Had a great experience here. I bought a groupon for an hour of paddle boarding. It couldn't have been easier. We found payed parking easily on the street really close to the entrance. Make sure you fill out your form before you go to the counter or you'll annoy the woman working there. You leave keys or an ID in a security box (a plastic Tupperware) until you return your boat/board. An hour have us just enough time to leisurely paddle from the dock to the S Lamar bridge and back. I'll definitely go back the next time I want to rent a kayak or paddle board. read more

Great people, great service, goes faster than you think. Easy form to complete. One of the best spots to paddle board. read more

Easy in, easy out. Check out Groupon for deals. Also pup parents they have doggy life jackets! So feel free to bring your fur child. All sizes available. read more

Aubrey was very cool and professional! She made our first time experience here 1000x better!

I love kayaking, in every way possible. I've rented from here before, years ago. My first trip this year wasn't the best. Maybe because I had...some expectations? The girls at the cash register weren't helpful, and somewhat brainless teenagers. Some direction would have been nice. A better way to run this operation would be have a sign that says: 1. Fill out waiver before you wait in line 2. Pay 3. Get your own paddle and lifejacket 4. Wait for someone to get your boat for you on the dock Simple, right? We dropped off the car keys and wandered around without any direction from the bright girls behind the cash register and weren't really sure if we get our own boat or not. The customer service was quite poor and lacking. We were frustrated. I guess with the summer months they can run it however they want and people will still rent from them. Maybe it's been awhile since I rented a kayak, but $20 an hour for a double seems really fucking pricey to me. That's almost as much as renting a shitty, American car for an entire day. read more

This place is amazing! It seemed really packed at first but they are so quick to get you taken care of. I turned in my keys an ID an couldn't remember the number on the box and they were so patient an kind. This may seem like such a little thing but when you have a lot of people waiting to check out equipment an you have one silly lady who failed to remember the number on her box an you have hundreds of boxes with keys that belong to customers....well you can only imagine. I will def be going back an recommend this place they are awesome and super polite!! Five stars!!! read more

Other than the aforementioned wish to see music and eat BBQ, I also wanted to see the bats. Timing didn't allow us to go at dusk, but a hot day with the crazy idea of getting actual exercise in brought us here, where we could potentially see some under one of the many bridges. As someone who used to kayak quite a bit down the Charles River outside of Boston, and as someone who would probably be a mermaid if it was feasible, getting in the water didn't scare me. Nor did the thought of doing physical work to reach my goal. The tour guide didn't fare so well, and managed to get up close and personal to the water as he was getting into the kayak. Unfortunately, he does not like the water as much as I do, and was none to happy about his predicament, and even less so by the fact that the staff on the docks were more concerned about the kayak than his safety. Not everyone knows how to swim, kids. I think the prices were pretty reasonable, but the staff left a lot to be desired. I realize it's hot and towards the end of the day, but that's no reason to be apathetic. I also think the idea of picking your own life vest isn't such a good idea, and they should probably have a little more enforcement down the river for the kids goofing off. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, but it could definitely be improved upon. By the way, while I did not see any bats, I definitely heard and smelled them. read more

Beginners Beware! I joined the TRC because I had always wanted to learn to row. I bought a year membership. I was excited that the membership included lessons since I really am not very athletic and like the idea of having someone who could help me experience rowing for recreational purposes. I had a pattern of lessons that were very loose and disjointed. At my first lesson, my instructor answered phone calls and provided service to walk-up customers while trying to give me instruction. My second lesson didn't include equipment and procedures for getting a boat on the river. My third lesson was productive because an instructor took the time to go back and cover items that I missed in the second lesson. I did have the opportunity to get a third refresher, but this lesson included an instructor who coached in a condescending manner when I didn't follow some instructions that really, were pretty new to me because of the inconsistency with the prior lessons. After confronting the instructor with my concerns about his techniques, he became defensive and blaming. I asked to have my contract dissolved. I was charged a $100 fee by the Texas Rowing Center plus the monthly charge for two months $38/month and an additional $45. At some point, a couple of weeks later I was contacted by the owner and given a $72.00 refund. It was a random amount with very litte rationale, but after my experience I shouldn't be too surprised. If you're looking for an experience where someone will take the time to work with you, meet you where you are, build your confidence, and know how to use various coaching techniques so you get the best out of yourself, take it from me...go somewhere else. read more

