FAQs
Where are you located?
Our location is on the east side of the Scioto River in downtown Columbus just north of the Broad Street bridge.
The closest address is 25 Marconi Blvd
Look for the yellow tent as you walk down to the river from Marconi/Civic Center Drive.
Please allow for at least 15 minutes for parking and walking to the launch site prior to your scheduled time.
If you arrive late, you will need to shorten your time on the water because your kayaks will be used by another customer as soon as your scheduled rental time is over.
We recommend you use the Park Columbus app on a smartphone.
Links to download Park Columbus App (download before you head out)
[App Store] (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parkcolumbus/id1375540083)
Google Play
Public parking garages are also in the area.
How does it work?
We launch along the Scioto Mile just north of the Broad Street bridge on the east side of the river bank.
We provide all equipment, a 15 minute safety and basic paddling session and a guide on the water that can talk to you about the history of the river and the city of Columbus. They will also provide basic paddling tips and techniques.
All our kayaks are single-person recreational yaks with good stability and tracking.
Questions? Just contact us. We typically respond within an hour.
What do you provide?
Kayaks: Our single person kayaks comfortably hold up to 250 lbs, and we have a few that can handle more. Just send us an email to info@olentangypaddle if your weight is over 250 so we can be sure to have the right kayak for you.
PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices): We have several different sizes of comfortable life jackets to choose from. Please note that we require all participants wear life jackets at all times.
Paddles: we offer different sizes of Harmony and Carlisle brand paddles.
Safety and instruction: Each trip includes a 15 minute lesson based on ACA (American Canoe Association) Quickstart course where we go over basic paddling strokes and techniques. A guide is on the water at all times. You are not required to stay with the guide, just within their eyesight.
How much does it cost?
Weekends:
2.5 hours on the water:
$50 (adults) $25 (kids)
1 hour:
$35 (adults) $15 (kids)
Weekedays vary depending on the day but it's typically $5-10 less.
Can I join a trip outing if I've never kayaked/canoed before?
Absolutely! The rivers we run are typically slow moving so that even a newbie can navigate them. Our guides are there to make you feel comfortable on the water and will give a demonstration of basic strokes.
What if it rains on the day of my scheduled trip?
If the weather forecast is unfavorable for boating on the river, Olentangy Paddle has the right to cancel all river runs. We’ll try our best to give you 24 hours notice via the email address you specified on your registration and we will refund your full amount. You’ll need to come back to this site to reschedule.
Can you accommodate large groups (15+)?
We have the capacity of up to 22 people.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, please note the timeframes here:
- Before 48 hours prior to your trip: No fee is charged.
- Between 48-12 hours: 75% fee per person is charged.
- Between 12-0 hours: The full amount of the trip is charged, but you can reschedule any time for a 50% rescheduling fee.
What should I expect?
Prepare to get wet! Kayaking is a participatory sport and chances are you will get wet as you get in and out of the boat. Prepare to see the city as you've never seen before. Expect to take photos if you bring your phone as there are many opportunities to capture iconic skyline images of downtown Columbus.
What should I wear?
Flip-flop shoes are NOT recommended. Strap-on sandals will provide you the comfort and safety you need to enter and exit your boat. Dress appropriately for the weather, wearing layers if you expect it to be chilly.
What should I bring?
- Insect Repellent
- Dress in layers, especially if you are scheduled for an evening run
- Small coolers
- Binoculars and/or Cell Phones at your own risk
What type of boats are available?
We offer various models of single-person kayaks ranging from 9.5 feet and 11 feet.
Maximum weight is 300 lbs.