Rental Process: Walk-in vs Booking Online

November 6th, 2025

We want to make your rental experience easy and pleasant while giving you all the important information for a great time in Tofino! Our shop is stocked with everything you need for a day at the beach: wetsuits, surfboards, paddleboards, boogie boards, bikes, and more. Here are your rental options and how to make the most of them.

WALK-IN RENTALS

The most common way to rent is to simply walk into our shop! We’re located on the south side of Hotel Zed. Our opening hours change throughout the year, but we’re always open from 10am to 5pm, even during the colder months.
All you need is a valid credit card for the equipment agreement.

The rental process takes about 15–30 minutes, depending on your group size and how much gear you’re renting.

What to expect when you walk in

  1. We’ll ask a few questions about what you want to rent, for how long, and how you plan to get to the beach.

  2. You’ll read and sign a liability waiver and equipment agreement.

  3. Together, we’ll find the best gear and rental duration for your surf day and take payment.

  4. We’ll get you fitted for a wetsuit and any neoprene accessories.

  5. We’ll help you strap your surfboard or paddleboard onto your vehicle.

  6. You’ll get a quick safety talk about how to care for the gear and stay safe.

  7. We’ll confirm your return time.

 

Why rent in person?

  • Access to two shorter rental options:

    • 6-hour rentals for surf gear

    • 4-hour rentals for bikes

  • The Sunset Deal — same price as a 6-hour rental, but valid from 3pm to 10am the next day

  • Your 24-hour rental starts the moment you take the gear, not at a pre-set time

 

Any downsides?

  • Gear is first-come, first-served — busy days might mean we’re out of your preferred size or board type

  • You may need to wait in line during peak times, which can eat into your beach time

ONLINE RENTALS

If you want to secure your gear ahead of time, you can pre-book online here:
Swell Tofino Rental Page

How to book online

  1. Pick your rental date and available options will appear.

  2. Select an item and choose your end date and quantity. Click Continue.

  3. Review what you’ve selected and click Add to booking to add more items.
    When ready, fill out the form below (everything with an * must be filled out). Add notes if you want specific gear. Click Continue.

  4. Choose your payment method: Gift Certificate or credit card.

  5. After payment, the required documents will pop up.

    • Every renter signs a liability waiver

    • Anyone under 19 signs a minor’s waiver

    • One adult signs the equipment agreement

  6. You’ll receive a confirmation email and another email with your rental details.

 

➡️ VIDEO: Online booking process on the Swell Tofino website

Why book online?

  • Total convenience — book, pay, and sign before you even leave home

  • Your gear is reserved and waiting, which is extremely helpful in the summer

  • You can request specific boards ahead of time

 

Any downsides?

  • Online rentals run on a fixed schedule: 10am–10am

    • Your rental begins at 10am on the start date, regardless of your pickup time, so if you arrive later in the day, you won’t get the full 24 hours

 

ALL RENTALS

  • Minors (0–18 years): A parent or guardian must complete the Minor’s Acknowledgment of Risk. If they’re not in Tofino, this can be done online ahead of time.

  • Bring a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit. We always recommend trying your wetsuit on in the shop to make sure it fits perfectly.

  • Extensions: Want to keep the gear longer? Just give us a call before your return time to extend for another 24 hours.

 

WALK-IN VS ONLINE: WHICH IS BEST?

Both options are great — it just depends on your plans:

Choose WALK-IN if…

  • You want flexible timing on your 24-hour rental

  • You need shorter rental options (6-hour, 4-hour, or Sunset Deal)

  • You prefer to see and try gear in person before committing

Choose ONLINE if…

  • You want zero stress and guaranteed gear

  • You’re visiting during the summer or long weekends

  • You want to reserve specific surfboards ahead of time

Whether you book online or walk into the shop, our team at Swell Tofino is here to help you have an unforgettable day on the water. If you have questions, want gear recommendations, or need help planning your surf day, don’t hesitate to reach out.
See you in the waves! 🌊🏄‍♀️

Lara and the Swell Team 🤙