The tour sets out around 7:30 p.m. while there is still some light outside, but darkness sets in quickly.[/caption]
During the tour information is provided about the historical and environmental aspects of Lady Bird Lake.[/caption]With summer just around the corner, a new way to enjoy Lady Bird Lake and the creatures that inhabit the central waterway is now available.
Austin Sailboat Rentals is the only watercraft business on the lake to offer sailing, and now the company is the first to offer night tours using illuminated glass-bottom kayaks, according to Jim Niebauer, co-owner of the business.
Many fish were spotted during the tour with help from the illuminated glass bottom kayaks.[/caption]“It’s a silent, quiet, beautiful world down there,” said Ginny Niebauer, co-owner of Austin Sailboat Rentals. “When I go, I get to see what’s going on, and I just hover and watch for a long time. … It’s an ecotour. It’s really fun and interesting.”
Jim Niebauer lines the glass bottom of the kayak with lighting to allow those in the kayak to see beneath and around the watercraft during a night tour. He also added customized lighting paddles, which he calls Party Paddles, and taillight poles at the back of the kayak to provide more visibility.
Some of those on the tour look beneath the kayak to find fish swimming in Lady Bird Lake.[/caption]“When we started this, no one else was doing it and we wanted to be unique. We didn’t want to be in competition with the other businesses here. We wanted to offer something different,” Jim Niebauer said. “We went from just a fun experience to making it an educational thing.”
While Jim Niebauer and the tour guide bring the kayaks to the dock, Ginny Niebauer teaches the tour group about the creatures in Lady Bird Lake. The tour guide then provides historical and environmental information while en route.
The idea to utilize the lit-up kayak, paddle and taillight came from many customers wanting to go out at night, according to Jim Niebauer, who said he worried initially about safety. He was inspired after he and Ginny Niebauer took a vacation where a similar method was used during a night watercraft activity. Now, the night tours provide a way for people to learn more about the ecosystem and enjoy a night kayak trip while still being safe, he said.
The first tour hosted by Austin Sailboat Rentals using the customized kayaks and equipment occurred Feb. 14 and tours have been going out ever since when the weather allows, Jim Niebauer said. A full tour includes 20 people, or 10 kayaks.
The Niebauers are now going into their third year running the business, she said.
