Lady Bird Lake is a beautiful man-made lake located in the heart of Austin, Texas. It is a popular spot for a variety of water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP). If you're interested in trying paddle-boarding, Lady Bird Lake is a great place to do it. Here's what you need to know about paddle-boarding on Lady Bird Lake:
Where to Rent Equipment
There are several places to rent paddle-boarding and kayaking equipment on Lady Bird Lake. You can find inflatable stand-up paddle-boards (iSUPs), hard stand-up paddle-boards (SUPs), and paddles at several local outdoor outfitters. Prices vary depending on the type of equipment you rent and how long you rent it for. Some notable outfitters are The Rowing Dock, Zilker Boats, and The Texas Rowing Center. Each of these outfitters has their own docks on the water. Pro Tip: All of these docks are public access, meaning you can launch from there with your own equipment.
Where to Launch
There are several places to launch your paddle-board on Lady Bird Lake. The most popular launch points are located at the following parks:
Zilker Park - Zilker Park is located on the south side of Lady Bird Lake and is a popular spot for paddling. The park has a large, grassy area where you can set up your equipment and a concrete boat ramp where you can launch your paddle-board.
Auditorium Shores - Auditorium Shores is located on the south side of Lady Bird Lake and is another popular spot for paddling. The park has a large, grassy area where you can set up your equipment and a concrete boat ramp where you can launch your paddle-board.
Red Bud Isle - Red Bud Isle is a small island located on the north side of Lady Bird Lake. It is a popular spot for paddling and is a great place to explore. You can launch your paddle-board from the small boat ramp on the north side of the island.
The Walnut Creek Paddling Trail - The Walnut Creek Paddling Trail is a 10-mile paddling trail that follows the north side of Lady Bird Lake. It is a great place to explore by paddle-board, with several access points along the way.
No matter where you choose to launch your paddle board, you're sure to have a great time exploring Lady Bird Lake. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and check weather conditions before heading out on the water. Happy paddling!