Rowing Dock

4.6 (419 reviews)

Boating, Rafting/Kayaking, Paddleboarding

Closed • 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated a few days ago

Add Review

Call

Directions

Website

Rowing Dock Photos

Rowing Dock - Check in/out - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - Bat bridge - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - yay! - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - Canoeing with a partner is all about teamwork. - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - Clam waters perfect for beginners - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - Wow! Fun just waiting to happen - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

+314

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Rowing Dock

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos

Megan Y.

I've been to Rowing Dock twice now: once experiencing a spring rainstorm & once with perfect weather. I found this while researching places to go paddleboarding/kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and chose to go with them over competitors because their website was cute & I'm a sucker for colorful things - which their boats are! I was lucky both times and didn't have to contend with a super long line, but my tip is to please remember to sign the waiver at the table by their banner. My friend and I forgot to the first time, and it cost us some time. When it rained, we rushed back from just past the second overpass going towards downtown and staff was helpful & patient. I told the person at the counter that day I'd be back. Two weeks later, my dad agreed to join me. We lucked out in the parking lot & snagged the BEST spot! I also got treated to the PRETTIEST purple kayak! One star off because they are probably further from downtown than competitors so if you have limited time, it's not ideal for a quick skyline view.

Steffie S.

These guys are amazing! While I did not partake in this event, I watched the staff efficiently and professionally execute a "team building" event. They did a great job. I'd highly recommend them for your next excursion out on Lady Bird Lake!

Sapna S.

This was my second time renting from the rowing dock and it's always a super smooth process. It was about $48 for one single kayak ($20) and a paddle board ($25) for one hour use. I haven't tried any of the other rental places here, but I assume it's around the same price. The staff is super friendly and helpful when getting in the water. It was an exceptionally hot day, so perfect weather to be in the lake.

This is my first time and they were everyone was amazing especially Alex and Luke!!! and I love that you play Johnny Cash

Lanie L.

I took my partner to ATX for the first time so we wanted to explore Ladybird Lake! We opted for the canoe, which comfortably fits 2 people. It's $25/hr and we did 2 hours, which was more than enough time. We paddled our way towards downtown to see the skyline and enjoyed spotting many wildlife, including turtles, fishes, birds, and more. They also have options for stand-up paddle & kayaks. This is a fun and easy thing to do for a few hours to soak up the outdoors!

Courtney B.

Who doesn't love kayaking??? It's an iconic image of outdoor exploration: a kayak glides across a glassy stretch of water, its bow knifing through the mist, and its wake shimmering in reflected light. If that sort of thing calls to you, this may be your place! I came here last month with the Things for a fun day on the water. Fun Fact: The kayak has been around for centuries. It was first used by the Inuits in the Arctic regions for navigating waterways. It was a pragmatic way to hunt, fish, and transport passengers across the water. The Things and I personally enjoy this activity as it's great for enthusiasts of all levels. It can be a wonderful way to quietly discover the shallow waters at the edge of a lake or an exciting high-energy sport to race along rushing waters. Kayaking is open to everyone, requiring no previous experience for its basic form other than a passion for exploring open waters. The rental process here is easy and affordable. While no instruction is given here unless requested, it's an easy body of water to navigate. If seeking parking, I'd recommend parking in the general structure under the bridge as peaking here is extremely limited to non-existent. #bewellcentraltx

Umbrella and puppy life jacket was brought by us

Natalia R.

Parking - yes but very small lot so you need to be there at opening hours or get lucky Staff - knowledgeable and friendly. They helped us choose the right boat (kayak vs canoe) for our first trip on the lake with our puppy Supply - plenty of options and good rates Other - also have sunscreen, water, gatorade

Michelle V.

I signed up for a yoga on paddle board class Thursday night around 6:30 and it was amazing! The water is so relaxing and beautiful and it's fun to be hooked up next to the other people in class so you don't float away lol Our instructor Mj was so nice and informative! It was a great class and time out on the water.

Elite University Summer Camps - Camp Steiner Kayaking field trip!

Jere C.

Elite University Summer Camps has been working with Rowing Dock for 5+ years and we love this place as a field trip destination! Kamaryn the Manager has been so welcoming and helpful. She streamlined our check in process and the staff made our trip safe and fun for the children. Highly recommend for summer camp field trips!!!

Hailee L.

