and obtain its consent. Without prior consent, the Association reserves the right to refuse the renter’s application for renting equipment.
17. If the renter or any other person is injured, or the equipment is damaged, the organizer must be notified immediately.
18. If the renter or his/her permission to enter the facility depends on the use of the venue or the nature of the event, the Association may set a maximum number of users of the rented facility based on public safety and management considerations.
19. The renter shall be responsible for any actions, omissions, misconduct, or negligence that lead to injury, loss, or damage to any person, resulting in claims against the Government, its employees, and agents. The renter must indemnify the Government, its employees, and agents against all such claims and shall remain fully responsible for this indemnity.
20. The Association reserves the right to refuse or cancel the booking arrangement without prior notice to the applicant/renter, and may limit the number of users entering the venue, or refuse entry to any person on hygienic grounds or any other grounds, or use other Conditions related to equipment.

    Note 1: The meaning of "guardian" is the same as in the Guardianship of Minors Ordinance.

    Note 2: The latest list of communicable diseases in the First Schedule of the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) can be found at the following link: https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599!en-zh-Hant-HK?INDEX_CS=N&xpid=ID_1438403500650_003

Section B: Basic Terms and Instructions to Renters

1. Equipment inspection and extraction

1.1 Before using any equipment, renters should confirm the details with the on-site staff and inspect the boat and the buoyancy aid or life jacket for safety and completeness (including wearing a buoyancy aid and water entry equipment). If any damage or deficiency are found, staff must be notified immediately so appropriate arrangements can be made. Users are prohibited from using unsafe equipment.

1.2 If the applicant does not pick up the boat within 30 minutes after the rental period begins, it will be considered to have given up the right to use it. Other users can use the reserved boat if no vacant boat available at that time.

2. Return of equipment

2.1 After the rental period ends, all renters must leave the activity area and return all rented equipment. Late returns will be charged additional fees (refer to the late return equipment fee and the price list for damaged and lost equipment).

2.2 Renters must take good care of the equipment. After use, the equipment must be cleaned and returned to the on-duty staff for inspection and returned to the original place. If the user is found to have maliciously damaged the equipment, he/she must pay compensation according to the price.

3. Clothing

3.1 All renters must wear a standard life jacket or buoyancy aid and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes (slippers or sandals without ankle protection are not allowed). They should also wear suitable swimwear, sun hats, and light, breathable long-sleeved tops that fit closely while engaging in water activities.

4.Storage of renter’s personal belongings

4.1 The event venue does not provide lockers for storing personal belongings. Participants are responsible for their own items and should avoid bringing valuables to the venue. We will not be liable for any lost property or any loss or damage of any kind.

4.2 The organizer does not assume any responsibility for any property and/or any loss or damage of any kind to the participants.

5. Activity Period

5.1 The activity will be held at sea. If participants are prone to seasickness or feel uncomfortable, please bring your own medicine. The organizer will not provide any medication to any participant.

5.2 If you experience itchy skin, eye discomfort, cough, difficulty breathing or other physical discomfort after participating in the activity, you should see a doctor immediately.

6. Arrangements for bad weather

In the event of the above severe weather, we will make the following arrangements without making individual notifications:

6.1 The organizer will be closed when the Hong Kong Observatory issues Tropical Cyclone Warning No. 8 or higher or Black Rain Warning. The organizer will return to work as soon as possible two hours after the Hong Kong Observatory changes the typhoon signal No. 8 or below or the black rainstorm warning is lifted. If circumstances permit, we will reopen within 2 hours. If the Club deems it inappropriate to open the equipment for use due to safety or operational reasons, it may also suspend the rental of the relevant equipment at its discretion. (For specific arrangements, please refer to the adverse weather arrangements)

7. Rental rescheduling or refund

7.1 Under normal circumstances, once the rental equipment is confirmed, the rental cannot be rescheduled or refunded and cannot be transferred to another person regardless of any reason.

7.2 If due to bad weather conditions, the renter's usage time is less than 30 minutes, the renter can reschedule once for free, and an administrative fee of HK$50 will be charged for the second time, and so on. The organizer will handle special circumstances at its discretion.

7.3 If the renter's usage time is longer than 20 minutes or more and the activity is suspended due to bad weather conditions, no rescheduling can be arranged and the rental period will be deemed to have been completed.

8. Loss or damage

8.1 During the use of the equipmemt, if it is damaged in any way, the renter shall be responsible for paying the cost of repair, restoration or replacement of the equipment; if any equipment, appliances, devices or other property is damaged or destroyed (excluding normal wear and tear), stolen or removal, the renter shall also pay the cost of repairing, restoring or repurchasing the relevant equipment and items.

9. Insurance

9.1 The Association has provided equipment rental services to the renter and provided public liability insurance for the renter during the activity. If the renter needs additional protection, they must arrange it themselves.

10. Transportation and parking on site

10.1 There is no parking space at the event venue. Participants are recommended to take public transportation to the event destination. Please refer to the detailed map for details.

Other information

11. The organizer will take photos, videos and audio recordings during the event. By attending the event, participants agree that the organizer has the right to use the photos, images, portraits and records of any kind, in any form through any channel of the organizer. For public display, release or publicity purposes, and no further notification or payment of any form of remuneration to participants is required. We will take all practicable steps to destroy your personal data within a reasonable period after the event date.

12. If there are any changes or disputes, the Association reserves the right to make the final decision and the applicant shall not object.

13. If you have any questions, please call (852) 5298-4279 (Mr. Lau).