Rowing Dock Reviews

Super great prices 15 an hour for double kayak they are well maintained they even give you the second hour free if you are military and show your ID had a blast with my boyfriend and his family will be coming back here again ! Also very nice lovely staff

Worst experience ever. Austin Batcheller is the most unprofessional manager at the Rowing Dock and on Town lake. My friends and I tried to reason with him about rates but he was not listening at all and told us there is nothing he can do about it and ended up calling the cops on us just so he could "clock out" and go home. I will never go back to this place ever again and I suggest nobody else does either unless you want to get over charged.

We had such a blast on our kayaks that day. They did everything so quick and efficiently. It was great!

Overcrowded. Parking is terrible around the area. The staff is stiff and not helpful, and it costs way too much. There are cheaper docks out there people, use them!

Well, before I bought my own kayaks, I would rent at TRC and after doing that I feel in love with it! TRC employees are very friendly and helpful, especially when it's your first time either yakking or paddle boarding.

Great place to rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards, boats a cute little snow cone shop right outside. They do have their own parking further in from the zilker park lot, but the zilker lot is only an extra five minute walk.

Long lines in summer suggest this is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Rent by the hour, reasonable rates. No modern restrooms, porta toilets only.

Great location to get a canoe or kayak to play on the water. Prices are reasonable, people were friendly, and we had a lot of fun. Only real complaint would be the lack of a changing area.

This place allowed me to have an awesome Saturday morning adventuring. I rented a kayak and headed toward Barton Creek. It was relaxing and beautiful. You can also paddle to Red Bud Isle from here, which I hear is also wonderful. The staff were informative and helpful, and the price was very reasonable. Bring a towel, some water and a snack, and sunscreen, and have a blast!

You have some really great options here in Austin when it comes to outdoor activities. The Rowing Dock likewise has some great options when it comes to manual watercraft.
Single kayaks for 10$/hr is a steal on the river here.
15$/hr for a two-seater which is still a really good deal. I can't remember what the other prices were, but most importantly they accept credit and debit cards which can't be said for a few of the more expensive options. Besides who really carries cash anymore?

It is fun to kayak and paddle board on the lake and this place makes it easy.

Kids first time going and we had a blast! Great staff

Great location and service. Staff are friendly and helpful. I strongly recommend this place. Don't forget to carry your Id and credit card. Will go again next time I am in Austin.

These guys have a great system for making the line move fast at the beginning and end of the visit. Quality equipment, too.

This was my first time ever to kayak! I must say it was really fun and awesome. I went with my family and our kids enjoyed it. Of course my wife and I had to do most of the paddling while our two children were kicking back when they felt like it.

Two hours is a perfect amount of time to have on the choice you make. If you go within the group it seemed like they only charged us for one kayak for two doubles! Pretty awesome deal in my book.

Parking is definitely a PITA! But they do have a very small private parking lot and the rest of the parking is on the side street or by the park if you feel like hiking it there before you get your kayak on. Dogs are welcomed here.

The staff and service is great. Be sure to ask for a phone protector if you decide to take your phone. Definitely worth it so you don't get water on your phone and damage it.

Their restrooms are portajohns that are close by and were clean at the time I went. They even had a snow cone trailer close by to have one before or after you kayak.

One of the best places to rent water equipment. Every time I've been they have had no waits, plenty of choices and sometimes they don't charge you if you go over your time. They also have a great snow cone place to enjoy when you are done.

Will never return. Reservation says we can get on the water at 7pm but the other kayaks don't return until 7. Didn't get on the water until closer to eight. What a shame of this establishments failed management. There were people in line that were refused 1 for 1 swaps with others. Management days it isn't possible, a lie, when we can simply just trade out wristbands and everything is fine. Pathetic. Go to Austin Paddle Sports instead.

I bought a used board from them. The manager, Lindsay Rohler, is a fantastic worker and customer service agent. She has shown professionalism and hard work throughout the entire process. I launch from the dock next to the Rowing Dock and I watch these people work hard, in the sun, with masks on (Covid), while keeping customers safe and taken care of. I had a problem with the board I bought and she has made the repair process seamless and courteous. I am thankful there are still people in this world like these.