Always in a hurry on a highway to nowhere (mopac over townlake) and wanting to be one of the ones ON the water, not OVER the water, I would promise myself that someday before I die or leave Austin, I would get a year's membership at the Texas Rowing Center. Well, I did it and I LOVED it. It was a couple years ago but I cannot imagine anything there could have improved or declined too much. Kayaks and canoes are included in your membership. One boat per visit. (if your friends want to join you and you need more than one boat, they will need to rent one.) It was SOOOOO peaceful to be on the water at sunrise, just rowing that skinny boat towards Red Bud Isle. I counted turtles. I stared at herons. I worked on my timing and strength. I watched the fast cars driving over the bridge watching me. It was a floating meditation in which I arrived back at the dock, completely clear, ready to go to work. I was always surprised that my shirt was soaking specifically over my belly and I saw the results very quickly from doing about 45 minutes of sit ups in that skinny boat. A membership is a great gift for yourself if you like to work out but avoid the gym. Being outside has it's own mental health benefits, too. I loved being able to take friends out for a half a day with a packed lunch. One time a friend decided she would row topless so as we turned the kayak around at Red Bud Isle, she just took her shirt off and kept rowing. The guy rowing the skinny boat towards us didn't miss a beat. so to speak. One time a friend sang Amazing Grace after we floated for a couple minutes with our eyes closed. Magical. One time a friend was teaching me how they rowed ocean kayaks FAST and he would call out the rhythm and say when to switch sides. We were going SO fast it was incredible. Then we got out of the boat in that strange little area west of Red Bud Isle and East of the dam and he took all of his clothes off. That was amazing. I lost, like, 6 pounds that day. When you have a membership, you have special privileges and the TRC feels like your own private boat club. When people get on the water, they just take their clothes off... I miss that. Always worth the price of admission. read more

WOW, talk about CRAPPY service. The rental attendant was ridiculously rude and the kayaks were terrible. If you want a detailed description of my experience, read on. I had a friend visiting from out of town who wanted to get to know Austin a little better and I decided that kayaking town lake would be an awesome idea, especially since we are both outdoorsy people. We arrived with my dog in tow to the rental station. Nobody came to help us and within a few minutes there was a line of at least 5 other groups or individuals wanting to rent a boat. When somebody did show up, I think his name was Andrew, he was so rude I could hardly believe it! Here's how our conversation went: Me: We'd like to rent a kayak for two. Andrew: Did you sign a consent form? (annoyed) Me: No. (We didn't know we had to. He tossed one at my friend and he fills it out. Andrew then begins to talk on the phone ordering a pizza and asking for pricing on multiple pizzas. We fill out a consent form and give him our credit card & driver's license. He takes the form.) Andrew: There's only one here. Me: Oh, I didn't know we needed two. Andrew: (to phone) The address? I don't know. (to me) Do you know the address here? Me: No (I fill out a form and he takes it rudely) Andrew: (to the people waiting behind us) Do you know the address here? (He runs my credit card then throws it at me, like literally) Me: Do you also offer water bottles? (Andrew points at a vending machine and gives me the "duh" look. He puts our consent forms and the driver's license in a tupper ware container marked 31) Andrew: (still on the phone with the pizza place) You're 31, don't forget. Stuff's over there. (Points at the paddles and lifevests.) And folks, that's all the help he offered. We had to figure out on our own to pull a kayak off the rack and select the right size life vests. It could have been very easy to get hurt pulling a kayak down or take off without a life vest. I find this irresponsible and careless of the business. The kayak itself had a shallow bow and was very hard to steer. I had fun once I got in the water, but I will never rent from this dock again. read more

Very affordable summer fun! The TX Rowing Center has kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards to chose from...pick your poison! lol Whatever you decide it will be a great time for sure! The view on the river is amazing! We happened to be out on the river on the evening of the red moon and can't even begin to imagine of a better place to have experience the red moon from. We also went during their Summer Latin series which entails of a local band playing on a pontoon during your ride. The Summer Latin Series can be a great date night or a great evening with friends alike. The Texas Rowing Center has definitely become one of my staples for Summer fun! I hope you will get to experience the same! read more

