Watercraft Rentals on Lady Bird Lake
Paddling, Outdoor Education, and Team Outings on the East Side – North Shore of Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas
Rent with us and polish your paddling skills with our stellar Outdoor Guides and Educators. All rentals support our community programs, including our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Expedition School Fund.
Boathouse Location
The Expedition School
Nash Hernandez Senior Road
Austin, TX, 78702
Scroll to the bottom for a map!
Call us – (512) 922-6724
Email us – info@expeditionschool.com
Waiver
Please complete a waiver for all paddlers in your party! Call with any questions or concerns.
Current Season Hours of Operation
Saturday & Sunday
11A – Civil Twilight
Call us for Private Paddles & Events!
Rates
SUP – $20 per hour
Kayak – $15 per hour
Tandem Kayak – $20 per hour
Canoes – $25 per hour
Classes/Tours/Lessons –
$50 for 1.5 hours
Reservations
Reservations recommended
for groups of 8 or more!
SELECT YOUR WATERCRAFT
Stand Up Paddleboards
$20 per Hour
$50 Private Lesson – Adult
$35 Private Lesson – Youth
Kayaks
$15 per hour
$50 Private Lesson – Adult
$35 Private Lesson – Youth
Tandem Kayaks
$20 per hour
$50 Private Lesson – Adult
$35 Private Lesson – Youth
Canoes
$25 per hour
$50 Private Lesson – Adult
$35 Private Lesson – Youth
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Rentals
YOU belong here! The Expedition School prides itself in cultivating and inspiring and inclusive Boathouse, where all abilities, ages, and people are welcome. Come as you are!
Our location allows for a greener experience, where you can escape the hustle of the city and relax in the midst of the parkland that graces our shores. And, if you would like to help us maintain the river, ask one of our Guides to hook you up with a river cleanup kit.
Walk-up rentals always available. Reservations recommended for larger groups.
See prices above, and view our calendar for Boathouse hours and special events.
Call or email to place a reservation.
Group Paddles
The Expedition School offers rentals for special events – SUP Birthday Parties, wedding parties, or teambuilds. Group Paddles offer special pricing, dedicated guide(s) to help plan and execute the event, environmental education, and lifeguard(s) support. The Expedition School can accommodate groups of all sizes, ages, and needs.
Visiting Austin on business? Book a Board Meeting or teambuild for the team!
Contact us to discuss specifics and group rates.
Lessons & Classes
Are you water safe? Our guides and educators offer both private and public classes for novice, enthusiast, and expert paddlers to better their technique, confidence, knowledge, and understanding of the many different watercraft we offer.
All lessons and classes are tailored to the abilities and outcomes of our student demographic, with the ultimate goal of inspiring the best, safest, and most environmentally sound practices.
In-person, virtual, and hybrid options available. We are committed to improving the quality of outdoor education available to those who seek opportunities to recreate outdoors.
Lessons begin at $50 for 2 hours
Contact us to schedule a lesson and discuss learning outcomes!
Guided Paddles
The Expedition School offers guided paddles, led by our professional guides and educators, to offer additional peace of mind while you are on the water. We guide these paddles to offer water safety and drowning prevention, flora and fauna identiciation, environmental education, and moral support!
Join any one of our regularly scheduled Guided Paddles or get in touch if you have something else in mind We specialize in custom guided experiences!
Youth Paddle
The goal of our Youth Paddles is to provide a fun and safe space for kids 7-17 to experience paddling with their peers on the waters of the Colorado River/Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake. These journeys are inclusive, experiential opportunities for fitness, environmental education, and recreation. All paddles are led by waterfront lifeguard trained professional guides. All paddlers wear lifejackets and have the opportunity to paddle kayaks, canoes, or stand up paddleboards. Multiple offerings each week – check our calendar for the next Youth Paddle!
Women’s Paddle
Our Women’s Paddle offers a fun and safe environment for female-identifying individuals to experience the wonders of the Colorado River together. These educational and social events are led by our professional guides, all trained in CPR, First Aid, and Waterfront Lifeguarding. Offered weekly – check our calendar for the next Women’s Paddle!
