The Rowing Dock ROCKS!
You are greeted by friendly Austin people - doesn't matter your experience level, they will be happy to help you with whatever type of boating you are interested in.
They have a wonderful variety of boats - check out their website for all that is offered...
They provide ""curbside"" service - meaning, they get your boat for you, they steady the boat for you while you and the boaters get on... and they do the same when you return.
They help you every step of the way: as though they want you to have as much of an awesome experience with getting/returning your boat as you will have once you're on the water!
It's so simple: you go to the dock and give them your ID and pay them for the 1st hour - cash or local check (I pre-write my check for 1 hour's worth). They walk you through the rest, including providing your push-off if you want.
If you're with children, paddling close to the sides of the lake provides wildlife fun: look for turtles, birds, swans, etc. We've paddled so close to turtles my son can reach and touch them before they go in the water! The sides also provide respite from paddling against challenging winds (if it's windy) and shade on hot sunny days.
The only drawback is that it's somewhat far from Neff's Point (the entry to cove that leads to Barton Springs). If this area is your destination, plan for 2 hours or plan to paddle hard. Our 1-hour adventure brought us about 1/2 way, but we had a blast with all the areas of low-hanging trees branches and so many turtles! If you don't have Neff's Point as your specific destination or if you plan for more than 1 hour's rental, then there's no question: rent from here!
The boats also rock: if you have a children and/or want to be less wet in a kayak, request the ""sit-in"" variety vs. the kind that you ""sit on top."" Both of their varieties have back rests (so nice) vs. the type that don't have backrests (Ocean Kayaks - but better abdominal workout). The Sit-In kayak had the most comfortable seat I've been on in a boat... more than 1 hour would be really really easy.
The staff makes this place 4-stars for sure - if this place was closer to Neff's Point, I'd give it 5 stars...
Recipe for fun:
Go to the Rowing Dock: Give ID and $, get lifejacket, get into boat, and have fun on Lady Bird Lake.
Check out their website for frequent boater program discounts, rowing classes... and check out the variety of boats they have!
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