Who insures it · 3 named markets · read 2026-10-28

Who insures surf and kayak outfitters?

Surf and kayak outfitters is a risk most standard carriers decline on sight. The markets below say in their own published appetite or program pages that they write it; each line links to that page with the date it was read.

3 markets publicly write surf and kayak outfitters: K&K Insurance Group, XINSURANCE (Evolution Insurance Brokers), Prime Insurance Company. 1 MGA, 1 wholesaler, 1 E&S carrier. 2 through surplus lines.

By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker

The markets

Who says they write it

From each market's own appetite, product or program page (or a trade article quoting it), read on the date shown. Appetites change: the linked page controls. A market listed here isn't necessarily one this agency is appointed with; a licensed broker reaches most of them directly or through a wholesaler.

Market	What they say they write	Where	Paper	Source
K&K Insurance Group MGA	Outfitters and Guides (limited operations, gross receipts under a stated threshold; large operations program also offered): canoeing, kayaking, kayak/canoe rentals, paddleboarding/SUP, paddling schools, surfing, windsurfing, non-motorized watercraft/tube rental-only operations, guided Class I-III rivers, flatwater and sea kayaking; eligibility page also lists kayak/canoe/raft/tube/paddle and surf “K&K's insurance for outfitters and guides includes a range of guided operations, including canoeing, kayaking,”	licensed insurance producer in all states; coverage may not be available to all applicants in all states	not stated	kandkinsurance.com · read 2026-10-28
XINSURANCE (Evolution Insurance Brokers) Wholesaler	Water sports insurance for businesses involved with water sports or rentals; activities named include rentals, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, kitesurfing/kiteboarding, windsurfing, white water rafting, parasailing, tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, eFoils. Site: 'an excess and surplus lines insurance brokerage' “We offer water sports insurance solutions to businesses involved with water sports or rentals”	not stated	Surplus lines	xinsurance.com · read 2026-10-28
Prime Insurance Company E&S carrier	Specialty liability for water sports businesses and water sports rental companies; activity list includes 'kayaking and canoeing' and 'rafting and whitewater rafting'; equipment rental liability; commercial auto in most states “We can write specialty liability insurance policies for water sports-related businesses all across the United States.”	all 50 states (page: 'all across the United States'; 'writes E&S business in all 50 states')	Surplus lines	primeis.com · read 2026-10-28

Six markets. K&K and XINSURANCE verified by the research agent; Granite (river outfitters), Prime (water sports) and Sadler (kayaking, surfing) verified by the lead agent on 2026-10-28. Granite describes itself as an independent agency with adventure-industry programs and is listed as a program administrator for consistency with its other entries. PHLY's Guides & Outfitters page says 'Any Guided Recreational Activity Will be Considered' but names only hunting, boating, fishing, hiking, biking and photography tours, so it is not listed. Whims Insurance/Leavitt (paddle sport, WA/CA) is a retail

How surf and kayak outfitters gets placed

Standard markets first where any will look at it; when they won't, the placement goes through surplus lines, where a licensed surplus lines broker places it with an eligible non-admitted insurer and files the state's surplus lines tax and stamping forms. In California, risks on the Department of Insurance export list can go to surplus lines without the usual diligent search of admitted carriers. Surplus lines policies aren't backed by a state guaranty fund, so the insurer's financial rating matters more.

What an underwriter will want before quoting: a full description of the operation, years in business and the owners' experience, revenue or payroll, loss runs (five years where available, currently valued), the contracts or venue requirements that set the limits, and photos or safety plans where the hazard is physical.

I'm licensed in 49 states and Washington, DC and your request stays with my agency, not passed to another agent. In Florida, where my licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime.

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