Frequently asked questions
1Do you have kayaks?
In 2026, we are not renting kayaks. Stand Up Paddleboard small group guided tours only.
2What’s your cancellation policy? What about weather cancellations?
Cancellation Policy
If you must CANCEL or CHANGE your reservation, we require at least 24 hours notice. NO REFUNDS or CHANGES will be granted for no shows or cancellations without 24 hours notice.
For weather or other operator cancellation, a full refund can be issued.
Weather
Windrose Outdoor staff will monitor the forecast and conditions. If cancellation is necessary, we will attempt to give you as much notice as possible. Reasons for last minute cancellation may include thunderstorms, heavy rains, or other storms; high winds; or high speed of the river current.
Paddle excursions will continue in light rain or passing rain showers.
For any questions about weather for your excursion, feel free to reach out to us.
If you must CANCEL or CHANGE your reservation, we require at least 24 hours notice. NO REFUNDS or CHANGES will be granted for no shows or cancellations without 24 hours notice.
For weather or other operator cancellation, a full refund can be issued.
Weather
Windrose Outdoor staff will monitor the forecast and conditions. If cancellation is necessary, we will attempt to give you as much notice as possible. Reasons for last minute cancellation may include thunderstorms, heavy rains, or other storms; high winds; or high speed of the river current.
Paddle excursions will continue in light rain or passing rain showers.
For any questions about weather for your excursion, feel free to reach out to us.
3When are you open?
Click 'Book Now' and choose 'SUP SKyline Tours' to see our available timeslots for guided stand up paddleboard tours. They are typically on select Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Our season is generally end of May through mid September.
Please contact us with any special time requests for small group SUP SKyline Tours and we may be able to accomodate.
Our season is generally end of May through mid September.
Please contact us with any special time requests for small group SUP SKyline Tours and we may be able to accomodate.
4Can kids participate?
Yes, kids and families are welcome! For minors (under 18), a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian. Life jackets are available in child sizes.
There are several options for kids, which are up to the parents discretion:
--> If the child is comfortable and confident on the water, they can operate their own vessel (generally 10-11 years and up).
--> If the child is too small to paddle, but old enough to be a passenger, there is an option for the child to sit on the front of the stand up paddleboard while an adult is operating the vessel (weight limit of 275 lbs total). In this case, the child will not have their own paddle, but will be a passenger. Generally recommend for age 5-9 years.
Children age 4 years and under, and under 30 lbs will generally not be permitted. If you have any additional questions about bringing your kids, please contact us!
There are several options for kids, which are up to the parents discretion:
--> If the child is comfortable and confident on the water, they can operate their own vessel (generally 10-11 years and up).
--> If the child is too small to paddle, but old enough to be a passenger, there is an option for the child to sit on the front of the stand up paddleboard while an adult is operating the vessel (weight limit of 275 lbs total). In this case, the child will not have their own paddle, but will be a passenger. Generally recommend for age 5-9 years.
Children age 4 years and under, and under 30 lbs will generally not be permitted. If you have any additional questions about bringing your kids, please contact us!
5Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, no pets are allowed on the vessels.
6Is there a size/weight limit?
--> stand up paddleboard (single person occupancy [or adult + child], 275 lb total weight limit)
We have life vests to accommodate multiple sizes from universal adult to an XXL Adult (chest size 40 in – 60 in), and down to a 30lb child.
We have life vests to accommodate multiple sizes from universal adult to an XXL Adult (chest size 40 in – 60 in), and down to a 30lb child.
7Where should I park?
Limited number of parking meters/kiosks are available in the general vicinity of Bicentennial park, on BOTH sides of the river. It is most convenient to pay meters/kiosks with the Parking app. Street spots may fill up, especially on weekends. There are also several public parking garages within walking distance.
PLEASE ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME to find parking and to walk to the riverfront.
PLEASE ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME to find parking and to walk to the riverfront.
8What to wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that can get damp. Quick dry athletic gear is best. A swimsuit is not required, but is optional.
We recommend wearing shoes that can get wet (water shoes, sandals, etc.) for when you board and exit the vessel. It is a rocky launch area and can be slippery. Going barefoot is also an option. You can leave your shoes at the launch or tuck them into the bungy cords on the board/boat.
