The Local: Austin Summer Staple: Paddling Lady Bird Lake

That was originally going to be "Kayaking Lady Bird Lake," but as you'll be able to see, kayaks are not the only option for spending a morning or afternoon on Lady Bird Lake.

If you've been to Austin at all, you've driven over Lady Bird Lake on either Mopac or 35. If you were here on a weekend, it was waaaay more packed with locals and tourists alike than in the picture below.

Gorgeous, huh? This is what people are talking about when they say how pretty Austin is.

I didn't rent a kayak to take any photos, but I have been on the lake before and I can tell you, it's even prettier from a kayak/canoe/paddle board.

That's a paddle board. It's like a super-wide surf board that you stand up on and paddle. I haven't done it, but I hear it's way harder to fall over than you would think. Plus you can sit down if you get tired.

Or you could just rent a kayak.

You can get them that seat two people. This is especially helpful if you are kind-of a sissy and plan to make your husband do most of the paddling.

There are two different places to rent these things. You can walk just a little bit east of Mopac on the Hike and Bike trail to get to Texas Rowing Center, or you can drive up and park at The Rowing Dock.

map of rowing dock