Frequently asked questions
1When are you open?
Standard rental hours in September are Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., weather permitting. Select “Book Now” to see the booking calendar for the specific rental timeslots that are available.
Our season is generally May through September. We are also open Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, & Labor Day.
Check the booking calendar for the most up to date availabilities.
Our season is generally May through September. We are also open Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, & Labor Day.
Check the booking calendar for the most up to date availabilities.
2I have a big group. How many people can you accommodate?
We love groups! Our maximum capacity is 20 people at a time (10 single kayaks, 2 tandem kayaks, and 6 paddleboards). For a large group, we suggest you book ahead of time. The booking system has the most up to date availability. If the number of boats you are wanting is not available, try selecting a different time or different day, or call if you have questions!
We can offer 20% off for groups of 8 people or more. Please call to receive group offer.
Contact us with any other questions!
We can offer 20% off for groups of 8 people or more. Please call to receive group offer.
Contact us with any other questions!
3What’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.
Thank you for understanding. The number of boats at our location is limited, so please be respectful of your reservation.
A full refund can be issued with at least 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Weather
If inclement weather is forecasted, Windrose Outdoor may need to cancel your excursion. At the time of booking you will provide contact information in order to receive updates, including information about weather cancellations. Windrose Outdoor staff will closely monitor the forecast and inform participants in advance if the excursion will be cancelled due to forecasted weather. At that time, you will be asked whether you would like to re-book the trip or receive a full refund. Reasons for 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.
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.
Thank you for understanding. The number of boats at our location is limited, so please be respectful of your reservation.
A full refund can be issued with at least 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Weather
If inclement weather is forecasted, Windrose Outdoor may need to cancel your excursion. At the time of booking you will provide contact information in order to receive updates, including information about weather cancellations. Windrose Outdoor staff will closely monitor the forecast and inform participants in advance if the excursion will be cancelled due to forecasted weather. At that time, you will be asked whether you would like to re-book the trip or receive a full refund. Reasons for 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.
4What 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.
5What 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.
6Where 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 Park Columbus ParkMobile parking app (https://park.parkmobile.io/oh/columbus/parkcolumbus). 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.
7Do you have 2-person kayaks or canoes?
We have tandem kayaks that have a 2-person occupancy and a maximum weight limit of 350 lbs.
We do not have canoes.
If planning to brings kids --Please see the FAQ about kids (below).
We do not have canoes.
If planning to brings kids --Please see the FAQ about kids (below).
8Can 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 9-10 years and up).
--> If the child is capable of paddling on the water, but perhaps not comfortable operating their own vessel, we have tandem kayaks for 2 person occupancy (weight limit is a total of 350 lbs).
--> 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 250 lbs total). In this case, the child will not have their own paddle, but will be a passenger. Generally recommend for age 4-9 years.
Note: we do NOT allow small children on laps of adults while kayaking. This is for safety reasons.
Children under 4 years old 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 9-10 years and up).
--> If the child is capable of paddling on the water, but perhaps not comfortable operating their own vessel, we have tandem kayaks for 2 person occupancy (weight limit is a total of 350 lbs).
--> 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 250 lbs total). In this case, the child will not have their own paddle, but will be a passenger. Generally recommend for age 4-9 years.
Note: we do NOT allow small children on laps of adults while kayaking. This is for safety reasons.
Children under 4 years old and under 30 lbs will generally not be permitted. If you have any additional questions about bringing your kids, please contact us!
9Is there a size/weight limit?
--> single kayak (1 person occupancy, 250 lb weight limit)
--> tandem kayak (2 person occupancy, 350 lb total weight limit)
--> stand up paddleboard (single person occupancy [or adult + child], 250 lb total weight limit)
If you would like a more stable kayak, we are happy to book the tandem kayak as a single (and for the price of a single), if available. Please call to reserve.
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.
--> tandem kayak (2 person occupancy, 350 lb total weight limit)
--> stand up paddleboard (single person occupancy [or adult + child], 250 lb total weight limit)
If you would like a more stable kayak, we are happy to book the tandem kayak as a single (and for the price of a single), if available. Please call to reserve.
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.
10Is 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 is optional. 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 is optional. If you stay sitting or kneeling it is very unlikely that you will fall in.
11How 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.
12How long of a paddle trip should I book?
The typical paddle outing is 1 hour, which is plenty of time for most people. The river is fairly calm in the summers, so it is a nice route to go up about one mile and back.
There is a built in 15 minutes for instruction, after which you have the full 1 hour to paddle. For example, if your timeslot is at 3 p.m., you will have from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. out on the water.
If you prefer a long outing to get a big workout, or just to allow extra time to float, that is perfectly fine! Our longer timeslot is 2.5 hours. Note: we cannot issue refunds if you come back early. The total area that is accessible is about 3 miles; extending to about North Bank Park to the north (after which it gets too shallow), and extending to the Audubon Boat Ramp to the south (after which there is a dam).
There is a built in 15 minutes for instruction, after which you have the full 1 hour to paddle. For example, if your timeslot is at 3 p.m., you will have from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. out on the water.
If you prefer a long outing to get a big workout, or just to allow extra time to float, that is perfectly fine! Our longer timeslot is 2.5 hours. Note: we cannot issue refunds if you come back early. The total area that is accessible is about 3 miles; extending to about North Bank Park to the north (after which it gets too shallow), and extending to the Audubon Boat Ramp to the south (after which there is a dam).
13Do you take walk-ups?
To guarantee a timeslot, we recommend booking your rental online at least 24 hours in advance. In some cases we may have equipment available for walk-ups, or at short notice. Feel free to check our website or stop by and see us at along the river at Bicentennial Park.
14Can 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 rentals at this location. If part of your group needs rental equipment, we are happy to accommodate as timeslots are available.
15Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, no pets are allowed on the vessels.
16What 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.
17Can we schedule a time or event that is not on your calendar?
For any special requests, just contact us! We may be able to accommodate groups, special times, longer trips, guided trips, lessons/classes, or other requests.