Our Story

Our Story

Rowing Dock & Lady Bird Lake: A Match Made In Austin

In a city known for its gems, it can be hard to stand out. But with a backdrop as beautiful as Lady Bird Lake and a fleet as fine as ours, it’s not hard to see why we’ve been the locals’ go-to boat rental since 1999.

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The Finest Fleet on Lady Bird Lake

There’s no better way to see Austin than in one of our kayaks, canoes, or stand up paddle boards! We have the widest selection of kayaks around to suit everyone’s needs – from sit-ins, to sit-on-tops, to pedal kayaks – and our entire high-quality fleet is colorful, beautiful, and well kept. It’s what separates us from other rental businesses on the lake and around the city. However you choose to get out on the water, it’s sure to be smooth sailing when you hang with us!

Check Out Our Fleet

Southern Hospitality Is All We Know (And Boats, Obviously)!

Our dedicated team will help you pick the best kayak, canoe or paddle board for your outdoor adventure, no matter your age or experience. From our management team and our dock attendants to our tour guides, we’re all committed to making your time on the water enjoyable. If you’re interested in joining our fun-loving, tip-top, water-logged gang, head on over to our jobs page. We can’t wait to meet you!

See Our Job Postings
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Born And Raised Right Here

Founded in 1999, and originally developed for sculling, Rowing Dock has since evolved into Austin’s hidden treasure for launching watercraft rentals of all kinds on Lady Bird Lake. Our local, women-owned and operated business is now a cherished resource for kayakers, SUP paddle boarders and canoers of all kinds. Come on down, and see for yourself what folks have been raving about for over two decades!

WE CARE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY

While we never take ourselves too seriously, we’re super dedicated to the city we love and its people. That’s why we’ve always committed a portion of our proceeds to helping organizations all over Austin. Our philanthropic endeavors are guided by two core beliefs: First, that we support the underprivileged and underserved in our community. Second, that we support organizations whose primary mission is to preserve our environment with an emphasis on providing access to Lady Bird Lake. As stewards of the environment, we’re also dedicated to educating the public about the Colorado River. 

Some of our 2019 & 2020 philanthropy efforts:

  Since 2010, Rowing Dock has provided over $1 million in in-kind services, financial contributions, and via fundraising efforts in addition to over 30,000 hours of free rentals to community members. 

  Launched and hosted Austin’s first and largest Earth Day lake and land clean-up in history in partnership with EpicSUP. In just our first year holding the event, we were able to bring 1,400 volunteers together who yielded over 6,000 pounds of trash from Lady Bird Lake and Austin greenspaces. This event brought in $13,000 in donations for Austin Parks Foundation. We secured coverage across all local broadcast stations and were on the front page of the Austin Chronicle. 

  In an effort to maintain the beauty and natural habitat of Lady Bird Lake and surrounding areas, Rowing Dock launched a new philanthropic initiative called the Kayak Clean Up Crew. The Kayak Clean Up Crew is a weekly lake clean-up, where volunteers are given a free two-hour boat rental to clean up trash in Lady Bird Lake. For every full bag of trash returned, Rowing Dock provides the participant a free one-hour rental pass to use on any future occasion. Since launching in 2021, we’ve brought in over 1,000 volunteers and removed over 7,000 pounds of trash from Lady Bird Lake. 

  Partnered with Javier Wallace of Black Austin Tours to launch Austin’s first tour that highlights the role of the Colorado River in influencing Black Austin History, Roll Colorado Roll. 100% of proceeds from this tour series go back to Black Austin Tours. The Roll Colorado Roll Tour has been covered in national and local media outlets including Conde Nast Traveler, Austin Chronicle, Austin American Statesman, and Austin Community Impact, among others. 

  Provided over $200,000 worth of free equipment rentals to local schools, community organizations and nonprofits, including but not limited to Black Austin Tours, Flatwater Foundation, Texas River School, Austin Pets Alive, and Keep Austin Beautiful (includes City of Austin fiscal year 2021 and 2022 to-date). 

  Enabled over 450 at risk-youth to spend a half-day paddling on the lake by providing free equipment and underwriting to Texas River School (includes City of Austin fiscal year 2021 and 2022 to-date).

Have a Rowing Dock story of your own? Let us know!

Our Story is Never Complete!

Read the latest and greatest Rowing Dock happenings here.