I go to the Rowing Dock for kayaking, but a bonus of the Austin Marathon in March was getting a free hour of kayaking. You can subtract a star from a review of me, because I actually went here INSTEAD of the place giving the free hour, but what happened after that was all 2 stars all directed at TRC. Me: Hi, I have this free hour coupon from the Austin Marathon. I'm not sure I'm at the right place though. Dude at counter {dude}: Oh thats alright, I'll honor this coupon anyway. Me: Oh, Ok, that's awesome, Thanks. Saves me a long walk to auditorium shore to get back to my car and find the right one. Dude: Ok so there are two of you, and two coupons. Do you want a 1 man or 2 man kayak? Me: We'll do the singles. And do you have a doggy vest for my little pup? Dude: Sure do! (this is where one of the stars comes in) So That'll be $xx (cost of 1 hour for two kayaks) Me: Umm but we're only doing an hour, with the free hour coupons Dude: Well how about this, you pay for the first hour and keep it as long as you want. Me: Ummm ok (thinking wtf, this dude just totally stole my free coupons for a different business and then charged me anyway, but I'm not the kind of girl who sends back food or fights with people, so I take the shit with the shitty). So we hop in our kayaks, and i come to find out THEY SUCK! The Rowing Dock has wayyyyy better kayaks. These kayaks spin around with the lightest paddle. If you haven't kayaked elsewhere, you might not notice, but the whole time I was praying for the hour to be over so I could move on with my life having learned my lesson. read more

I recently took an Intro to Rowing class at the Texas Rowing center after years of running past it on the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail. The first thing I noticed when starting the class was how extremely nice everyone that works here is. My instructor Pete introduced me to everyone he knew at the center, both members and staff alike. I had never rowed before and by the end of the first class, I was rowing around the lake like I actually knew what I was doing. Rowing is such great exercise and Town Lake is probably one of the best places int he world to do it since motorboats aren't allowed on the lake. If you have any interest in rowing, or just an alternative form of exercise, check out Texas Rowing Center! read more

Baby, I'm sorry I gave you such a bad review earlier. I'm glad to see friendlier faces and a GM with good customer service skills. I am a bit worried that my initial review got 6 useful votes, I wonder how many people I empowered to steal watercrafts from you... Apologies, Your newest member read more

This place charges about the same price like Rowing dock but it is much more busier maybe because of its location. So when we came here on a beautiful Saturday, there were a lot of people in the line. Luckily they have a lot of staffs to get things moving. One thing I do like about Texas Rowing vs. Rowing dock is that they allowed us to use credit card, I think Rowing Dock is cash only. The staffs are friendly and awesome. Will definitely come back again. read more

I was worried stand up paddle boarding would take a lot of exertion but it really doesn't! I was surprised how easy it was, and it got easier after I realized the logo on the paddles should be facing forward (that helps a lot). You can paddleboard sitting down, on your knees, or standing up. I usually don't end up using the whole 2 hours - I'm usually done in about an hour and a half. My feet are the part of my body most fatigued after a session but you can mitigate this by paddling on your knees for a bit. You will go to the rowing center first and sign your waiver and then pay or give them your voucher. You can leave a couple items like your car keys in a small plastic bin in the office. You can leave your cover up and shorts or sandals on the benches by where you get on the board. They have life jackets available - you can wear it or loop it through the ankle strap that tethers the board to you. During these hot summer months I like to bring a Gatorade or water in a low, wide bottle which I can keep in front of me on the board (there is a circle logo on the board and that seems to be the best place to put it). Just make sure you throw it out in the trashcan after your session (NOT in the water - don't litter!). Parking is available for free along the street although if it is a weekend you might have to park a quarter mile from the location. If you have mobility- limited participants you might want to drop them off at the rowing center. I was using the travelzoo voucher. read more

I love coming to the Texas Rowing Center! In my opinion, it has the best location of all the other outdoor water rental places. Easy to find parking if you park around Austin High School and the available lot nearby. A lot of people complain about the service, but I have never had a problem with them. Just keep in mind that you can't expect much from teenagers trying to make some summer money. read more

Had a great time today renting a canoe with my family. Texas Rowing Center was VERY well managed, and the staff were really friendly. We had a great day! Thank You Texas Rowing Center! read more

Service- 2/5 It would be nice if there were more staff helping those who were leaving or returning to the dock. Some of them were not very nice as we were returning, as my boyfriend and I were anxious to get out and leave (since we had an appointment to meet), and they told us to go to the other side where the kayaks were. We had no problem in just stopping at the part of the dock that we were at and carry the stuff to the right location. But the staff at the dock was really rude about it. The 2 stars are for the guy who was nice on the phone, and at the cashier's place. Experience- 4/5 Everything was well maintained, all the life jackets were hung, and there was a location for the kayak, singles, and paddle boards. The river was cleaner than the other one that I went to. Overall, besides the service, my boyfriend and I probably will go here again, if we remember. We will just have to not mind the service. read more