Morgan and Riley we're amazing guides for our company outing. Will definitely come back again!

Art M.

We had a great tour on Journey to the Springs with Alex! He was a very knowledgeable guide who handled our group of mixed skill kayakers well. The 2 hour tour was a leisurely paddle through some beautiful natureal areas with lots of wildlife and a stop to get out and enjoy the springs. I would definitely recommend this tour and Alex as a guide!

Jeff W.

Captain Luke is a gem. Had an amazing time with our group on the lake-river. Fantastic guide, saw some wildlife, took a dip in Brighton Springs, and learned a little something too ;) Highly recommend a paddle with Luke anytime you're out in Austin. Cheers!

Sonya D.

My friends and I decided to rent kayaks to watch the bats take flight from the famous bridge. FYI: it is 2 miles away from the kayaking location (but worth it). Just be ready for a long trip. This is a good place to rent kayaks from because it's open until 9pm. The bats don't come out until til ~8:15pm anyway so you need a kayak place that's open late. The bats took flight a little later than expected last night, so we had to kayak so fast to try to make it back in time before their 9pm closing time (or pay a late fee). One of our friends sprinted ahead and arrived at 9:02pm, and they told us that we wouldn't have to lay a late fee- even for the rest of us who were several minutes behind her! It was SO kind of them. The workers were so chill when we were apologizing for being late and told us we hoped we had the best time ever. We did! Definitely recommend this place. It's rare you find a place with good customer service where the workers are relaxed & want to give the customers a good experience.

View of the river from under the bridge.

See all

Sana A.

Elite 26

259

777

3 years ago

Favorite place to Kayak in Austin! Lines are never too long, staff is super friendly and it's a really fun experience just make sure to apply tons of sunscreen and try to go at a time where the sun isn't at its peak. Parking can be a little tricky but not impossible, just might have to walk a a little bit. They do student discounts on Wednesdays! They have a variety of rental options including single person kayak, double kayak and a 2-3 person canoe as well as SUP. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ms. N.

10 months ago

I was on a group outing on a Saturday morning and Shalie and Lailani were amazing team members. They were so helpful and considerate. I look forward to visiting again! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Marc A.

11 months ago

On July 4th Rowing dock cancelled the July 4 event due to the city cancellation of the fireworks show. After providing no services they have refused to refund my kayak rental and over 400 others rentals as well. They took in over 30000 dollars for this event and only gave customers a free daily rental credit. Which is a fraction of the cost of the 4th of July event rental costs of 112.00. They are ripping off the Citizens of Austin and the valuable guests to Austin . read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Matthew H.

Elite 26

568

507

4 years ago

Great day in the river! Just a rowing down the river! Be sure to plan for a little work to row towards the city. The views are definitely worth the extra work to get there. read more

See all

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thanks for taking the time to post a review of Rowing Dock, Matthew.…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Caroline M.

11 months ago

Morgan couldn't have been a better guide. I 1000% recommend her and this company. We went in June and the weather, temperature of the water, and people were perfect! Such an Austin staple read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jeremy D.

Elite 26

289

269

458

5 years ago

This place was pretty good! I have paddled with another company before, but I actually really enjoyed my time here at Rowing Dock. Pros: They have a little bit of everything for everyone. You can paddle board, peddle boat (yes, you read that right! You can peddle with your legs and move around with a dial), kayak, and even canoe! There's a lot of space on the lake to go around and the staff is really helpful with everything! Cons: Parking. If you go on a busy day, this place is literally so packed. We were lucky to find a space close enough to the dock. Also, a lot of people go here, so that means a long line. I've been to another company and they had basically no one at theirs (same views, same cold lake, etc). The lake did have a lot of space, BUT you definitely have to maneuver to make sure you don't hit anyone. Overall, I would comeback again, but maybe on a day not so busy. read more

See all

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thanks for taking the time to post a review and share feedback…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nadya J.

1 year ago

Kate was awesome and really helped us out when we were struggling! We didn't wait long at all off ever and I felt confident getting on and off but myself! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

David W.

Elite 26

254

765

6089

4 years ago

We got kayaks for an hour and a half, and paddled along the bank up to an old bridge. Lots of shallow rocks in that area. We saw wood ducks and other wildlife. This is a great area to kayak. Had a great time read more

Rowing Dock - There's a happy guy - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

carmen o.