Had a great time kayaking on Towne Lake. They make it super easy. Just make sure you hide your valuables in your car if you're not in the main lot. They have plastic bags for your cell phone.

Great place to rent SUPs or kayaks. Easy to find and they get you in the water quickly. I thought pricing was reasonable but one hour goes quick when you are out there.

Great rental place. Bathrooms on site. Small parking lot. Would love to go again.

Great relaxing spot to get a canoe, kayak, paddle board, or paddle boat. Very cheap pricing

We frequent the Rowing Dock on a nice day, my wife and boys really enjoy getting on the water for an hour or two to break up the day.

Had a great time out on the water but we had to bring meds on the water incase of emergancy, well once i get back to dock, i forgot to take my heart meds out of the water proof bag i bought from them to use and while i was getting dryed off, rather then letting me know that i forgot it in the rentable bag, they just throw it away and told me there was nothing they could do , even when the trash can was right by them, very upsetting that they would throw away an emergency med like that and not even try to retrieve it for the customer, but over all me and my wife had a blast in the river

This place is amazing and at such a great price. Be sure to arrive before 9A on a Saturday or you ll be stuck waiting for a while until ppl decide when to return their kayak.

great customer service..everyone was nice and helpful. it was fun kayaking with the family

Not a whole lot of parking but for some casual kayaking and canoeing this is a good spot just west of Zilker park. Staff is friendly and helpful.

We had a nice time at The Rowing Dock yesterday, but while we were out on the water, someone smashed our car window, popped our trunk, and stole our belongings. We parked on the street as their official parking lot is way too small for the amount of people who come there. My husband got no help from the police, so went backto the site today to see if he could find our discarded purses. He found a whole littern-strewn encampment down the hill and found several purses and backpacks. BEWARE. DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR CAR, EVEN IN YOUR TRUNK. The only storage I saw was just open faced storage bins at the actual rental dock. I didn't see any secure lockers. I won't be back until they provide a way to lock up my valuables, unless one exists that I don't know about.

Great location by Zilker and short row to Barton Creek

This is the best place to go kayaking! They have the best prices and a varitety of kayaks. I'm a tiny person so it's nice not getting a huge kayak, I can actually turn the smaller ones. It is quite and has less traffic of kayaks. They have great views of the beautiful houses and it's just so nice. Highly recommend

Really fun, staff is flexible about returning hours. The one problem is that they didn't have a way to help customers who had difficulties going against the current.

The people are extremely nice and they even gave us water bottlers for waiting in the checkout line

Cheaper than most of the other docks around and has a friendly staff.

Really nice people working there. It s right by the nature and science center so can see that place pretty quickly then go here to cool off afterwards. It is a bit of a paddle away from the bat bridge, so give yourself about one hour to get to that bridge from this facility. They rent really nice paddle boards.

Well run, fairly organized, and low wait times. My friends and I love coming here to paddle board!

Extremely helpful and responsive staff! I emailed them for a holiday multi-day rental of kayaks and while Lindsay wasn't able to rent to me for multiple days, she quickly responded to emails after hours and gave me the names of several other nearby rental companies who could help me. That is the definition of great service and helpful staff. While I haven't actually rented any of their equipment, I imagine it would go smoothly given this interaction.

Other than having my purse stolen out of my unbroken car while my keys were left with the front desk?! My husband, 5 year old and I had a memorable day. I hate to instigate but the guy who helped check us in, knew my belongings were in the car and was not there when we checked out. Not to mention one of the girls hand was a little shaky while writing down information. I had very important and valuable items in my purse. Very upsetting. Btw the manager never got back to us with video surveillance ALL over the place especially in and around the front desk. Police was notified.

With all that said, most of the crew there was helpful and showed a lot of sympathy. We did have a great time on the lake but wished our day ended better than explaining to our daughter why people feel the need to steal someone else's hard earned belongings.

So great. They had patience and care for kids and old fat people.

First time here for a farewell for my boss. It was a blast. I recommend going against the current, so on the way back it's more relaxing.

