Adventure flows with every paddle—and every confident purchase.

At River Sports Store, we’re passionate about equipping water sports enthusiasts worldwide with premium gear for their next adventure. We stand behind the quality of every kayak, sail, accessory, and piece of gear we sell. If your purchase isn’t perfect for your needs, our straightforward returns and exchanges process is here to help.

Quick Summary:
  • Return Window: 15 days from the date you receive your item.
  • Condition: Items must be unused, in original packaging, with all tags and accessories.
  • Process: Contact us for an RMA → Ship the item → Receive refund or exchange.
  • Refund Time: 5-10 business days after we receive and inspect the return.

Our Returns & Exchanges Policy

We want you to be completely satisfied with your gear from River Sports Store. Our policy is designed to be as smooth and reliable as a Hobie® pedal drive.

Eligibility for Returns & Exchanges

  • You have 15 days from the date you receive the item to initiate a return or exchange.
  • The item must be unused, in its original condition, and in the original packaging (including all protective wraps, boxes, and accessories).
  • Proof of purchase (order number) is required.

Non-Returnable Items

To ensure safety, hygiene, and compliance with manufacturer policies, the following items cannot be returned or exchanged unless they arrive defective or damaged:

  • Custom Sail Loft Products: Sails and accessories made to your custom specifications.
  • Hobie Sails & Specific Hobie Accessories: Special-order or proprietary items marked as final sale.
  • Opened or Used Safety Gear: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) where the hygiene seal is broken.
  • Clearance or Final Sale Items: Any product explicitly marked as “Final Sale” or “Non-Returnable.”

Please inspect all gear carefully upon arrival. If you receive a defective or incorrect item, contact us immediately at [email protected].

Step-by-Step Return or Exchange Process

Step 1: Contact Us for Authorization (Within 15 Days)

Before shipping anything back, please contact our customer service team to request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. This ensures your return is processed quickly and correctly.

Email us at: [email protected]

Use the subject line: “Return Request: [Your Order Number]” and include the details outlined in the template below.

— Return/Exchange Request Template — Subject: Return Request: [Your Order Number] Hello River Sports Store Team, I would like to request a return/exchange for an item from my order. – Order Number: [Please insert] – Name: [Your Full Name] – Item(s) for Return/Exchange: [Product Name, e.g., “Hobie MirageDrive 180”] – Reason for Return/Exchange: [e.g., Incorrect size, changed mind, defective part] – Preferred Resolution: [Refund to original payment method / Exchange for: (specific product)] I confirm the item is unused and in its original packaging with all accessories. Please provide the RMA number and return shipping instructions. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number – Optional] —————————————-

Step 2: Ship the Item Back

Once you receive your RMA number and instructions:

  1. Securely repack the item in its original packaging.
  2. Clearly write the RMA number on the outside of the box.
  3. Ship the package to the address we provide. We recommend using a trackable and insured shipping service.
  4. Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility, unless the return is due to our error (wrong or defective item).

Our Return Address:
River Sports Store – Returns
1237 Wines Lane
Houston, TX 77002, USA

Step 3: Inspection & Resolution

Once we receive your return at our warehouse:

  • Our team will inspect the item to ensure it meets our return conditions.
  • Upon approval, we will process your requested resolution.

Refunds & Credits

Timing

  • Refunds are processed within 5-10 business days after we receive and approve your return.
  • The total time for the funds to appear in your account depends on your financial institution but is typically within one billing cycle.

Method

  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for the purchase (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or PayPal).
  • For PayPal payments, the refund will go directly back to your PayPal account.
  • Store credit or exchange for another product can be arranged per your request.

Note: Original shipping fees are non-refundable for change-of-mind returns. Duties and taxes for international orders may be refunded according to the laws of your country.

Exchanges

Need a different size, color, or model? We happily process exchanges for in-stock items.

  1. Follow the same process to return the original item.
  2. In your request email, clearly state the product you wish to exchange for.
  3. Once the return is approved, we will ship the new item. Any price difference and additional shipping costs will be calculated and charged or refunded accordingly.

Need Help? We’re Here for You.

Our enthusiast-focused team is ready to assist with your return or exchange and answer any questions.

Email: [email protected]
Website: hobiesportsworld.com
Address: River Sports Store, 1237 Wines Lane, Houston, TX 77002, USA.

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours.

Thank you for being part of our global community of paddlers and anglers.