# PADL — user reviews > 105 indexed App Store user reviews of PADL by PADL Holdings LLC, rated 3.70/5 from 79 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/padl/id1356699642/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/padl/id1356699642.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 47 · 4★ 3 · 3★ 5 · 2★ 3 · 1★ 21 ## What do users think of PADL? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🚀 Quick and easy rental process - 👍 Convenient access to water activities without equipment ownership - 🌟 High-quality, stable, and well-maintained boards - 💰 Affordable membership plans with good value - 🗺️ Multiple locations across Florida - 📱 Intuitive app interface when working properly - 🏖️ Spontaneous water access without transport hassle - 🎯 Responsive customer service (when contacted) - ⚡ Fast unlock and rental initiation **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes and connectivity issues - 🔐 Requires credit card storage in app (no digital wallet support) - 💳 Aggressive billing practices with no partial hour increments - 📵 App fails to load or connect to stations - 🚫 Inability to rent multiple boards per account - ⏰ Billing continues after board return if app not manually closed - 🔒 Difficulty canceling membership and persistent unauthorized charges - 📍 Inaccurate board availability display - 🤝 Poor customer service responsiveness via email/chat - ⚠️ Equipment quality inconsistencies (unstable kayaks, damaged boards) - 💸 Expensive hourly rates despite membership options - 🔧 Unlock/lock system frequently malfunctions - 🚪 Inaccessible stations (private resort locations) - 📱 Pricing not displayed before account creation **Commonly reported bugs** - App fails to load or shows splash screen indefinitely - Account creation errors and sign-up failures - App crashes during rental completion - Board unlock system malfunctions - Board lock system fails to register return - Incorrect board availability count displayed - Rental timer continues after physical return - Referral code not applied during signup - Double charging for single rentals - Automatic recurring charges without consent - App disconnects from board mid-rental - Station disappears from map after initiating rental - Paddle unlock mechanism difficult or impossible - App doesn't show nearby stations despite being on-site - Billing system charges for failed unlock attempts **Most requested features** - Apple Pay and digital wallet integration - Partial hour billing increments (15-30 minute options) - Ability to rent multiple boards per transaction - Display pricing before requiring account creation - Automatic session end when board is physically returned - Direct phone support instead of email-only - Clearer in-app instructions for first-time users - Referral code functionality that actually works - Life jacket inclusion information - One-month membership option (not just annual) - Membership renewal notifications and invoice history - Replace unstable kayaks with Ocean Kayak Malibu models - Gift rental options for friends - Daily rental rates as alternative to membership ## Newest reviews (10 of 105) ### 3/5 — They could have a 5 star review if they made these changes *2025-07-26, version 3.0.19* Good app, and qr code renting system, it is responsive and does things flawlessly. However, I used their kayak once and never used them again because they were super unstable and would almost turn upside down at minimum movement. If they would change all their Kayaks and SUP boards (the later nobody ever uses) their kayaks would all be “sold out”(rented out). The kayaking experience with the Ocean Kayak Malibu is at a totally different level. I am almost 100% sure their business would be booming if they change all their kayaks and sup for Ocean Kayak Malibu, likes the ones from Oletta Park. Well, back to my Oletta kayaking experience (5 star) ### 3/5 — Innovative Idea, but Flawed App and Support *2025-04-04, version 3.0.18* I appreciate PADL’s innovative approach to making paddleboarding more accessible across Florida. However, my experience with their app and customer service has been frustrating. The system for unlocking and locking boards via smartphone often malfunctions, with board codes frequently failing to register, making it difficult to secure the equipment. My friends have encountered similar issues, which makes for a stressful situations, specially when you are trying to return the board. Additionally, when I first signed up, the app was glitchy and failed to accept my referral code, but took my registration anyways (resulting in neither my friend nor I receiving the intended bonuses or discounts for the referral). Attempts to reach customer service through the in-app chat and support system have been unsuccessful, as messages go unanswered and there is no clear way to contact someone for immediate assistance. Despite all these issues, I believe PADL has great potential and hope they address these technical and customer service issues to enhance the user experience. ### 2/5 — Good business, absolute money ripoff for customers *2025-02-27, version 3.0.17* While it’s convenient to rent a board on the spot at the rate 25$/hour, which is already expensive, there is no option for time increments by 15 min or even 30 min, so if you don’t return the board on the station at the exact time or sooner, your account gets charged immediately by additional 25$ even if you are late only a few min. In addition it takes quite a few minutes to take a very heavy board to the water to lunch and then bring it back, so you really get much less time then an hour to actually use it, especially if you don’t have your phone handy right the way when you return the board, bc you need to be right in front of the board already installed back on the base when finishing rental on the app, and fingers crossed you don’t forget to go back on the app to finish rental bc it doesn’t stop time automatically once board is returned. ### 1/5 — never works *2024-12-31, version 3.0.16* awful ### 1/5 — It doesn’t work *2024-10-27, version 3.0.16* It doesn’t work when I need it the most, it just shows the splash screen with the logo and nothing else happens after that. I call support and they mostly say that it’s my fault ### 1/5 — Automatically *2024-09-30, version 3.0.16* I