Thompson Boat Center

The staff are very nice, but the equipment is in desperate need of repair and maintenance.
My alumni rowing team is paying a significant amount to use their boat, but it’s always missing footboards and seats.
The cox boxes either aren’t charged or just don’t work… and some of the speaker wires are broken. I had to yell and scream commands to my crew when the cox box failed.
The coach we hired had to use chewing gum to help attach the fin.
We’ve been paying a lot for the rental so I hope they will make some improvements in the conditions of the equipment… I would like to know that the boat won’t fall apart while we’re in the middle of the Potomac.

If you have yet to see DC from the water, that’s just gotta end now. Take off your tie, life’s not that serious, and head to Thompson Boat House.
Located right off Rock Creek Parkway and the Kennedy center, Thompson Boat Center is one of those rare gems in the city that gets you out of city chaos quickly and relatively I expensively.
You can rent single or double kayaks here, and they charge hourly rates– check my pictures for pricing current as of this posting. After a quick check in, where you sign a waiver and deposit your drivers license, you can snag a small locker for 50 cents to store your purse, bike helmet, etc. then grab a life jacket (included with your rental), and head to the dock. Don’t forget to bring your yellow receipt like I first did!
When I visited, a staffer was wiping out boats, and he greeted me promptly, helped me in to my cute yellow kayak and offered some pointers. Then I was off. Make no mistake– this is a bit of a workout so dress accordingly– sandals with straps, a tank and shorts are perfect. I wouldn’t do this in a chiffon dress before drinks at the Ritz. But that’s just me!
For novices, I suggest hugging the shore a bit, and paddling hard for 5 min then check your location. you can gain serious distance quickly on the water which makes a difference when you’re paying by the hour OR you are overly ambitious and forget that you have to paddle back.
Off the water, your arms a little sore, there’s a great rush from the freedom you gain from the excursion.
FYI– kids can boat, too, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult in the boat.
I hope you check out and enjoy Thompson Boat Center.

Grab a kayak from here if you want to get a nice view of the memorials and monuments. Go to Keybridge Boathouse if you want to go down the river!

I wouldn’t recommend this place for a bike rental. The bikes they supply are fixed-​gear (no brakes) and a bit raggedy. They’re fine for a quick jaunt up and down the Potomac near Georgetown, but I wouldn’t want to merge with traffic. This place seems to be much more centered on boating.

The website is accurate in terms of hours and pricing. I opted for a single kayak ($ 15/​hour) so my friends could share the double since they were sisters ($ 20/​hour). We were told it would take an hour to kayak around Theodore Roosevelt Island, so between checking in, changing shoes, and getting in and out of the kayaks and of course, the kayaking itself, it took an hour. It’s expensive but a great way to enjoy the weather.
Next time I’ll probably try the daily rate of $ 40/​day. Kayaking around the island, I felt like we were in a rush to make the journey and get back without having to go over. I’m not sure what would happen if we had taken the rentals out for an hour and fifteen minutes, for example. Would we have been charged more?
The guys helping us get in and out of the kayaks were really nice and great. They kept the kayaks steady and helped me load and unload my bag.
They do have restrooms in the boat center, and there are canoes, bikes, and sculls for rent as well. I might rent a bike from here next time for $ 30/​day. It’s nicer than having to worry about going over 30 minutes and paying more on the Capital Bikeshare program. Then again, finding a place for your rented bike is more of a chore than using Capital Bikeshare…

I rented a kayak here for a friend and brought my own paddleboard. The kayak rental was easy enough– the kayaks aren’t anything nice and are heavy and boxy, but they work for a sight seeing paddle. The dock fee for my paddleboard was a disaster. The employees forgot to put it on the receipt in the beginning, leading to the person on the dock yelling at me as if I were trying to sneak past paying the $ 3 fee. He finally communicated with the other employees and supposedly fixed it. Then when we paid and left, they yelled at us through the parking lot insisting that we hadn’t paid the fee. Seriously. $ 3.

