Welcome to River Sports Store, your trusted partner for premium water sports adventures. We’re dedicated to ensuring your journey—from order to delivery and beyond—is as smooth as gliding on a calm lake. This policy outlines how we get your gear to you and our commitment to your satisfaction if your purchase isn’t perfect.

Shipping Information

We ship globally to fuel adventures worldwide (exclusions apply for some remote regions and parts of Asia). Our goal is to get your gear to you reliably and efficiently.

Order Processing & Delivery Timelines

  • Order Processing: All orders are processed within 1-2 business days after payment confirmation.
  • Shipping Methods & Timelines: Once your order ships, please refer to the estimated delivery windows below.
Shipping Method Cost Carrier Estimated Delivery Time
(After Shipment)		 Best For
Standard Shipping $12.95 DHL or FedEx 10-15 business days Faster, tracked delivery for kayaks, pedal drives, and essential gear.
Free Shipping FREE on orders over $50 EMS 15-25 business days Economical delivery for apparel, accessories, and smaller items.

Please Note: Delivery times are estimates and can be affected by customs clearance, holidays, or unforeseen carrier delays. You will receive a tracking number via email once your order ships.

Our Returns & Exchanges Promise

Adventure flows with every paddle—and every confident purchase. We stand behind the quality of every Hobie kayak, custom sail, paddle, and piece of gear we sell. If something isn’t right, our straightforward process is here to help.

Quick Policy 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.

Eligibility & Non-Returnable Items

To be eligible for a return or exchange, the item must meet the conditions above, and you must initiate the request within the 15-day window.

For 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. Report any defects or shipping errors immediately.

Step-by-Step Return or Exchange Process

Follow these simple steps to initiate a return or exchange:

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: “Return Request: [Your Order Number]”

Please include your order number, the item(s) you wish to return, the reason, and your preferred resolution (refund or exchange). Our team will respond with your RMA number and detailed instructions.

Step 2: Ship the Item Back

Once you have your RMA number:

  • Securely repack the item in its original packaging with all accessories.
  • Clearly write the RMA number on the outside of the box.
  • Ship the package to our returns address using a trackable and insured service.

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

Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility, unless the return is due to our error (e.g., wrong or defective item). Original shipping fees are non-refundable for change-of-mind returns.

Step 3: Inspection & Resolution

Once your return arrives at our warehouse:

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

Refunds, Credits & Exchanges

Refunds & Timing

  • Processing: Refunds are processed within 5-10 business days after we receive and approve your return.
  • Method: Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for the purchase (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or PayPal).
  • Appearance: The total time for funds to appear in your account depends on your financial institution but is typically within one billing cycle.

Exchanges

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

  • Follow the same 3-step process to return the original item.
  • In your request email, clearly state the product you wish to exchange for.
  • 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 shipping, 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. Now, get out on the water!