only used one time and I’m getting charged automatically without my consent ### 1/5 — Do not put your info here *2024-09-20, version 3.0.16* They kept charging my credit card after I deleted it. Do not use this app. ### 1/5 — Failure to meet billing standards. *2024-07-05, version 1.9* This app will charge you $50.00 for an hour and eighteen minutes. It does NOT concern itself with partial $25.00 installments as you might expect given the advent of technology today. I enjoyed my ride, but I won't be going back; I can find other ways to enjoy the water without counting in my head. I'd say that's not a great situation for this company. ### 1/5 — App does not work *2024-04-05, version 1.9* Tried to rent a PADL board in Bill Baggs state park in Key Biscayne Florida. First the app said there were only 3 available when there were 8 in the rack. Then I got kicked out of the app. Then the whole station was gone from the map. Called the phone number on the side of the station and a woman answered but was no help. Said she would get someone to call me but no one ever called back. Complete waste of time. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t connect *2024-03-20, version 1.9* App doesn’t connect ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — app doesn’t work *2026-08-03, version 5.0.7* I have tried logging into this app multiple times and I never can get in. I’ve tried on separate days. Still cannot get in. what gives. ### 1/5 — Not worth it *2026-07-25, version 5.0.7* Too expensive and not prorated. If you go past an hour it charges for 2. Ridiculous ### 1/5 — Do not use this app *2026-03-08, version 5.0.7* I made a reservation, paid in advance, showed up an there are no kayaks available. I called the phone number while waiting and she let me know it’s a self serve so if someone gets here and rents your kayak, oh well. What a joke. ### 1/5 — App doesn’t work *2026-02-16, version 5.0.7* It won’t let me make an account and it won’t show me the rentals that I’m standing right next to. ### 1/5 — Horrible *2026-01-21, version 5.0.7* Signing in is a nightmare ### 1/5 — 1st time user *2025-12-28, version 5.0.7* 4 attempts and unable to connect to board. ### 1/5 — App does not open *2025-11-09, version 5.0.1* The app does not load for me ### 1/5 — Can’t even sign up *2025-09-25, version 3.0.19* I went to the sign up page and tried to sign up with email. When I finished it gave me two types of errors, so then I went to sign up with apple. When I tried, it said “user not found,” even though I’m specifically in the sign UP page, not in. ### 1/5 — Errors *2025-05-26, version 3.0.19* The reservation numbers wouldn’t work, had to rent separately on site incurring duplicated charges. then one board wouldn’t return- so added hours after they were all physically returned. ### 1/5 — scam scam scam *2025-03-04, version 3.0.17* kayak literally had a hole in it and was sinking. had to swim back 3 miles with it lol if someone who isn’t a good swimmer on that or there were sharks or gators death is possible. also the amount of money you pay is ridiculous too. don’t buy from these people invest in your own kayak!!!! ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Excellent thus far *2026-06-20, version 5.0.7* Able to log in, watch videos looking good. ### 5/5 — Easy and Beautiful *2025-09-09, version 3.0.19* Great idea and easy to rent! Love it ### 5/5 — The best investment for your health *2025-05-22, version 3.0.19* Get the monthly plans and you’ll see it’s the best deal in town if you want to paddle as much as you want. A lot of locations and you’re able to go on a whim without a worry about spending more or loading up and setting up a board. It’s just ready and now it’s a part of our daily family life. Could not be happier with the service and model. ### 5/5 — Solid service *2025-05-03, version 3.0.18* Rental went great, but had some trouble with the pre booking process and had to rent a second time on site. Contacted PADL service and they took care of the situation promptly and to my satisfaction. Accidents happen, possibly even a user error, making it right says a lot. Thank you. ### 5/5 — Fun and easy to use *2024-06-07, version 1.9* Fun and easy to use. Just can be challenging in areas where there’s not much signal. ### 5/5 — Very great opportunity and must try *2024-06-03, version 1.9* Hint the board will unlock so you can take it out for what amount of time you wish to rent. But note open the app to return the board so it will lock up. ### 5/5 — Water Adventures Made Easy *2024-06-03, version 1.9* Loved finding this app! I rented 4 board to enjoy a girls day on the water the rental was easy and the boards were great! The returns were a little difficult for shorter people but having extra hands helped. Will definitely look for other locations to explore more areas on the water! ### 5/5 — Not sure why it doesn’t have 5 stars. *2024-06-03, version 1.9* What a truly amazing gift this is to my community. I love just being able to go out to the water picking up my board or kayak and having not just great exercise, but having the ability to enjoy nature in the best way possible. Paddle makes it easy. Paddle makes it fun. One of the best things the city has to offer fr. Five stars forever. ### 5/5 — Best way to (not) own a paddle board! *2024-03-18, version 1.9* I live in Key Biscayne (just over the Rickenbacker Bridge from downtown Miami) and having my Padl subscription is awesome. Some friends of mine bought their own paddle boards and they never use them because of the hassle of transporting the boards and equipment from their condo. Meanwhile I get to watch for beautiful weather and then just walk to the beach and hop on a board for an hour, then go right back to whatever I was doing whether it was work or family events. Also when I have friends at the beach I can unlock 2 or 3 boards and just pay like $10 and we all are instantly paddle boarding. Honestly it just doesn’t make sense to me to own a board now that I have Padl! ### 5/5 — PADL is fun and easy to use! Great for the whole family! *2024-03-16, version 1.9* Our family loves using PADL! We rent frequently from Virginia Key Beach. So fun, easy to use and well priced! Highly recommend for locals and tourists! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-21.*