Legend’s Paddle
Designed to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing through outdoor recreation and paddling fun. Learn proper paddle technique, gear, and safety measure from The Expedition School guides. Enjoy paddling and conversing (at a safe and social distance) with other Legend of our community on the beautiful waters of Town Lake! legend Paddles are customized to reach the goals of each paddler. Offered weekly – check our calendar for the next Legend’s Paddle.
Location
The Expedition School Boathouse is located on the north shore – east side of Lady Bird Lake, in Edward Rendon Senior Park, at the east end of Nash Hernandez Sr Road. Look for The Expedition School flags and black pop-up canopies near the shipping containers.
Parking
You can park in our lot or along Chicon Street or Nash Hernandez Senior Road. Please be aware of where you park, as some street parking in Austin is paid parking. Remember, The Expedition School is not responsible for any valuables left in your vehicle.
When you Arrive
You made it! Make sure you have everything you need for a great time on the water. Now, look for one of our guides working in the boathouse or along the water and get checked in. Please respect our COVID-19 policies and wear a mask and socially distance when feasible.
Waivers
If you have not updated your waiver with us in the last year, please fill out one waiver for each adult who will be paddling. Minors can be added to their legal guardian’s waiver. Waivers can be found at the bottom of any page of our website. You can fill a waiver out at any time – helpful to do before you arrive!
Ground School
One of our favorite parts of your experience! Our guides will get you set up with your watercraft of choice, paddle, PFD (wear them!), and number to call if you are ever in trouble. We then walk you through some paddle strokes to get you started, some basic flora and fauna of the region, where to go, and what to see. Don’t forget to check in with us on the current and projected forecast!
PFDs
Every participant, regardless of age and experience, is required to wear a Personal Floatation Device – also known as a lifejacket – when renting and/or participating in an on-water Expedition School program. Drowning is a major cause of unintentional injury and death. We are committed to water safety and drowning prevention in all that we do. By wearing your PFD, you show us that you are as well. Feel free to bring your own, as long as it is a Type III U.S. Coast Guard approved jacket and not in need of retirement.
Before you Leave
Don’t forget to say goodbye! Please check out with a guide before you leave. That way, we can return your I.D. and any gear you left at the boathouse. Make sure to throw away any trash that you found during your adventure – thank you for taking care of the river! Come back to see us soon!
FAQs
Do you have restrooms?
Yes! Washrooms are just a short walk from The Expedition School. Please ask our Boathouse Guides to point you in the right direction. These restrooms are located on city parkland and are maintained by the city. Maintainence needs may be reported by calling 311 or using the 311 app.
Are you ADA accessible?
Our services and facilities are accessible and welcoming to all! Our boathouse is located on a paved, level surface. Water access is via a sloping concrete boat ramp. We have rubber matting in place to provide additional traction.
Our guides are trained to work with individuals of all ability levels. If you have any questions or concerns, please drop us a line!
What should I wear?
- Weather appropriate paddling clothes (preferably synthetic, no cotton) or bathing suit with cover up clothing, depending on conditions
- Water shoes (Chacos, flip flops, old running shoes)
- All sunglasses/glasses and hats should be attached to your person
- Multi-spectrum SPF Sunscreen
What should I bring?
- Photo I.D. to leave at the boathouse
- Water
- Snacks
- Any pertinent and current medication (EpiPen, inhaler). Please let Expedition School guides know who is carrying what, and why, so we can be an advocate and assist with these medications!
- Cell phone (in protective, waterproof floating case)
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Head lamp (for evening paddles)
I damaged a boat. What now?
Please let us know! While you will be responsible for repairs or replacement, it is imperative that we know when and where damages occur, as it might be a safety hazard for visitors after you.
Please leave the following at home:
- Alcohol and drugs
- Tobacco and vaping products
- Glass
- Styrofoam
- Pets
Please note that we will be closed for the following reasons:
- Temperatures are Below 70°F/21°C
- Inclement Weather: Rain, Thunder, Lightning, High Winds
- Environmental or Social Safety Concerns
- Special Events