I had a great experience here. I went Columbus Day weekend which was out of season but weather was still great. Tons of stand up paddle boards available and no wait. They'd provide some info if you've never been but if you've been before like I had, they didn't make you sit through instruction. Good quality equipment and we paddled over to the spring and the water is so clear you can see all the fish, turtles, etc. It was cool! Plenty of parking. There aren't bathrooms, but a portapotty works fine for me ;) it was a bit pricey but I thought it was worth it. Would recommend! read more

Best place to get a sup or kayak in atx. We've been coming here for years and the service is always top notch

I recently moved to Austin and missed the water sports / beaches from back East--so I decided to start rowing to stay in shape and feel closer to the water. I looked at the different boat houses around--and TRC was convenient in location, prices were good (lessons included if you sign up for a membership!), they give lessons all day long every day (not the case at other boat houses). The staff are all incredibly nice and friendly. I would recommend TRC for anyone looking to start or re-start rowing. I haven't done any kayaking with them--but I'm sure they're great. It does get a little crowded on weekend, but they're well staffed to handle it. read more

Had a blast at Texas Rowing Center this past Saturday! Parked close to entry on street for free! Yay! It was myself, my 13 year old son, and friends. Loved that they had options other than paddle boards like canoe and kayaks. It was our first time to try paddle boarding. It was easier than I thought it would be! Super friendly and very helpful staff! While they were steadily busy it never once felt crowded. We initially paid for one hour being a first timers but they made it simple and offered that we pay the difference if we stayed out longer once we returned. They made it so simple and easy. I had so much fun I wanted to go back the next day! read more

Texas Rowing Center - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I've been here multiple times, and all but one was exceptional as to customer service, friendliness and accommodation. I've only rented SUPs, but they've all been in good repair. What I like the most about this location is the easy access to the Barton Springs tributary. I'm going to guess it's about a mile to paddle there. Then you can take a swim in the cool water and paddle back. All can be done in the 1-hour rental timeframe. read more

Lady Bird Lake is definitely a great location to Kayak if you're looking for a place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon or if you want to do some serious speed kayaking. Texas Rowing Center is one of many rental companies out by the lake, and I had purchased a Living Social deal to rent a double kayak for $15 for 2 hours. The service was so-so, but the experience was a lot of fun. Equipment Rental: My boyfriend and I rented a double kayak for two hours, and it served us well. There wasn't much instruction regarding what equipment you needed, so if you're a first timer, it might be confusing. The life jackets were all hanged up on metal racks, and for the most part, people kept them neat. If you forget sunscreen, they have a bucket in the "office" where you can snag a couple drops before heading into the sun. Service: It was chaotic in the "office" area. The folks there were efficient, but not very friendly. We had forgotten which numbered box our keys were in, and the lady helping us made a huge fuss about it, complaining loudly, huffing and puffing, and acting very childish. It was actually rather embarrassing to see someone act like that. It was an honest mistake on our part; I don't feel that it warranted a near temper tantrum. The folks helping us get into our kayak were decent; however, they didn't provide much direction. Again, if this is your first time, you may need to find another service that is a bit more hands-on. Ambiance: Lady Bird Lake was great! There are areas with shade (so you can rest and drift) and places with lots of sun so you an bask. There were a lot of others doing various water activities on the lake, but it never felt crowded. My favorite part was all the wildlife you could find - specifically turtles! If you're more adventurous and hang out around the edges of the lake (and into the small outpockets), there are a lot of turtles to see. And, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety of turtles: red-ear sliders, yellow-bellies, soft-shells, common maps, etc. It was a really nice relaxing way to spend our Sunday afternoon. Pricing: Reasonable pricing given that I had the Living Social deal. I think that next time I head out to Lady Bird Lake, I might try out one of the other rental companies; however, Texas Rowing Center provided me with sufficient equipment and let me go do what I wanted that morning, so I can't complain too much. Just don't forget the number of your box! read more

After years of passing a curious little hut on the running trail, I returned to Austin (my home town) for spring break (from Cleveland spring snows), for a little fun in the sun with my 12 y.o. daughter and her 24 y.o. cousin ... and wow! This eclectic little water club of rowers has become a full-fledged water adventure for anyone and everyone - our band of 3 rented a kayak, canoe and stand-up paddle board. Enthusiasm, encouragement and energy abound in the staff; equipment is well-maintained; fun is here for the taking. Willingness trumps fitness - you can have fun if you're willing to try. Try something new, fun & so-very-Austin. You won't be disappointed to find an affordable activity that gets you moving, moving. read more