Great place, however during our visit there were strong winds that lifted of two tent that wasn't weighed and struck two person one of them was a kid, t hgv at was bleeding. Unexpected, weather can ruin a great day and have unexpected consequence.

Plan for the day - Paddling then swim at Barton Springs then relax at Zilker Park

A great selection for a day or an hour on the lake. They rent everything from paddle boards to canoes and kayaks. They are very affordable for their rentals and very helpful for anyone trying something new.
I recommend this place very highly!

Very easy location to find and very convenient. The rules are as simple as they get for safety but not all the employees instruct you on them properly. I hear different things every time. It's actually funny. Definitely keeps me coming back every year because the prices are reasonable!

Don't know about other options but this specific one was great
Fairly easy parking
Fast service, great kaiaks and great location where you can dive into the river too
It was hot so remember to get your sun screen

Had such a great time with my boyfriend! Only $20 to kayak around on the lake. Very relaxing, we fell asleep on the kayak lol! The employers were chill and very strict on the mask requirements! Love it! Keeping everyone safe. Also it s kid and pet friendly!

First time canoeing and took my wife and little brother and I have to say I had a blast, I brought along my little brother who's practically and ox and my wife didn't really have to do much. Met my other brother on the water and raced to about two bridges down and back all within an hour. Cost me 30 bucks for the canoe rental. It was a great experience and definitely will be back.

We were greeted by a fairly long line but it definitely went quick. They have water, dry bags, cubbies and decent rentals. The staff was nice & patient especially with the kiddo in our group.

This is the second time I visited Austin and I wanted to try some outdoor activities near downtown Austin. The Rowing Dock provides kayaking for people to enjoy the beautiful scene of Colorado River. The staffs are friendly and walked through the process within details. My family and I did enjoy the kayaking. Of course the prices is a great deal. If you want to visit Austin, don't forget to stop by the Rowing Dock for a wonderful kayaking experience.

The service was great. Beautiful scenery. Nice experience first time canoeing.

Had a great time with all my family, in laws and friends. They have enough kayaks and double kayaks for everybody. The people is friendly and the service is quick.

Great way to spend a couple hours on the water and not have to own your own kayak.

One of the best kayaking in Texas. Perfect view near river, helpful staff and cheap prices made my experience wonderful. Coming back!

That girl at the front desk was so rude she skipped us ..and gave us fake name so we would not reported her with the manager...rude people

Perfect thing to do with friends or family. Makes for a super cheap date. Amazing view and nice way to catch a tan! Staff are friendly and helpful if it's your first time.

Rowing dock has great service and awesome kayaks. Had an amazing first time kayaking there.

The prices for everything are great, and it's such a good family thing to do, it's just very fun all in all. My sister and I went together and we had just a blast rowing the river being under the bridge and it's kind of cool seeing trees and trail and then seeing traffic and the city it's just so great

If I could give The Rowing Dock 10 stars, I would. We had reached out to them with the hopes of having an intimate elopement on the dock and I have honestly never worked with people who went as above and beyond as The Rowing Dock. They thought of absolutely EVERYTHING from parking to color coordinating kayaks to decor. It was beautiful and their spot is absolutely prime. Special shout out to Lindsay who made all of this happen. I am so thankful for businesses like The Rowing Dock for being an incredible example of humanity in the midst of a pandemic (and all other times).

Great place to do Kayaking, which is fun and good exercise to the hands ( just kidding ). I loved the locality and the friendly staff who were ready to help all the time. I am just disappointed that a kayak can be taken on the name of only 2 people, who can ride it. As many people cannot ride for one full hour, it would be beneficial to customers if there is option to add additional people names, so that 2 of them can ride kayak while rest of them are relaxing after riding for sometime!!!

It's a great place with friendly staff for renting kayak and paddle board in downtown Austin.

Long line but was moving quickly , staff was very friendly.

We frequent the Rowing Dock on a nice day, my wife and boys really enjoy getting on the water for an hour or two to break up the day.

Good service and a great experience doing SUP. The equipment seemed to be kept up as well. Very pleased.

great place to go to get in the water and enjoy a few hours with a canoe or SUP!