Optional: layers, hats, raincoat. Paddle activities will continue in light rain.
We recommend wearing shoes that can get wet (water shoes, sandals, etc.) for when you board and exit the vessel. It is a rocky launch area and can be slippery. Going barefoot is also an option. You can leave your shoes at the launch or tuck them into the bungy cords on the board/boat.
Optional: layers, hats, raincoat. Paddle activities will continue in light rain.
9What to bring?
Optional: sun protection (sunblock, hat, sunglasses), water bottle, jacket or layers, towel for your car in case you are damp.
We recommend NOT to bring your phone, valuables, or anything you care about losing/getting wet. If you insist on bringing your phone, we recommend a waterproof case (also provided for a fee).
A zipper pocket or fanny pack type bag (or waterproof bag/dry bag) to hold your keys, etc. is a good idea, or we are happy to hold your keys during your excursion.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the city park. You are not permitted to dock and exit your vessel during the excursion due to safety, as there are no convenient places to do so. Small coolers or snacks on the boats/boards are ok.
We recommend NOT to bring your phone, valuables, or anything you care about losing/getting wet. If you insist on bringing your phone, we recommend a waterproof case (also provided for a fee).
A zipper pocket or fanny pack type bag (or waterproof bag/dry bag) to hold your keys, etc. is a good idea, or we are happy to hold your keys during your excursion.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the city park. You are not permitted to dock and exit your vessel during the excursion due to safety, as there are no convenient places to do so. Small coolers or snacks on the boats/boards are ok.
10Do you take walk-ups?
We require that your book ahead online. If your intended outing is within short notice, please call to see if we can accommdate you.
11Can we bring our own vessels?
Yes, it is a public space and free to use if you have your own equipment. We are not blocking the launch spot for public access. We do have permission to provide tours at this location.
12Is it hard to stand up paddleboard? Will I fall in?
Stand up paddleboards can be slightly challenging for beginners. Some athletic ability or natural balance may be helpful. Sometimes there is a learning curve in order to get the hang of it– but they are so much fun! Give it a try, and we are pretty sure you will love it! Beginners are welcome. We can provide plenty of tips before you set out. Also, if you are unsure about standing up, there is ALWAYS the option to sit or kneel.
It is possible that you will fall in. In the case that you fall in-- the river is calm, the water quality is safe, and you just climb back on. You will have a life jacket and a leash. If you stay sitting or kneeling it is very unlikely that you will fall in.
It is possible that you will fall in. In the case that you fall in-- the river is calm, the water quality is safe, and you just climb back on. You will have a life jacket and a leash. If you stay sitting or kneeling it is very unlikely that you will fall in.
13What is the river like? How deep is it?
The downtown segment of the Scioto River is typically fairly calm in the summer (with a slow current). The depth is about 6-8 feet at the most, with many shallower areas near the banks and further upstream.
From where we launch, it is a nice leisurely trip to paddle about one mile up river (against the slow current) to near North Bank Park, and then to turn around for an easier paddle back to the start. Typically, the vessels cannot go further upstream than the North Bank park area due to shallow water near the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers.
The water is naturally a brownish color due to natural silt and clay in the soil. The water quality is safe for recreational activities.
From where we launch, it is a nice leisurely trip to paddle about one mile up river (against the slow current) to near North Bank Park, and then to turn around for an easier paddle back to the start. Typically, the vessels cannot go further upstream than the North Bank park area due to shallow water near the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers.
The water is naturally a brownish color due to natural silt and clay in the soil. The water quality is safe for recreational activities.
14Can we schedule a time or event that is not on your calendar?
For any special requests, please contact us! We may be able to accommodate special times, lessons/classes, or other requests.
15How do I sign the waiver?
A link to the required waiver will be included in your confirmation email. Forward this email to others in your party. Every adult is required to fill out a waiver. Every minor (under 18) must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver.
If you are having difficulties opening multiple waivers, we have paper copies when you arrive.
If you are having difficulties opening multiple waivers, we have paper copies when you arrive.