I got a rowing membership earlier this year and took the intro classes. I've always wanted to learn how to row on a scull boat and I'm still getting the hang of it, but it is such good exercise, and a really peaceful way to concentrate. I'm finding the brain benefits as much as the body. (Added bonus: the animals on the lake don't seem to mind your going by in one of these boats; the turtles don't bail off their logs, and the birds often don't so much as flinch. I just wish there was someone appointed to stay in the rental area at all times, or that there was at least more of an effort to take turns. It can take quite a while to get anyone's attention. And I don't even want to say this because I love the place so much: They'll hold onto any valuables you bring, (fantastic! and often necessary), but with the the lack of present staff and the very casual way valuables are set aside within reach of the public means your things are in no way secured. That's the only issue with the place that really stresses me out when I'm on the water. read more

We had been to other places around the lake before, but decided to try Texas Rowing Center. Long story short: My husband and I ended up with a kayak that had a friggin hole that wasn't noticable until we were tumped over in the middle of the damn lake hanging on for dear life as our life jackets kept us afloat. They should seriously do some quality control on those things! It was so embarrassing, people just floating by, asking if we were okay. I am sure they were thinking, "Look at those incompetent kayak-challenged fools!" But when I started thinking about it, it really made me laugh out loud. I just started swimming my happy little ass back to the shore, but some really nice person asked if I wanted to hang on to their canoe and they would pull me back to the shore. Nice guy. My husband (also a good swimmer) finally made it to the bank and managed to pull the faulty kayak back up. We left the kayak at the bank...we didn't give a crap at that point and just wanted to get back to the main site...which was about a good 1/2 mile away. So we had to slosh our wet, drippy, barefoot butts back to the main office (with big oars in tow...trying not to hit the people running/walking). We finally got back and told the guy up front about the incident. So you know what he does? He gives us a certificate for a free kayak rental...oh, joy! read more

I row row rowed my kayak gently down the river. Merrily merrily merrily in the middle of November. It was a balmy 89 degrees And there was a very gentle breeze Austin is changing, from the climate to skyline I could complain, but today I'm just smiling read more

This is my go to paddle board rental location. We have been using this location for several years. If you are military, they give you an additional hour for free. We recently took our small dog with us and it was a lot of fun. read more

Loved the place. They were quick, accomodating, yet a bit unorganized. Which, since this is Austin, I can put up with. The manager was friendly, the price is good, and the entire staff seemed eager to pitch in. Two things: I wish there were changing rooms, but who am I kidding? I don't mind getting naked in public. In this day and age you should be able to take credit cards. Checks? Really? read more

Good: they have options. You can rent a single or double kayak, and they have both the sit-on-tops and the ones where you sit inside. They also have canoes and sculls (is that what they are?) It's $10/hr for a single or double kayak, and $15/hr for a canoe. Bad: my friend and I went in the morning, and we hung around the desk for about 10 minutes waiting for someone to come help us. When we got kayaks, the dude just took our money, pointed out where stuff was, and left us to our own devices. However, when we rented a canoe, the man who helped us helped us get our boat in the water and held it for us as we climbed in. Props for having a variety of water craft, boo for inconsistent/slow service. Also you can get a punchcard. It's kind of like a frequent flyer (in this case, rower) card but you pay a set price (I think it's $75 for 10 visits). read more

Good price, nice staff, and the equipment was well taken care of. The girl that helped us check in was fun and joked around with us. We were there for 4th of July weekend so it was pretty busy but it was a lot of fun. read more

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Stopped by on Sunday-was planning to stop by another (cheaper) rental place but had a stupid hard time finding it, and this one you can see from the trail (win). We rented a canoe at $25/hr and had a really fantastic time-no long line or wait, paid and in a canoe in 5 minutes. It's a bit pricier than some of the other locations, but looking around at other people's boats you can really tell the quality is worth the price and they seem to have a pretty large amount of kayaks, canoes, SUP and rowing boats. We even stayed over our hour and they didn't charge us for additional time (double win!). The only thing was the older man who rang us up was hands down the rudest guy ever. No effort was put into customer service in any way.. and he gave no directions other than "get a life vest and a paddle" with his back turned.. walking away. If it wasn't for the super sweet girl who docked us and the girl who checked us out I would have left bound and determined to never come back. Crazy world when teenagers are the most pleasant employees... Anyways, its a great way to spend the day! read more