Rowing Dock is an awesome place,I Usually go here for a Kayaking with friends.
Rents are cheap for kayak's , staff is friendly.
View is great on Lake during kayaking. I will definetly go back to this place.

Great experience! They should open another location down river so you can go one way and uber back to the car. Then the whole city can be seen without having to worry about going back.

This place is in a prime location right on town lake. There never seems to never have a long line. They have not only paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. The nice thing about this place is they are open until 8pm. Great place to people watch and get a decent workout!

I rented a double kayak on labor day. After around 30 min the water started getting into the kayak and it started sinking. This was definitely not a good experience for my 9 yr old daughter and I ...we both fell into the water and luckily we were close to the shore and were able to get out.I had to use my wife's boat to tow this defective boat to the nearest point from where the staff picked us up. Was a scary experience for our family...please check the condition of the kayak before renting.

Super great prices 15 an hour for double kayak they are well maintained they even give you the second hour free if you are military and show your ID had a blast with my boyfriend and his family will be coming back here again ! Also very nice lovely staff

I've always wondered how to get to "that boat rental area west of Mopac." When Paddle Zen failed us and was closed/vacant (??), we found ourselves driving across I-35 to find some stand-up paddle boards (SUPs). The hubs navigated us to some area near Zilker Park, and I kept telling him we're in the wrong area if we're trying to get to Texas Rowing Center. Apparently, he knew what he was doing, which is not always the case, because he was trying to get us to ROWING DOCK aka "that boat rental area west of Mopac."

We arrived at 10:30am, and the parking lot was already full, so we had to park alongside the road. I hate parking on the side of the road; it just feels unsafe to me, but we had no choice.

The rental process was pretty easy and straightforward: sign a waiver, put down a credit card, wait for quick instructions, grab your rental, get in the water. There are open storage baskets to put your shoes/nonvaluables, and they'll hold your credit card and keys. Everything else should stay in the car.

We rented SUPs for $20/hour. Neither of us have ever been on a SUP, so we weren't sure how we'd fare. It was pretty easy, and neither of us fell in! Although risky, I wish we had brought along a camera. Unless your balance sucks or you're just goofing off, you shouldn't fall in.

We were technically 10-15 minutes late getting back to the Rowing Dock, but they were pretty lenient with the times and didn't charge us extra. We underestimated how long it would take us to get back, as we had to work against the wind. I would recommend turning around at the 20-25 minute mark, so you have 35-40 minutes to get back. I also found you go faster when you sit down on the board, so if you're struggling against the wind, SIT.

Also, don't get off and swim! I think it's illegal, and you will get fined! Despite pollution concerns, it has to do with the strong currents controlled by an upstream power-generating dam.

Note - copied from my Yelp review, all remains true!

I've gone to Rowing Dock plenty of times since I moved to Austin a few years ago and it's always been a great and personable experience. The people that work there are amicable, kind, and knowledgeable about anything and everything about the services they offer. So far I've done SUP, single, and double kayak and I hope to bring out my doge for another go around!

Anyways - most recently myself and my buddy came to support their safe and secure staggered re-opening during the ShinerBockVirus on Sunday 3 May. It was simple and straight forward and everything they posted online to reserve a spot was easy to follow the days prior. We paid online and completed our waiver and emailed it (with an immediate response!). We arrived that Sunday 10 minutes prior to our 11AM send off and the staff were attentive and helpful (as they've always been). The dock was organized and we got out in the water lickity-split. We enjoyed the water for an hour, as required by the safety precautions and were handled easy enough when we docked. A great event as always and we'll be supporting every weekend we can until we open up finally!

Lastly, they are very active on social media. I've been featured on their IG all the moments I've posted a story and/or posted photos. And they respond in no time flat. Great social media presence IMO

Tips
- You can park on the main road, on the shoulder. Just be safe!!!
- There's a snow-cone place that is still open! whooooooop~
- Follow the river like a street, i.e. paddle on the right side
- Paddle against the current as far as you can first, then let the current bring you back to the dock - it's a wonderful feeling