I really hate posting bad reviews, but based on this experience with the owner, I wanted to let others know, and hopefully she'll change policies to prevent future scenarios like this. Had 2 SUP full day rentals scheduled for one of our vacation days in the area. At about 10:00 am we got a call asking when we would be there. Our full day was from 9:30am-5:30pm. Since we wouldnt be on the boards all day, we were having a leisurely morning walking our dog and eating breakfast. She informed us that she would charge us 20$ per board for not being there at our pickup time. Nowhere in any communication that she had sent via email or during the order process was this stated. This was the first I heard of it. Upon getting there, I stated I was there for my rental, the woman, the owner stood up to check us in. I asked if she could wave the $40 fee and she laughed at me, saying she is too busy and showing up late messes them up. I was the only person in the store at this point. She also did not further explain what what she meant when she said it "messed them up". She seemed uninterested in explaining the policy and uninterested in my viewpoint. Rental pick up times should be clearly stated on emails if they are so important. And you would think the owner would clearly explain this rather than laugh at us. Again, I literally had no idea. She had already charged the fee prior to us arriving which I thought was weird. The rest of the interaction was very awkward and forced. She went on to make sure we knew if literally any scratches were on the boards we would fit the bill, instilling a level of fear in us that almost ruined the trip alone. To get the boards to lake Michigan they provide hand carts with a wheel to roll. They are very awkward, and she said if they touch the cement at all they would "charge us." Literally everything down at the beach is cement, so were were pretty terrified down at the beach. In addition, you are given a paddle, life jacket and ankle cord. When I asked how to carry the rest of the equipment down she shrugged, and offered no information. At this point I've given this business $130 and she's presented us with the snarkiest demeanor the entire time, and we have no idea why. If she's really that concerned about people not showing up outside the "pickup window " she should clearly put that in the communications with customers. As someone who interacts with customers for a living, I was baffled by the interaction. I gave her an opportunity to make it right, but I have not heard back and she has not removed any fees. When we got back the owner did not interact with us and an employee kindly helped us, missing any opportunity to make it right again. And honestly the fees aren't really the issue, its how we were treated. Had she nicely explained why their policies are in place, rather than laugh and fail to acknowledge our viewpoint, we probably would have been fine. I hate to write a bad review, but I also hate being treated poorly while on vacation. read more

Family owned business that has been my lifeline to surfing when away from California. I love that there is a local shop for surf, stand up paddle, and skateboarding in this neck of the woods. I bought my stand up paddle board here a few years ago as well as a trailer to carry it behind my bicycle. The carrier needed some customizing to make it fit my board, which they happily helped me with. A great part of the Empire/Sleeping Bear Dunes community! read more

This place is so rad. Everyone is so nice and cool. I didn't rent anything since I didn't know about it before my vacation. However, they were more than happy to talk with me about surfing. I ended up buying a few pieces of merch. Very cool store! read more

My roommate and I have been trying to find two surfboards for a little while now and sought out Sleeping Bear for help! We live kind of far away so all of our interactions have been over the phone and I just want to recognize the effort and accommodations that Ella has given us. It's not easy making a purchase this large when it's something you know nothing about and also something you've never seen in person. Ella, we thank you so much for your assistance and patience!! Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak, thank you for serving Northern Michigan so well! We appreciate you!! -Josie & Bryce read more

I'm a lifelong surfer from Southern California visiting on vacation here and Ella (the owner) treated me just like family! Helped me pick a good board to rent based on the conditions and even went over the wind/surf charts with me to see when would be best to paddle out! She pointed me in the perfect direction and caught some waves that were better then many of the waves I've caught in California over the past 18 years!!! Super lucky to have run into this shop on my vacation! read more

Awesome customer service, beautiful shop and lovely humans working it. Highly recommend.

We rent a SUP here every time we make it up to Empire/Glen Arbor, and there has never been an issue. They deliver the board to your house and pick it up, and it is always seamless. Also, whoever does the purchasing of clothes for the store has great taste, it is hard to leave the shop without buying a hat/shirt/jacket. Good Stuff! read more

Great instructor (Ella), nice shop, good service, easy to book, fair prices and good for different ages. Had a great time with our first surf lesson! It was chilly but the wet suits we rented were nice and warm! Not too wavy but that made it easy to learn the basics. I can't say enough about how nice and encouraging Ella is! We'll be back for sure! Great experience! read more

Sleeping Bear Surf - Great lesson even on smooth water! - Paddleboarding Near Me - Empire, Michigan

Made a kayak reservation while on vacation and it was lost. No back up plan was accommodated, and I was SOL for kayaking plans on vacation. VERY disappointing! Would NOT recommend using this kayak rental company!!!! read more

First time renting a standup paddle board and they made it quick and easy. Gently and safely strapped it fo our car and gage great advice for the newbie. Board was like new condition and price was fair. read more