Small-business owner Matt Gardner wants to get the word out that he recently reopened his two recreational equipment spots – Cheap Rentals at 3680 Mission Blvd. and Mission Beach Rentals at Belmont Park at 3136 Mission Blvd.

“This is not just an opening in our business/economy, but a way for people to get out of the house and have some fun around the beach,” said Gardner, who is currently president of Mission Beach Town Council.

Gardner has reopened with social distancing and all the other proper health protocols in place in hopes he said of “restoring consumer confidence.”

Since being allowed to reopen, Gardner estimates he’s been operating at about 30% of usual capacity, with hopes of volume improving as we turn the corner into summer.

The recreational rental-equipment owner said he was a little disappointed the City opted not to reopen the boardwalks for Memorial Day, while noting the City “wanted to but didn’t feel it could handle the large crowds during the opening Memorial Day weekend of summer.”

Added Gardner, “I’ve been getting about 20 calls a day asking, ‘Is the boardwalk open yet?’”

Gardner said his business model has “definitely changed” due to the pandemic.

“We’ve got our six-foot distancing markers out,” he said. “We’ve also upgraded to a no-touch payment policy using credit cards, as well as wiping down all our equipment rentals every time when they come in and go out with sterilizing wipes. And, of course, we wear masks.”

Gardner’s also got something new in the works.

“We’re in the process of purchasing a delivery van to allow for both drop-off and pick-up of our equipment at least a day in advance,” he said adding, “We’ve also been doing free bike repairs, except for the cost of parts, for the neighborhood in Mission Beach as a way of giving back to the community. It’s definitely an investment in goodwill.”

For more information call Cheap Rentals at 858-488-9070, Mission Beach Rentals at Belmont Park at 858-488-9070, or visit missionbeachsurfrentals.com.