easy
1.5–3 hours
Suitable for beginners with basic upper body strength; casual fitness is sufficient for comfortable paddling.
Discover Austin’s waterways with Austin Rowing Club’s paddling tours—from sunset bat flights to cityscape reflections. Perfect for those wanting an active way to connect with the city’s vibrant natural and cultural story.
Austin Rowing Club immerses visitors in a paddle-centric adventure along the waterways of Austin, Texas. Located in the heart of this vibrant city, the club offers diverse kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experiences that highlight the unique urban-natural interface where city life meets the Colorado River’s winding path. Among their standout trips is the Sunset Bat Tour, a paddle from downtown Austin to Barton Springs, where you witness one of the largest urban bat colonies erupting in flight at dusk—a spellbinding natural event linked to the Congress Avenue Bridge’s concrete structure that supports this extraordinary wildlife spectacle.
Beyond this, the Austin Rowing Club’s offerings include engaging themed paddles, such as the 4th of July Night Paddle where the night sky lights up with fireworks reflections on the water, and the Design Austin Paddle: WaterWork, which combines community art with outdoor movement. Their Austin City Tour paddles provide insightful narration about the city’s geography, history, and ecology, transforming a paddle into a moving classroom.
Paddlers benefit from knowledgeable, personable guides like Jacob and Ethan, who balance safety with storytelling, giving visitors a broader appreciation of Austin’s environmental and cultural landscape. The club maintains a vibrant presence within the local outdoor scene by protecting and promoting responsible access to waterways.
Set along the Colorado River and a network of tributaries, the paddling routes highlight limestone riverbanks, lush riparian vegetation, and the dynamic urban ecosystem of one of Texas’s fastest-growing cities. Whether you’re a beginner booking a kayak or a returning guest on a full moon paddle, Austin Rowing Club blends outdoor adventure with local character in a way that’s both accessible and memorable.
Sunset Bat Tours fill up quickly, especially in peak season—reserve your kayak or SUP early to secure a spot.
Expect to get a little wet; lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable on the water.
Night paddles, like the 4th of July event, benefit from additional lighting for safety and navigation.
Austin’s sun can be intense—apply sunscreen and bring plenty of water, especially on midday paddles.
The Congress Avenue Bridge became home to the world's largest urban bat colony in the 1980s, a transformative event for Austin's local ecology and tourism.
Austin Rowing Club promotes low-impact paddling practices to protect water quality and supports bat habitat conservation efforts along the river corridors.
Critical for safety on any kayak or SUP trip.
Ideal for keeping phones, snacks, and cameras dry.
Protects eyes and skin from Texas’s strong sun during daytime paddles.
spring|summer|fall specific
Helps block chilly winds during cooler months on the water.
fall|winter specific