1 year ago

I had such a great experience here! Owen was a big help with setting everything up, he explained everything in an easy way and it made my experience even better! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Andrew S.

1 year ago

Had a tour with Morgan and Riss. It was fantastic! They were super informative and the kayaks were a lot of fun.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Chika H.

1 year ago

Kate helped us out today to get us on the kayaks! Such a beautiful experience and I had a blast. Super safe and fun!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ian J.

1 year ago

Lots of fun exercise and team building games on the lake. Hooray for turtles! Morgan and Riley were great guides, very friendly and helpful.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Xiao Z.

Elite 26

101

514

1028

4 years ago

Super dope crew! My friend is visiting from LA, it's actually her second time visiting here and we planned to go on paddle boarding last year but by the time we got to the dock it's closed. This time we hit the spot just after 7pm. They stopped renting out after 7pm, but I asked them to do me this huge favor and promised to return the SUP before 8pm. And the crew finally allowed us in, they were just so nice of course, I do strongly suggest every customer should follow their rules! read more

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Hi there, Xiao! Thanks so much for taking the time to write us a…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rishi P.

7 months ago

had a great time at rowing doc . Taylor and riss are super awesome and they make sure you have a great time

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thank you for the review Rishi! Taylor and Riss are awesome! We're…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nick G.

1 year ago

Ris was amazing! She helped us have a great time on the river! We rented a kayak and a canoe and it was very affordable and we would definitely come back. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Charlie B.

1 year ago

Great experience! Ris and jack were very helpful and friendly despite some user error on our end. Would recommended, will come back

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gerard A.

2 years ago

Alex was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Funny as hell. Calm, fun and informative tour. I learned a bit about history too. The Barton springs fun facts were interesting. Even saw the Austinians Jump off the bridge. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tiffany L.

290

2 years ago

Had a great time. Luke H was great and knew so much about the history of the lake. He also caught a turtle.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Autumn M.

Elite 26

388

927

4 years ago

Great location on the water! You can head east toward the city or to the west and see some great houses on the hills. Everyone is always super friendly and they have events too like yoga on the dock. It's a tad more costly than another place on the water but you can't beat the staff and location! read more

Rowing Dock - Great view to the west - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Hi there, Autumn! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback about…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angele C.

1 year ago

First time in Austin from Canada and our guide Morgan was great!! Super knowledgable and fun

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

David R.

Elite 26

100

221

4 years ago

While visiting Austin, we were looking for a place to rent Kayak's and found this place nearby. No reservations are needed and we were able to just walk up Friday evening and were able to get two double kayak's and one single within a matter of minutes. This place is convenient, fast, and affordable. You can either opt for 1hr, 2hr, or all day, though you can start with 1hr and if you end up wanting it longer, you just pay for that at the end. They have a large selection of kayak's and customer service was great. read more

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thanks for posting a review, David! We are so glad you had a great…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michael Z.

1 year ago

Tour by Morgan and Riss was super awesome. Had a great, relaxing time despite never having kayaked before. Learned a lot about Austin (and Texas geology) which was a nice bonus. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kristen Y.

2 years ago

Great tour experience with Morgan! She was knowledgeable and entertaining! Recommend the guided tour, even if you're a local.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

David B.

Elite 26

883

1678

7994

6 years ago

We had a blast kayaking at the Rowing Dock. My suggestion is that you sit in the kayak on the dock before you take off. I had a Wilderness Systems kayak, but my girlfriend was given a sit upon kayak that didn't adjust well to her legs. Take an extra minute to make sure the boat is a good fit for you. We kayaked to the left, because we were interested in seeing more naturally scenic views. We were not disappointed, as we saw 30 turtles, a Great Egret, Osprey, Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Blue Jays, and many other shore birds. We kayaked all the way down to the dog park, and there was lots to explore. We rented a dry bag, but you can save a few dollars if you bring your own. read more

Rowing Dock - Great Egret and Turtles - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - 5 turtles - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thanks for taking the time to share a detailed review, David. We are…

Helpful 5

Thanks 0

Love this 4

Oh no 0

Alyssa K.

2 years ago

Morgan was great and shared a lot of fun facts! We did journey to the springs, and had a chance to swim a bit by Barton Springs. So fun learning about the history of the area. Would definitely recommend and do again! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Courtney B.