I like Texas rowing center for a few key reasons. First off, their location is great. It's easy to exit mopac and two turns later, you're looking for street parking. It's also great location on the river, nestled between The Rowing dock and Zilker boat rentals. Prices are comparable to Zilker, but have SUP (stand puddle boards) which Zilker does not. It's easy on and off at the dock, and the staff is super friendly. They will hold your keys, phone, credit cards ect in a small box. Prices are for an hour rental, but they give you about 15 min grace period. I like hanging around Ladybird by the hike and bike trail. It's inspiring me to move and smile. Their equipment is also very nice. Absolutely no complaints. I enjoy Zilker rentals if I am only kayaking, but would recommend Texas Rowing Center over The Rowing Dock for SUP. read more

My very first time paddle boarding. Me, a non swimmer, was very hesitant and almost backed out but I'm SO glad I didn't. Make sure to fill out the waiver before getting in line, or you can even fill it while in line when it's super busy. They do not have lockers, but will still hold your bags for you no problem. You keep items for collateral and you just have to remember what number box they keep your stuff in. Girls, there are no changing rooms or anything, so make sure to wear your suit underneath your clothes. Or leave your clothes in the car and come in only your swimsuit. I would also suggest to wear some water shoes, you don't have to but man that dock gets HOT if you're going in the heat of the afternoon. You can leave your towels, shoes, and whatever other stuff you have on the picnic tables on the dock. Everyone must have a life jacket, but you don't have to keep it on until your miles away from the dock. Lots and lots of people on the water so you may bump into people if you're uncoordinated like myself lol. *Note for very first timers.. to turn around just paddle backwards. I ended up going towards the tree and was very far from my group. Everyone was very friendly. I even had someone's dog hop onto my board but the owners thought it was hilarious. You can bring a lunch kit on the water with you for snacks or "drinks" ;p If we didn't have other priorities to get to, I would have stayed out there all day. I am DEFINITELY going back and VERY soon. read more

This place was awesome! Easy and smooth transition from start to finish. The paddle boards are so awesome and easy to get on/off and stand up on. So many of the people (who rented from Rowing Dock) were asking me if it was my personal one because it was a really nice board and they kept falling off of theirs. Lol!! $20 per hour to paddle board, $40 all day. Prices are a little steep, but totally worth the experience!! Will be back!! We went around one ish and it was about a ten minute transition from paying, to getting on the boards. They are lenient with you being a few minutes over, anything close to thirty minutes they'll charge! Go here!! read more

Texas Rowing Center - Awesome experience! - Boating Near Me - Austin, Texas

Such an awesome activity for the day! Staff is awesome and so helpful. Would HIGHLY recommend! Cate at the register was AMAZING!

This is my favorite rental place on the river. Lake. Whatever. It has a great vibe with the club rowers based there (great program btw, my son has done it for years) and is as affordable as the other places. Staff are patient and knowledgeable, they have plenty of "craft" options to choose from. Get there early, it gets crowded! read more

Everyone in Austin needs to go kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. And if you go on a weekend, it will seem like everyone in Austin is kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. But it's all good, there's enough room for everyone. This was my first experience kayaking and I had a blast. We went in a double kayak and it was a bit challenging at first. We weren't given instruction of any kind (although, maybe it's available if you ask for it?) so we learned through trial and error. After a run-in with some low-hanging trees we managed to get the hang of it. I loved seeing all the turtles. It's a neat way to explore the lake from a different perspective. I was kind of jealous of the canoers. They seemed more relaxed and in less pain. We paid $15/hr. When we walked up to the counter we told the man "We'd like a day pass, please!" and he told us to see how we'd like it before committing to the pass and he'd charge us for how long we were out. That was good advice - as much as I wanted to stay out my arms were killing me! We were out for about an hour and a half but he only charged us for one hour. I hope to eventually work my way up to the day pass. Also, to quote that lame song from the '90s: WEAR SUNSCREEN! Don't forget to do your legs as they will be directly in the sun. I'm pretty diligent about applying my SPF 70 but I missed one teeny spot on my arm and it was bright red afterwards. Man, that Austin sun is strong. Not that this has anything to do with the Rowing Center but a sunscreen PSA never hurts, right? read more