MILTON — Santa Rosa County residents can rent water craft at Power Up Watersports starting Saturday.
The business — located at the Milton Marina on Quinn Street — offers a selection of rentals including pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards and personal water craft.
Mark Broome, who also owns Power Up’s Destin location, decided to open the rental business along the Blackwater River.
WATCH: Mark Broome talk about his business about to open at the Milton Marina>
“We thought we would give it a try and it seems like a good opportunity,” Broome said. “This is a good way to get out on the river.”
Broome said he was surprised by the number of vessels moving along the Santa Rosa County waterway, adding the Blackwater River’s tranquil atmosphere is a change from Destin’s beaches.
GALLERY: Photos of Power Up Watersports in Milton>
“There is a laid back feel and a peacefulness to the river,” he said.
Prices vary depending on the water craft and the time wanted, which can range anywhere from one to eight hours on a personal water craft or four to eight hours on a pontoon.
Part of the rental business includes shaved ice, which will be available during regular business hours.
In anticipation of the city’s potential plans to further expand the marina and, depending on the new location’s success, Broome said he could add more selections to the rental fleet, including smaller vessels for area fishing enthusiasts, paddle boats and even a ‘Flyboard,’ a popular item available at the Destin location. Broome said he’s researching safety precautions before he can make the water-powered hovering device available in Milton.
Renters must be at least 18 years old, and a Florida Boating ID card is required for boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to use pontoons or the personal water craft.
The business offers a test for $3 to get the required, state ID card, Broome said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Power Up Watersports opens Saturday in Milton (VIDEO, PHOTOS)