- 12900 Walsingham Rd. Largo, FL 33774
- (727) 517-7000
- M-F 10am to 7pm | Sat 10am -6pm | Sun Closed
Thinking about buying a kayak or paddleboard, but not sure which one is right for you? At Watersports West, we believe in “try before you buy.” That’s why we offer FREE test rides and demos by appointment for kayaks and paddleboards—so you can feel confident in your choice before making an investment.
For surfboards, wakeboards, skimboards, and similar gear, we do not offer free demos; however, we have a great option for you. If you rent any of these items and decide to purchase within 30 days, we’ll credit your rental fee toward the purchase price—up to $100. It’s a great way to make sure you love your gear before you buy it.
Whether you’re new to water sports or a seasoned paddler, our demo program helps you experience the comfort, performance, and stability of different kayaks and paddleboards before purchasing.
Purchasing water sports equipment can be a big decision. A test ride allows you to:
Find the Perfect Fit: Try multiple models to determine what feels most comfortable.
Understand Performance: See how different boards or kayaks handle on the water.
Learn Tips & Techniques: Receive free basic lessons and advanced tips from our experienced staff.
Boost Confidence: Know that your investment matches your skill level and goals.
Watersports West is committed to making your experience enjoyable, educational, and risk-free.
Our Free Test Ride & Demo Program is easy and customer-focused. Here’s what you can expect:
Browse our selection of kayaks and paddleboards. Choose 2–3 models you’d like to test.
Our team will select a safe location for your demo and transport the equipment there for a one-hour test ride.
Before you hit the water, we’ll review basic safety, including proper use of PFDs, leash setup, local water conditions, and tips for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Enjoy up to an hour on the water trying your selected gear. While not mandatory, free basic lessons and advanced tips are included to help you get the most out of your session.
Our free demo program is available for:
Kayaks: Tandem, single, and pedal-drive models
Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs): Fiberglass, inflatable, and catamaran styles
For surfboards, wakeboards, skimboards, and similar gear, we don’t offer free demos—but we do have a great option for you. Rent the equipment at our standard rental rate, and if you decide to purchase within 30 days, we’ll credit your rental fee (up to $100) toward the purchase price.
Not sure what to try? Our team will help you choose the best option based on your goals and experience level.
Buying water sports equipment without testing is like buying a car without a test drive. You want to be sure your choice feels right and performs the way you need it to. By trying out your gear first, you can:
Avoid costly mistakes
Compare different models in real conditions
Build skills with expert guidance
Make an informed purchase decision
At Watersports West, your satisfaction is our priority.
Your safety is important to us. All test rides include:
Life jackets for every participant
Leash setup for SUPs and surfboards
Guidance on local water conditions and hazards
Ready to take the next step toward finding the perfect water sports gear? Booking your free test ride is simple:
Call Us: (727) 517-7000
Visit Our Store: Speak with a team member and schedule your session
Appointments are required to ensure one-on-one attention and availability of your preferred gear.
Check out our Water Sports Rentals for 24-hour and weekly options.
Need repairs or upgrades? Visit our Repair & Customization Shop.