Elite 26

305

1058

3 years ago

Was given the opportunity to try out this place for kayak rental. They partnered with local organizations to give back to families in the community for a day on the water. I took my plus one and son along for the day and we had a great time. They are further down along lady bird lake but it's easy to get there and adequate parking. All the equipment seemed in good/new condition and I liked that there was less water traffic to easily get on and off the lake. Staff was all friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post a review, Courtney. We…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kayla G.

2 years ago

My family had a wonderful, fun-filled adventure at Rowing Dock! It was beautiful on Lady Bird Lake. From the natural springs to the wildlife, it was very peaceful. Side note, My husband is a history junky so having Luke as a guide was great because he was very knowledgeable about the history of Austin, Lady Bird Lake and the natural Springs! It was awesome! read more

Rowing Dock - Dad & Khloe kayaking - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mollie F.

2 years ago

Riley and Peyton were great guides and were very knowledgeable. Had so much fun on the water! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ali W.

Elite 23

386

106

5 years ago

This was my first time kayaking in Austin and Rowing Dock made it an incredible experience. Check in was a breeze on a Sunday morning around 11am. The employees were extremely helpful getting us in our kayaks and providing instructions to the kids and newbies I was with! You can pay by the hour or for the whole day. If you sign up for an hour and end up out there for 2, they'll simply just charge you for 2 hours when you check out - no worries! They also have a gravel parking lot that we were able to snag a spot in which was fantastic. Thanks Rowing Dock! read more

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thanks for posting a review and sharing detailed feedback, Ali! We…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brittney C.

5 years ago

What a fun time! Staff is friendly and makes you feel safe. Easy access and pet friendly! Parking is easy - if the lot is full you can park on the side up the road, the walk is like 1 or 2 minutes. I would suggest paying for all day so you're relaxing and not on a time schedule if that's what you're looking for. Can't wait to return! read more

See all

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thank you so much for leaving a detailed review, Brittney! We…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Bret B.

Elite 26

144

641

1576

7 years ago

The girls said they were bored and I said how about canoeing? They had a blast. Plenty of sunshine and selfies. Great day on the water. Easy in and easy out. Fair deal Nd no hassles. $35 for two person kayak and one SUP for one hour. ‍ read more

Rowing Dock - Lots of small fish in the shallows and clear H2O - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - Fun times and perfect weather - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rowing Dock - Great views of downtown - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thanks for the review, Bret.…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Shradha A.

Elite 26 All-Star

929

3475

1099

4 years ago

Friendly and helpful staff, clean and good condition kayak, convenient parking and cubbies - big fan!

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Hey, Shradha! We appreciate you taking the time to write us such a…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Diana V.

Elite 26

588

555

867

7 years ago

Exactly what you'd want. I went on a Wednesday and it wasn't crowded. Very pleasant staff, well stocked, and even cute t shirts. A must try experience in Austin Texas! read more

Rowing Dock - Cute cropped tank $20!! They have other cute shirts too - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

We are so glad you had a nice time, Diana! Thank you for sharing your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Marsha L.

2 years ago

We went on the journey to the springs and loved it! Alex was out tour guide and gave us great info on the wildlife and history of Austin. Loved it l!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

S T.

2 years ago

Riley - Awesome tour guide!! I'm 67 years old and do not know how to swim. he was very patient with me and professional. I was with my 5 daughters and we all enjoyed his tour! Would love to attend this dock again and have him as my guide Thanks Riley Sandra and her crew from Louisiana!!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Matthew B.

1 year ago

Luke was every helpful and informative and made the trip a trip to remember for the group!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Marie B.

Elite 26 All-Star

385

349

1334

7 years ago

Fair prices (just around $20 for an hour), clean & well-kept equipment, helpful & enthusiastic staff, great location... and DOG FRIENDLY! Such a fun outdoor activity and an excellent place for it... Situated in a cozy nook at the heart of the lake, around the corner from the beautiful parks, and close to some delicious eateries (lots of Food Trucks within 10min!). Just all-around awesome! Can't wait to come back!!! read more

Rowing Dock - Dog-friendly, so bring your pupper along for the ride! - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

Thank you so much for the rave review, Marie! We can't wait to have…

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Mohan R.

2 years ago

Great experience, Morgan was a great guide and our entire group had a great time. We were able to take a group of 15 to Barton springs and also take lovely picture infront of the Austin skyline. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Leo And Cristina S.

