Riverwalk Rentals

STORY BY JOE JANCSURAK PHOTOS BY RIVERWALK RENTALS

Long known for its riverwalk trail, fishing pier and playground, the Belville Riverwalk Park now provides water enthusiasts with easy access to kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and fishing equipment with the recent opening of Riverwalk Rentals.

With hours on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 6 pm, owner and Leland resident Mario Barron and his assistant Eliaz Brown are ready to rent kayaks, both single and tandem; fishing equipment and accessories; and paddle boats by the hour or the day.

“I’ve always enjoyed being on the water and I want to share my love of the water with the community,” says Barron, a 31-year-old married father of two who grew up in Ocean Isle Beach and now works as a construction manager for Brunswick County. “Growing up, I was constantly kayaking, surfing, boating and fishing. For me, being on the water and immersing myself in that environment provides me with a sense of peace and calmness.”

Spoken like a true veteran water enthusiast. But what about the novice who’s nervous about getting a boat in and out of the water? “With us there to help, everyone can easily the experience the stress-free fun part of being on the water. Leland and the surrounding area are growing fast and with that comes certain growing pains such as traffic and congestion. We’re here to offer our community a means by which they can disconnect from everyday stressors, unplug for a few hours and enjoy the natural surroundings of our area, without the boat traffic that’s a huge part of the Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach experience.”

Barron added, “We do rent fishing gear. It is $10 for half day $20 all day. We have them rigged up with popping corks but you can rig it how you want. The rental of fishing gear comes with additional tackle and soft baits. You can bring your own gear or bait if you would like. We will have classes to allow people who have not fished to understand the basics of rigging and technique.

Looking for a guided tour? “We do guided tours for just paddling and we do some with fishing,” Barron said. “Both are on the weekends. The times vary depending on conditions and tide. We will launch from different areas with the tours. Some in Wrightsville and Carolina Beach. To help people explore different water areas. We will meet and shuttle to launch locations.”

Barron, who also owns a food truck and a commercial cleaning business, knows the importance of daily preparation. “I want customers to know that we take pride in the condition of our equipment the close attention we pay to weather conditions, tides, etc., enabling us to know when and where to go,” he said. “Having a plan enables our customers to have worry-free fun on the water. That brings us joy.”

So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to recharge and reconnect with nature, check out Riverwalk Rentals at the Bellville Riverwalk Park. For more information, call 910-269-8248; email riverwalkrentals@gmail.com; or visit www.rentatriverwalk.com

We do rent fishing Gear it is 10.00 for half Day 20.00 all day. We have them rigged up with popping corks but you can rig it how you want. The rental of fishing gear comes with additional tackle and soft baits. You can bring your own gear or bait if you would like. We will have classes to allow people who have not fished to understand the basics of rigging and technique.

Guided Tours- We do guided tours for just paddling and we do some with fishing. Both are on the weekends. The times vary depending on conditions and tide. We will launch from different areas with the tours. Some in Wrightsville and Carolina Beach. To help people explore different water areas. We will meet and shuttle to launch locations.