Thompson Boat Center is essentially a 4-​star experience, but since sculling (rowing where each person has two oars) is probably my all-​time favorite way to see D.C., I’ll give TBC the bump-​up to five stars. You simply cannot find better views of the District than on the Potomac via kayak or shell.
Conveniently located off Rock Creek Parkway, with easy access to Virginia, and just outside most of Georgetown’s bustle, Thompson’s location cannot be beat.
I took the beginners’ learn-​to-​scull class, a five-​day program, this summer. I’ve always been taken by the mystique of rowing, but never put the oars to water, until taking the class. If you are considering the course, I recommend following Cyra O.‘s advice (
), and signing up for the novice class for the very next week. Unfortunately, I chose to see if I liked it first (I did), and then thanks to scheduling conflicts and the apparent popularity and demand for the classes, never ended up signing up for the novice class this season. You snooze, you lose. Next year, though! Don’t make my mistake: Sign up early.
Though pretty quick to pick up most sports, sculling was a challenge, but by the end of the class I felt competent enough to take a shell out on my own. (Note: You cannot take a shell out at Thompson unless you’ve demonstrated your skills, by the learn-​to-​scull class, or another arrangement.) I was by no means proficient, or land or take off from the dock gracefully, but can get around in a «tub» shell (read: not the sleek, narrow, fancy shells rowed by those of more experience or prowess).
Thankfully, when you take one of Thompson’s classes, you can buy a discounted drop-​in card to continue your skills. I was able to get a five-​row pass for $ 60. The other drop-​in cards require a bigger financial commitment (and are designed for way more than five rows). If you can’t get in the novice class, this is a good way to maintain your skills, on your schedule. An added bonus: The staff at Thompson is really nice, and doesn’t judge you for selecting a tub, or on the inadequacies of your take-​offs or landings.
Out of curiosity, I researched other East Coast sculling locales (Boston, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and Richmond) and found that most places either charged way more than $ 150 for a beginner’s class, or even more expensive and often, required you to be proficient in sweep rowing (each person, one oar, on alternating sides of the shell) before being allowed to learn sculling. In town, it seems other places offer sculling, but on a private lesson basis. All in all, D.C. is pretty lucky to have TBC in its backyard.
If you’ve ever been wondering how to row, Thompson is definitely the place to learn.

I am in LOVE with the concept of nature in the city. Kayaking on a hot day, views of the monument, Arlington sky scrapers, and humongous beautiful stone/​steel bridges… It’s breath taking.
I try to kayak 3 or 4 times a summer, I’ve tried the competitor kayak company down the street and it was overpriced and crowded. Thompson boat center staff knows what they’re doing and are very helpful. They clearly explain to you the kayak boundaries, and tips for having a good time.
If you’re looking for a way to spend a summer morning, you gotta stop by here, and there’s plenty of great restaurants within walking distance after your workout!

See D.C. at water level.
Thompson is one of those places you intend to try for ages and then you finally do go and then you want to go every day.
TBC is a no-​frills boat rental place. Their kayaks are well worn (to put it politely). Who cares? TBC is cheap and easy walking distance from Foggy Bottom Metro. (Or at least, if you don’t think the walk from FB to TBC is easy, why are you planning to spend a couple of hours in a kayak?)
I finally got to see the 3 Sisters up close and Georgetown from an entirely new angle.
Added bonus, there are no grouchy people on the water. (The snakeheads get them. Honest!)

I am writing strictly about the learn to row beginner sculling class, which costs $ 150. The learn to row class is 5 days and only 4 of them are on the water. I did sweep rowing years ago and i was able to pick up sculling, but i felt sorry for the real newbies who struggled mightily and got very discouraged. I think the price is very fair for what you get — a small class with 2 coaches. It’s just that you should be realistic about what your proficiency level will be if you just take the one class. My advice if you have never rowed before is to schedule the beginner course one week, and then the «novice» class (which is the next level of skill) for the very next week so you really can get up to speed to take out a boat on your own

Rented bikes here & toured the monuments/​memorials. Great way to get around DC. Their bikes are pretty much 1 size fits all, no frills, adjustable seats, no gears, but worked just fine for 2 adults and our 14yr old & 8yr old kids.

I really enjoyed myself this past Saturday.
Great location literally at the Georgetown waterfront.
I loved the views to the monuments and how relaxing it was so just spend the day rowing, or just laying back to tan when I needed a break.
There are many Kayaks and bikes etc. The only problems I faced were that there was only ONE double Kayak and its was 1 pm, so get there early. I got mean mugged by some guy and his brother bc I took the last one. Being that they cut in front of me and I made it a point so that I could get that ONE dbl Kayak. Its only fair if they cut in line.
Also, crew Kayak teams are there, even the weekends. It was pretty annoying having to get yelled at from the coach because we were in their way while trying to get back to the dock.
other than that, the prices are okay: $ 20 for an hour, $ 40 for two, and $ 45 all day
$ 15 for a single kayak one hour.

For $ 15 you can take out an ultra sturdy «sea» kayak for an hour. If you want a workout that is challenging because your boat is a big heavy sturdy box, this is the place to go! That said, I am not sure that Jack’s down the road can do better for you. They did appear to have newer shinier big sturdy box boats. All that said, I saw multiple lesser heron, a big group of male wood ducks, several families of mamma ducks and ducklings and canada geese and goslings. I also observed a dudes who bike to the woods and drink beer together along the Potomac culture. So it was totally worth the $ 15 and the annoyingly heavy boat. Favorite part of the trip, after the wood ducks: the two guys with their dog in a canoe. The dog was wearing a life jacket.
Other info: Yes, you can park a car nearby, or lock up your bike in front of the boathouse. They have lockers that can be used for two quarters, spacious handicap accessible sex segregated single bathrooms, and workers at the dock to help you in and out of your boat. Instructions and safety concerns are minimal, a plus for me, but maybe not for you.