5 years ago

Had an amazing time on my pedal Kayak! Jenna at the front desk was awesome and super helpful. The whole process was super smooth, love that you can rent a dry bag too. Great time and would recommend! read more

Business owner information

Lindsay R.

We are so glad you had a great time! Thank you for sharing your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dipal S.

2 years ago

This was a great kayaking trip for all skill levels. Alex was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable, fun and patient. Highly recommend!!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Back

Page 2 of 11

2418 Stratford Dr
Austin, TX 78746
Directions
(512) 459-0999
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.rowingdock.com

Hours

What time does Rowing Dock open?

Rowing Dock opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Rowing Dock close?

Rowing Dock closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Rowing Dock take credit cards?

Yes, Rowing Dock takes credit cards.

Indoor Amenities

Does Rowing Dock allow dogs?

Yes, Rowing Dock allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Rowing Dock have bike parking?

Yes, Rowing Dock has bike parking.

Does Rowing Dock have parking?

Yes, Rowing Dock has parking options. Garage Parking, Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Rowing Dock wheelchair accessible?

No, Rowing Dock is not wheelchair accessible.

From the Business

Specialties

Rowing Dock is Austin's access to family water sports on Lady Bird Lake. We offer hourly boat rentals, group events, kayaking and stand up paddleboard lessons. Our rental fleet is full of stable, easy to maneuver kayaks, paddle boats, canoes and Stand Up Paddle Boards that are perfect for anyone and can accommodate all skill levels. We also offer customizable group events, Sunrise Yoga at The Dock, and our favorite, Full Moon Paddle, for a relaxing row under the night sky! Gather friends, family or co-workers to take pleasure in the scenic charm of Austin right from Lady Bird Lake. Our large parking lot makes it easy to get on the water and our dock attendants offer friendly service. We ensure that you, your family, and friends will have proper equipment and life jackets for your adventure. With beautiful boats and paddle boards, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a stunning location, we ensure an unforgettable outing for everyone!

History

Established in 1999.

Founded in 1999, Rowing Dock is a hidden treasure in Austin, TX. Originally developed for sculling, the dock evolved into Austin's favorite location for paddle sport rentals, renowned for its serene and crystal clear waters. Flanked by the Zilker Nature Preserve and just up the road from the city's beloved Barton Springs Pool, Rowing Dock is at once in the heart of Austin and off the beaten path. To match its beautiful setting, Rowing Dock is a pristine space with top-quality equipment and a welcoming staff. Austin's kayakers, SUP paddlers, and canoers of all skill levels flock to Rowing Dock as a cherished part of Lady Bird Lake.

Meet the Manager: Lindsay R.

Susan and Ruth purchased Rowing Dock in 2010 from a rower who was using it as a rowing facility. Susan and Ruth both were looking to do something local. They wanted to ditch the business suits and do something they were passionate about. They saw that this opportunity was just too great to pass up, so they launched Rowing Dock. Lindsay, the Manager and the team at Rowing Dock are in the business of having fun and they hope that whenever you are in the mood for some water sport adventures, you will make Rowing Dock your go-to spot!

Ask the Community - Rowing Dock

How far in advance do you need to rent a kayak?

Hi, Tori. Rowing Dock offers walk-up rentals on a first-come-first-served basis. You can head down any time we are open and we will get you out on the water. We do tend to be busiest on weekend afternoons so if you want to avoid the crowds we… Read more

View question details

View All 2 Questions

Review Highlights - Rowing Dock

“Each time I've been they're friendly and good about explaining the rules and how to's of paddle boarding.”

Mentioned in 23 reviews

You might also consider

Austin Rowing Club

4.5(276 reviews)

2.2 mi

Buyer beware. Booked this because it said "good weather…read morerequired." It was raining steadily and they still ran the tour. When I asked about it, they said they only cancel for lightning... which is not what the listing says. That's misleading, plain and simple. Even worse, they wouldn't work with us at all after the fact. No flexibility, no effort to make it right. Plenty of other kayak options in Austin... I'd go with one that's actually upfront about their policies.

