WRO COVID-19 Policies

Updated November 24, 2020

See our Cancellation Policy

 NO Contact Canoe Rentals

In order to maintain social distancing for staff and customers we have implemented the following process to secure canoe and kayak rentals until further notice:

  • Our planned opening date is May 21, 2021. This may change based on local conditions regarding COVID-19.
  • Trips must be booked online/over the phone – at this point we are not accepting walk-in reservations on Saturdays.
  • We’ve limited the number of trips available for 2021.
  • Your group must complete e-waivers PRIOR to your trip. It will be the responsibility of each participant to see our safety video, read the waiver and electronically sign the waiver. If the waiver is not signed by the day of the trip, you will receive a credit for boats not used – there is NO option to sign the waiver once you’ve arrived on-site. Directions for e-waivers will be in your emailed trip confirmation – ask your group leader.
  • Transportation (download the pdf version) – if your group will have more than 1 vehicle, you will be responsible for doing your own transportation. Our objective is to reduce human contact with people and your gear.
    • Drive directly to your starting point put-in. On Friday and Saturday in July and August, your boats should be waiting for you, minus paddles and vests. Can’t believe we need to say this, but DO NOT take more boats that you’ve paid for…you just took someone else’s boat if you do that.
    • Drop off ALL people and gear.
    • Drivers ONLY, drive directly to the Boscobel boat landing and park vehicles, except one.
    • Call our shop, 608.375.5300, to let us know you’re at the Boscobel boat landing and en route to the shop at 715 Wisconsin Ave.
    • We’ll have any additional gear you rented/purchased (dry bags, firewood, seat backs, etc) and your vests and paddles ready.
    • You’ll pick those items up and then head upriver to your put-in/group.
    • At the conclusion of your trip you’ll return to the put-in to pickup the remaining shuttle vehicle.

If you are renting only one canoe/2 kayaks and only have one vehicle, please contact us regarding the transport procedure.  You will be REQUIRED to wear a face mask in our van and at our shop, please come prepared to do so.  We will do our best to maintain social distancing in our vans, but it may not be possible.

WRO Transport Process Cleaning and Maintenance of Gear and Vehicles

In these extraordinary times we’ve gone to great lengths to protect customers and staff. Here are the highlights of what we’re doing to protect you.

  • Hand sanitizer is available at the shop and in vans.
  • Vans are disinfected after each run and deep cleaned each evening.
  • All boats are wetted with a water/bleach solution as well as air dried and exposed to the sun.
  • Life jackets are bleach dipped and air and sun light dried and are “rested” for at least 3 days between use.
  • Paddles have a water/bleach bath after use and then air dried and exposed to the sun.

 What We Ask of You

  • Stay home if you are feeling sick or have a fever
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • If you are at higher risk for severe illness, you should avoid weekends (people at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions)
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Use hand sanitizer, and as soon as you can, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

We will continue to update this information as the State of Wisconsin and CDC update their guidelines.