Run by a punch of player haters– my boy dove in off their launch today on a bet for a grand and they called the cops… snitch city, choose another warf that respects the game. White boys going to make bets and wild out, let it be and let the kid swim across

After having so many friends from out of town visit DC and seeing the same museums and monuments every time, I decided to get creative and I started bringing people here for a truly different DC experience. Compared to other rental places on the Potomac, this is the cheapest, though I believe the prices fluctuate by season.
Of the few times I went, the people were always really patient and helpful and at least once cut me a break on coming back a little bit over the hour without charging for two. You can rent kayaks and canoes for one two people and they also rent bikes. The views out on the river are great and it’s a really peaceful activity for a weekend afternoon. On occasion, you’ll see the crew teams from the universities practicing out there, and you’ll feel bad about your own rowing abilities but it’ll be fun to watch.

I’m gonna be totally candid here. People from my «demographic» aren’t exactly famous for kayaking. By demographic, of course I mean short people (wink wink), so I don’t know the first thing about kayaking. Ever adventurous, I thought I’d give it a shot anyway and was told to go to Jack’s or Thompson. I picked the latter because it was right off Rock Creek Parkway.
I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting to feel out of place because I see the crew teams from the local colleges there all the time. I figured it was for expert Olympic Kayakers who enjoy the additional challenge of treading through the microbial experience that is the Potomac River rife with its mutagenic properties a la every science fiction movie. But they were cool.
When I asked which one was less likely to flip over and kill me, a canoe or kayak, they told me to go with the kayak. Down on the dock, the guy was patient as I kissed the ground one last time and he gave me a few pointers on how to make it back alive.
Two hours later, I was ready to compete in the 2016 Olympics. Calm water (except getting caught in the wake of one of the tour boats that scared the crap out of me), and beautiful scenery made for one memorable experience. At $ 10/​hr or $ 28/​day, I think I’ll be back.

What was I thinking to wait so many years after moving to the area to canoe in the Potomac?!
Thompson Boat Center was exactly what I was looking for — a relatively cheap place to rent a canoe that’s not too difficult to get to by public transit. (We took the red line to Farragut North, then the Circulator to 30^th and Whitehurst Fwy, which is not actually a freeway there.) I saw other posters note that if you don’t rent early you will likely not get a boat. However, we rented at 2:30 p.m. on a Sunday in July and there were still two canoes left when we got there. (They may’ve been out of kayaks, though.) Also, people bring them back throughout the day. I’m sure it’s still advisable to call in advance and know there’s a risk that they will be out when you get there, especially if you don’t go early.
The rates were $ 12/​hour for a canoe (with partial hour pricing, too), and $ 24 for all day. Life vests were included. It’s nice and close to Roosevelt Island, which was nice to picnic on (though I believe there was some poison ivy there). There is a lot of air traffic, especially right in that area of the river — both helicopters and airplanes from DCA — which was a bit annoying. But, overall it was a lovey way to spend the afternoon and I have no complaints about the rental place. We saw two turtles and a beautiful great blue heron.

I like a lot of things about renting kayaks from the Thompson Boat Center. I like the professional/​athletic vibe, the huge stock of boats, and the convenient hours. I like the parking.
I just don’t like that they are so far down the river, meaning that to get up into the pretty parts of the Potomac you have a lot longer of a haul. Some people might also not like that they don’t have stand-​up paddleboards.

Most awesome time I’ve had outdoors in D.C. This is open until the end of october so take advantage of this beautiful fall weather to rent a kayak! I rented a kayak with my friend ($ 17/​hr) which holds 2 people, and so it was extremely affordable and easy! We got in and had a wonderful time. We got there in the afternoon, and so we had to wait a little bit as all of their boats were out at the time. However, if you go early in the morning, you may be in luck and won’t have to wait.
There is also a bathroom if you need it/​to change your clothes, and a locker for you to put your stuff in — only $ 0.50.
VERY cheap, affordable, efficient, and overall awesome for a fun afternoon or morning out. So beautiful!

Awesome place.
I was bored on a saturday afternoon and wanted to take advantage of the excellent weather and after searching around I found this place online. You can rent kayaks, canoes or bicycles here.
The location is right on the gorgeous georgetown waterfront and there is a parking lot near the boathouse (actually finding parking there seems very difficult though). You can park nearby though in a garage that is 7 dollars all day. After circling around for parking we gave up and went into a garage.
My friend and I rented bikes and unfortunately they were out of multispeed bikes. (bikes were $ 7/​hr). The bikes were fine although having to brake by peddling backwards made me slightly fear for my safety hahah. It took a little getting used to and I’d have to say I still prefer the brakes on a multispeed. The location is good because its near lots of trails including the mount vernon trail and you can easily ride around dc.
Staff was very friendly. Definitely recommend