Idk what the fuck the deal with Austin Rowing Club is, but are all Austin people assholes?…read more I arrived with my dog, knowing their sign literally says they are dog friendly. My friend even did her due diligence by calling ahead. When we arrived, the desk people were so nice. In fact Lauren, who we had a lovely conversation with, assisted us. Since I had my dog with me and his life vest on, we weren't sure if we needed a single or a double. I paid $25 for a double per the suggestion of the desk people. Get to the dock, one girl helps my friend out in the single. Now me? You best believe I was sober enough to not let someone speak to me the way it went down. Scene or no scene, people around or not. As soon one of the staff members assists a customer with a double, I walk over and get asked if I need a paddle board. I said "no, I'm getting a double". All of a sudden, what I thought was going be a smooth assistance on the kayak, I get confusion from the staff member, which leads to an argument on the dock. Apparently a double kayak for a single person and a dog would be soooo difficult. (It's manageable. I better be fucking JACKED for the amount of paddling I had to do) If I'm put in a single, then I'm tight squeezing it with my dog and paddling. At the time, it was just me on the dock with my dog and the girl. She starts giving me an attitude and has a tantrum. That's when I realize something ain't right. I told her to turn around, asked for her name. I had to call out her problem with me because ain't nobody, young or old should be this rude. She starts getting heated and yells at me. So I said, "you know what, what's your name? I need to speak to someone." Lo and behold her name is Rachel. "If you're looking for the manager, you're talking to her" - Rachel And I said "ok, then who's you're manager" If Rachel is the so-called the manager, all she had to do was give me her expertise. Don't get promoted to manager if you can't even be kind enough to tell me that I need an alternative. I asked if it would be better to be in a single than a double and get the difference. She said, "WHATEVER YOU'RE COMFORTABLE WITH."' A $5 difference doesn't even cover a fucking latte, so please be kind and just suggest what best suits me and my dog. She keeps calling me "ma'am", and so I just politely tell her, "you can call me Nancy. I'm not that much older than you." And she starts yelling about how she was born and raise in Austin and was taught to say "ma'am or sir". Well Rachel, your parents taught you to say "ma'am or sir", but they didn't teach you kindness. I talked to my friend about it and we weren't sure if that was some type of racist comment, but hold up. Girl, I'm born and raised in Texas too. But I can also read the room and know that how to address people. I'm guessing she don't know Houston. From the corner of my eye, I see Lauren walking on the dock and I yell "HEY. PLSSSSS Help me" And thank god Lauren was there to witness Rachel being an ASSHOLE. So you know what? I got all day and I'll wait for a supervisor to talk about Rachel any day. Cause how is Rachel a manager and yelling at me with a tantrum. She's lucky other patrons didn't take out their phone to record, because in this day and age, she would've gotten cancelled. I met Aubrea, the manager and gave her the whole spiel. Yes, I can buy my own equipment, but I'm not going to use it all the time since I don't live here. Supporting local clubs helps significantly. While everything did get settled (full refund of $25), everyone BUT Rachel was kind to me, Austin continues to disappoint me with snobby people that I've encountered.

Photos

See all

Texas Rowing Center

4.2(210 reviews)

0.4 mi•Town Lake, 78704 (South Austin)

I have never done kayaking up until this summer…read more We rented a two-seater, renting process was fast, the instructions given were clear, and an instructor helped my clumsy self into a kayak. I was terrified it would flip, but it was fine. ‍ The return was just as quick!

Always pretty easy to find parking and the workers get you out on the water pretty quickly. They…read morehold on to your stuff so you don't have to bring everything with you, and are really helpful in getting you in and out of the vehicle. Views are also always so pretty, you have the skyline on one side and lots of nature on the other.

Photos

See all

Paddle boarding

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals

4.8(599 reviews)

3.3 mi

Everyone at Live love Paddle is super friendly and helpful! Enjoyed the time with friends on the…read morewater

This was an amazing experience from start to finish. Staff was professional and friendly. Highly…read morerecommend!

Photos

Skyline at night!

Bat bridge with red light.

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals

See all

EpicSUP

4.5(71 reviews)

3.6 mi

I was reluctant to do this today as i have limited resources with me. Like a change of clothes!…read moreDanny was awesome and said your shirts will dry in This Austin Heat! He was right. I needed time to reset and this was perfect. Friendly staff, especially Daniel! Ample parking all around the lake and it's free! Do this. It will rejuvenate the heart, mind and spirit.

