Name: Congress Avenue Kayaks
Address: 74 Trinity Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Rating: 4.8

The staff here were very helpful and the equipment was in good shape. Paddle boarding from here is so much fun. This is my favorite place to rent paddle boards and kayaks. Coupons are honored here too which is great for saving money!
Kimberly B., 1 year ago
Came to Austin for Thanksgiving to meet with family and we decided to do a physical activity for one of our hangouts. The rental office is just off the water, tucked away in one of the storage sheds. Fairly easy to see the various options and prices. They offer to keep your belongings for a small fee if you don't want to risk losing it on the water.

After you pay, they will tell you to grab a life vest and your paddles, then you head down to the pier where workers will assist you onto your respective boat/board.

You're free to roam the river for however long you'd like, but just be sure to keep track of time in case you want to do only an hour (any minute extra, with allotted return/boarding time will add onto the rental fee)

The boats were clean, vests were fairly new, and paddles were functional. Can't complain about a fun bonding activity that lets everyone have a chance to participate.
Michelle N., 1 year ago
A good location to start from on Lady Bird Lake. Decently priced rentals staffed by friendly folks that are easy going and friendly. Paddle East and you will find yourself in a more nature ride. Go West and you'll see more of the city and paddle under all the bridges. I paddled on a single Kayak all the way to Barton Springs and back at a fast, but enjoyable pace and it took me an hour and a half.
Gavin T., 1 year ago
Got there early and barely waited in line - paid for two hours up front, had a blast, and got back at the right time so I wasn't charged extra.

If you don't live in Austin, a note: the water in Town Lake has lots of debris in some areas and you're not allowed to swim so keep that in mind.
Landon D., 1 year ago
Went to rent a 2 person kayak, but the helpful desk clerk suggested a 2 person XL, and it was a great recommendation. Easy check in and equipment process (they even have sunscreen and other small items at the desk).

One of the attendants suggested paddling to the right out of the put out, passing under the bridges, and taking a left to Barton Springs. It was so beautiful with very clear water, turtles, fish, and other wildlife. We stopped and swam near the Barton pool and it was amazing.

All in all, excellent value and a must-do for an Austin weekend!
Emily C., 1 year ago
Cheap and fun way to see the the river and the bridge from a different angle!
They've got SUPs and 1,2 or 3-person kayaks. My husband and I opted for a 2-person kayak and it was $15 for an hour and $7 for each additional hour. They also rent floating bags for $3 so you can take your stuff!
For us an hour was enough time to go up and down the river a few times and in a little inlet that was full of turtles! It was so fun! We also got to hear the bats under the congress bridge, so we know they're real because we didn't see them at night!

You do get a bit wet while paddling. But on a hot day it's actually very refreshing! But if you're worried about it, pack a swim suit!
Steffini A., 2 years ago
Great prices, super friendly and helpful staff, easy to navigate system -- need I say more?

Super simple process: get in line, fill out a form, give them one ID per boat, pay, get your lifejacket and oar, then head to the dock to start the fun! It was only $15 for an hour ($7 extra for additional hours) for a double canoe and they accept cards yay! Staff was awesome with helping us in and out of the boat and giving tips and pointers for which direction we should go based on the wind and current that day, as well as how far we'd probably make it in our one hour on the water. We were also given two vouchers for free snow cones/Italian ice nearby so that was a plus!

We would definitely come back!
Jasmine W., 2 years ago
I've rented from Congress Avenue Kayaks two times now! Great and fun experience each time. The 1st time, I purchased a Groupon for $28 for two 4-hour two seater kayak rentals. The 2nd time, I purchased a Travelzoo deal for $25 for two 2-hour two seater kayak rentals. Be sure to check the deal websites!

Renting was easy - they require a photo ID for each kayak rented and a liability release. Then grab a life jacket and head on out to the dock for some fun. We kayaked to the Barton Springs Pool area and spotted a ton of turtles along the way.

In terms of parking - we ended up parking about 4-5 blocks north on the street. It was a Sunday so the meter was free.

Next time I go, hopefully it won't be 100 degree weather anymore. Definitely don't wear a T-shirt with sleeves, or be sure to roll up your sleeves, or you'll get a weird farmer's tan like I did. I'll definitely be back in the next few months!
Kris C., 2 years ago
Good place to rent kayaks if you want to escape the burning heat. We got a Groupon for 2 doubles and it was $25 for 2 hours. Not bad! They have life vests if you're scared of drowning (like me), but you don't have to wear it.

I recommend taking off shoes as you'll end up with a weird sandal tan like I did. Make sure you put sunscreen on! I got a tan and I put that lotion on heavily.

The water is cool and refreshing, and you'll see some turtles swimming around. Lots of dogs in kayaks too, so cute!
Amy C., 2 years ago
What a great experience

I came for sxsw and saw people on paddle boards going down the river

The check in is really easy and they're really friendly

There aren't lockers but they provide ziplock bags

You leave your shoes in bins at the dock

The river is pretty calm and tranquil so it's a great place to learn if you haven't tried sup before

The location is great. You can paddle underneath congress bridge right through the heart of downtown!!
Hemesh P., 3 years ago
The perfect mix of city/nature and tourist/local activity.

The rental process was simple, the staff were nice, and our paddle boards were quality.

They offer plastic bags for free and bags that you can attach to your board for $1 so that you can bring your phone and take pictures.

We wanted to paddle out towards Zilker Park so we could hear the ACL Festival music, and that took a little over an hour (so we ended up having to pay for another hour). If that's your goal, then maybe rent at a place closer to Zilker, but if it's not, this company is high-quality and definitely recommendable!
Niki B., 3 years ago
Great prices and good paddles. If you're thinking of a longer trip than most tourists, this place has good enough boats and paddles
Chris L., 5 years ago
Camp was so nice and helpful! It was my first time kayaking and I think he could see the fear in my eyes! He was so calm and reassuring about my experience. I was beyond hesitant about getting into the kayak. He helped me and showed me different ways to get in. I had a great time!
Kathryn S., 5 years ago
Cheap and easy process and the guys working there were super friendly.
Petra K., 5 years ago
Fantastic people, good rates, and nice equipment. They allow dogs on kayaks but not paper boards. There location on the river was a nice location. They provide a life vest and looking at the other kayak companies this place appear to have the better ones. Free bathrooms too which was different than a lot of places. Also has a small cafe for food above the rental area.
Kelly W., 5 years ago

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