Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are required. If you know the trip you want to do, fill out our reservation request form online or call 507-438-4788 or email floatingoatoutfitters@gmail.com. Include your name, phone, number of people, and the route you want to do. A confirmation with full details will be sent to you. If you aren't sure what route you want to do, just give us a call or email and we will help guide you!

Your reservation confirmation will list your launch time. Please arrive on time as we have spaced launch times for individual groups and want all groups to be able to start on time. If you have trouble finding your launch point, just give us a call at 507-438-4788. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late without calling, we will consider you a no-show, no refunds will be given.

We do not have one physical location but we deliver kayaks to a few great locations around Austin. See Routes for descriptions of each location/outing. Detailed directions will be provided when you make your reservation. When you arrive for your reserved outing, just look for our colorful trailer full of kayaks! You can view the full Cedar River Map here.

At this time we transport kayaks but not people. All river and pond trips require that you arrange transportation for yourself at both ends. Most groups use two cars and leave one at the end and carpool to the start; some bike or have friends/family drive them. We meet you at the start with the kayaks and pick them up at the end. 

A Personal Floatation Device (PFD) are required and provided. Rentals come with kayak, paddle and Coast Guard Approved life vest (PFD). Life vests are required. If you have your own favorite Coast Guard Approved life vest (PFD) you can bring it. 

All participants must sign liability waiver. Under 18 must have parental signature. 

If you have never kayaked or canoed before, we do not recommend starting on a moving river. For safety, beginners should practice on still water before attempting a river trip.

For safety and liability reasons, our river trips require a certain level of physical ability. Participants should be able to paddle, navigate moving water, and enter and exit the river independently. If you have physical limitations that may impact your ability to safely complete the trip, we strongly recommend choosing an alternative activity. Your safety is our top priority.

Some of our adventures require a short portage to or from the water. Participants assist in carrying their own kayaks when needed at launch or exit. 

All reservations are paid in full when booked. We currently limit group rentals to a maximum of 6 kayaks per group. We’re a small operation with limited equipment, and this helps us to manage equipment availability and provide a safe, smooth rental process for everyone.

If you have a larger group and would like to inquire about options or future availability, feel free to contact us!

We run a few days a week during the summer but availability is limited. Weekends tend to fill up first, so book these days early. Please call, text at 507-438-4788 or email us to see if your dates are available! Or visit our Book a Trip page to request a reservation online.

You must be at least 18 years old to rent, have a valid drivers license or state ID, and a credit card for security deposit. Participants must be 9 years of age or older to paddle their own kayak on the river and have parent/adult accompanying. For tandem kayaks, the second passenger may be as young as 4 years old, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Please consider your child’s swimming ability, comfort level, and the trip length before participating. All river trips are taken at your own risk and are self-guided.

If you cancel with 48 hours or more notice a rental credit will be issued in your name good for the same paddling season, which can also be redeemed as a gift certificate. 

We do not give refunds, rather we will gladly give you credit for use another time.

No shows and cancellations within 48 hours of the event, for any reason, are subject to full reservation costs, no refund credits. 

If your trip day has heavy rain/thunderstorms, we will rescheduled to the next available date. Should the river be too low or too high to paddle, we can offer alternate routes or reschedule.

To read full cancellation/refund policy, please click here.

Full payment of reservation is required upon booking. 

We use 10 foot, sit-in, single-person recreational kayaks. They are quite stable and maneuverable. If someone in your party is over 250 pounds, please contact us. We also have limited tandem kayaks available with weight capacity of 400 lbs.

We will send a detailed list of what to wear and bring when you make your reservation. In general, dress for the weather and bring sunscreen and a hat if you will need it. Be sure to bring along plenty of water for each paddler and light snacks/energy bars. Kayaks have cup holders and room to store a small soft-sided cooler. We also strongly suggest wearing water shoesor secure footwear during your river trip. The riverbed has rocks and other natural debris that can be sharp or slippery. For your safety and comfort, avoid going barefoot.

To ensure we can serve all paddlers and maintain the quality of each experience, we currently limit group rentals to a maximum of 6 kayaks per group. We’re a small operation with limited equipment, and this helps us to manage equipment availability and provide a safe, smooth rental process for everyone.

If you have a larger group and would like to inquire about options or future availability, feel free to contact us!

One of the most magical parts of paddling with Floatin’ Goat Outfitters is the chance to connect with the wild beauty of southern Minnesota. As you drift along the Cedar River, keep your eyes open—you never know what you might see!

Common wildlife sightings include:
🦅 Bald eagles soaring overhead
🪶 Great blue herons wading along the banks
🦌 Deer stepping out of the trees
🦆 Ducks and geese gliding past
🐢 Turtles sunning themselves on logs
🦉 Owls and hawks perched silently above
Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or simply looking to relax, the river offers a peaceful, up-close experience with wildlife in their natural habitat.

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