A nice, simple spot right on Lady Bird to rent paddleboards and kayaks…read more It's a lot more chill than Zilker. Easy check in and rental process, and they launch you straight on the water. There are lockers to put your stuff in, and they take your ID to make sure you don't run off with the board lol. It's nice that they let you launch there if you own your own kayak / paddleboard - I saw people there doing that. They have a small parking lot too. $18 per person an hour for kayaks, $22 per person an hour for paddleboards.

Photos

2012 Epicsup in Austin, Texas

Danny... kind and honest.

See all

Epicsup photoshoot by Jamisonfoto

Austin Paddle Shack

4.7(75 reviews)

2.5 mi

Awesome time! I strongly recommend it. Tour guide sam provided a lot of interesting history of the…read morelake and fun facts on the bats. I give it 10/10 for sure!! It was beautiful to be on the water at sunset too. Great way to see Austin! Payton was great too.

Paddle board Austin skyline tour? Sign me up! Did this tour…read moreover the summer and had a blast. You can choose from guided or self-guided and we opted for self-guided. We've done a few tours on Ladybird Lake with different companies and never tire of it. Austin Paddle Shack is definitely one of the better outfits around. Safety is extremely important to them. The staff want to ensure you're having a good time without any issues. My coordination is often lacking so that wasn't really anything they could help me with. Other than that, definitely recommend.

Photos

Bridge

Lady Bird Lake, kayaking

See all

Zilker Park Boat Rentals

4.2(186 reviews)

0.8 mi•Barton Hills, 78704 (South Austin)

Super welcoming staff! It was helpful that they let us know about a two for one deal before 12pm…read morewhich made for an easy and affordable family group activity. Easy to sign waiver via QR code and lockers were a bit pricy at $5. I would recommend leaving most of your belongings in the trunk if possible. Lovely way to get some fresh air on a spring day.

Weekdays are great time to come to get a great deal. Currently they had a rent one boat and get 2nd…read moreboat free promotion during the weekdays (check website). You can rent a variety of items here. They give you life jackets. I went with my elderly parents and the staff was incredibly accommodating getting them in and out of the canoes.

Photos

See all

SUP DOG

5.0(5 reviews)

1.8 mi•Downtown

Sup Dog is the best paddleboarding experience I have ever done! They delivered the boards to a…read moregroup of us on Lady Bird Lake on time. Their prices are even cheaper than rental places you have to wait in line. Fun group of guys and gals for sure! I recommend them to all my friends. They even allow dogs on the boards, and encourage it!

Completely recommend! Friendly, helpful staff. Location with good parking and super convenient to…read morethe lake. Changing areas and bathrooms on site. Awesome experience- definitely plan to return.

Photos

SUP rentals

A little light-up night paddling!

See all

SUP Yoga!

Paddle SMTX

4.8(69 reviews)

29.0 mi

Dechlan was an awesome tour guide, this was our second time going and it's always very enjoyable…read moreand fun because it's such a unique experience. You can see everything below you and change the light color, and you paddle all the way to Ivars which is a beautiful atmosphere. It's very relaxed and calm if you're looking for a fun date night or just something new to try with friends!

Came for the evening glow kayak and had a mostly disappointing experience. The paddle was pretty…read moreshort, we reached the turn around point in about 20 minutes, and you trudge through some thick greenery for a significant part of it. In total the experience was around 50 minutes, well short of the advertised 75-90m. Given we had a few older folks who required very involved help getting in and out of the kayaks, I'd imagine we weren't on the shorter end of rides Given the introduction, I expected a lot of interesting information related to the plants and wildlife in the area, but our guides were mostly just along for the ride. Overall, id strongly recommend looking elsewhere for interpretive paddle experiences in the area, especially given the price point

Photos

See all

Alamo Adventures

5.0(2 reviews)

29.1 mi

Thank you Ben for the memories. I'm looking forward to paddle and float with everyone all Summer…read morelong at your location. I appreciate you and your company you created.

I guess this is the only kayaking shop opens during winter in San Marcos. Kayaking is fun for a…read morebeginner. The water is clear and there are many turtles along the river. Ben is very nice and welcoming, his dog is cute too:) Definitely a good place to go if you are seeking something interesting:)

Photos

We love that there's no tubers on this section

Our instructors are fun people.

See all

The most comfortable boats on earth!

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

20 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Katherine A.

153

14 years ago

I happily discovered The Rowing Dock while I was looking for fun things to do in Austin during the day...We all know there are plenty of "activities" to partake in during the night hours! Anyways, my college friends were visiting and I thought paddle boarding on the lake would be perfect on a beautiful day. To begin, the line was out of this world...but we waited. And oh man, was it worth it. We had incredible customer service. All the employees were super friendly (and not to mention, ATTRACTIVE). Talk about a way to get a tan...An older woman was out there as well, she might have been the owner...and was handing out gatorades to her staff. I thought this was so nice, as working outside in the Texas heat can be totally exhausting. (I worked at a snow cone place in Austin) They helped me (and my five friends mind you) to paddle boards and apologized for the wait. But, we had never been paddle boarding before and needed some instruction. A cute, tan boy assured us it was easier than it looked and even demonstrated for us!!! We spent the next three hours paddle boarding and hangin' out in the sun. After returning at around 4:00pm, that same cute and tan boy helped us get off our paddle boards and put them away for us. All I can say is, I will definitely be returning to the rowing dock. I never write YELP reviews but thought I had to give a local business some credit for this wonderful experience! Thanks for a great day rowing dock! read more

David N.

103

320

12 years ago

Only had to wait 10 minutes before getting a kayak/paddleboard. Equipment is in decent condition. They have everything you need (Orr, life jackets, and even drinks). I like going here bc you get a nice view of downtown. If you get hot there are parts where the water is pretty shallow and you can stand knee deep. Everybody is really nice and helpful. They make splitting up payments really easy. Just have everybody put a card down and they will just deduct from how many hours when you check out. Quick and painless. Yes, there is another kayak rental place not too far from rowing dock but I have yet to be disappointed from this location to want to try any other place! read more

Ryan L.

567

125

3 years ago

Rowing Dock in Austin is the perfect spot for an amazing kayak rental experience. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing all the necessary equipment and safety instructions. Located on Lady Bird Lake, the picturesque views of the Austin skyline and nature are breathtaking. The kayaks are well-maintained and diverse, catering to all skill levels. The rates are reasonable, and you can choose hourly or full-day rentals. Paddling along the serene lake surrounded by beautiful scenery was a truly rejuvenating experience. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Lady Bird Lake with a kayak rental from Rowing Dock. It's an unforgettable adventure on the water. read more

Thomas P.

6 years ago

I am not one to complain and post a bunch of bogus comments. I only do reviews when I have a good story to tell. We had EXCELLENT service and a great time at the rowing dock. Ashlyn from the University of Texas, who is studying film, took great care of my two teen age daughters and me. We had a blast, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Thank you for having a smooth operating system Rowing Dock, and for hiring people with personality and a with a heart. We came down from North Dakota, AND WE loved it here. Thank you once again Ashlyn! Sincerely, Tom Purdy, Maleah Purdy, and Aris Purdy read more

Martha M.

2 years ago

Spectacular location and friendly staff! Paddling Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin from Rowing Dock ATX makes you feel like you're in the wilderness! Awesome birds, total nature scapes along the paddle to Red Bud Isle, nothing beats using boards from this dock and team. THX Kam and Jamie for a cold water, bright, restorative paddle today!! Martha read more

Joshua B.

3 years ago

Molly at Rowing Dock was fantastic! She smoothly handled our large paddleboard and kayak rental, was super friendly and answered all our questions. She even humored us when we asked if she would take a group photo for us. She's a professional! Highly recommend her for an efficient and friendly service. Five stars for sure! read more

Priyank S.

2 years ago

Alex was an amazing kayak tour guide for our trip to the springs in Austin! He was not only knowledgeable about the area but also kept the group entertained with his great sense of humor. We learned so much while having a fantastic time on the water. Highly recommend taking a tour with him! read more

M L.

16 years ago

i really love this place!!! my kids were there this summer for camp and absolutely LOVED it... the place is well managed,staff are great and we always have fun there!!! read more

Anthony E.

15 years ago

went here and got taken care of real quick! The attendant Kevin was very helpful and got us in paddle boat lickety-split. KUDOS TO THE ROWING DOCK! read more

Jared D.

12 years ago

My favorite Austin hangout! I've taken numerous friends there and we always have a great time. Great staff makes getting on the water quick & easy. read more

Katie M.

14 years ago

this place was awesome! our teens all paddle boarded for the first time here last week and are now hooked! a new favorite when we visit austin! read more