Hoover Adventures
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Hoover Adventures primarily shines due to its exceptional, patient, and informative staff (like Woose and Dylan), making it an excellent choice for beginner kayakers, especially youth groups aged 9-11. They offer a tailored experience with different launch sites, clearly recommending options for varying skill levels, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable time on the water.
Key Highlights
- ✓Highly communicative and patient staff members (e.g., Woose, Dylan) who are excellent with first-time kayakers, ensuring an 'excellent experience'.
- ✓Staff (including owner Woose) are consistently reported as on time, friendly, and helpful for scheduled outings.
- ✓Kayaks are described as 'great' and comfortable enough to 'lay back and catch a great tan'.
- ✓Owner (Woose) is often directly involved, friendly, and responsive to questions.
- ✓Prices are considered comparable to other kayaking services in Ohio, suggesting fair value.
Standout Features
- ⭐Direct interaction with the owner, Woose, who is knowledgeable, friendly, and addresses questions.
- ⭐Availability of different launch sites, with specific recommendations for various skill levels (e.g., Red Bank Rd for beginners) clearly stated on their website.
- ⭐Staff's exceptional patience and informativeness, making it ideal for first-time kayakers.
- ⭐Comfortable kayaks that allow for relaxation.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →If you are a beginner or bringing children who are first-time kayakers, consult their website for recommended launch sites, such as Red Bank Rd.
- →Given one report of a no-show, it would be prudent to confirm your reservation closer to the date, especially if travel plans are dependent on it.
- →Be prepared for a relaxing kayaking experience where you can comfortably recline in the kayaks.
- →Don't hesitate to ask staff or the owner (Woose) any questions; they are reported to be very helpful and informative.
Things to Consider
- ⚠A severe reliability issue was reported where a scheduled 12 PM kayaking reservation was a no-show; the company did not arrive, was unreachable by phone despite repeated attempts, and provided no explanation for the missed booking.
Price & Value
Prices are described as 'comparable to other areas of Ohio', suggesting they are in line with market rates and offer fair value for the service provided. No specific dollar amounts were mentioned in the reviews.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations for special needs or accessibility were mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not mentioned in the reviews; parking logistics may vary depending on the chosen launch site.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not mentioned in the reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Staff are described as 'informative' and 'patient' with first-time kayakers, which implies safety briefings and guidance are provided. No other specific safety measures (e.g., explicit mention of life vests, designated safety personnel) were detailed.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If an absolute, non-negotiable guarantee of punctuality and communication for a pre-booked reservation is critical to your plans, due to one severe report of a complete no-show with no explanation or contact.
- • If you require specific accessibility accommodations, as none were mentioned in the reviews.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
1-HR Kayak Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: 1 hour
Rental of a 10 ft kayak for one person.
Includes:
- •10 ft kayak
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
2-HR Kayak Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: 2 hours
Rental of a 10 ft kayak for one person.
Includes:
- •10 ft kayak
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
3-HR Kayak Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: 3 hours
Rental of a 10 ft kayak for one person.
Includes:
- •10 ft kayak
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
3-HR Canoe Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: 3 hours
Rental of a 14 ft canoe for 1-3 people.
Includes:
- •14 ft canoe
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
Half Day Kayak Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: Up to 4 hours
Half day rental of a 10 ft kayak for one person.
Includes:
- •10 ft kayak
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
Full Day Kayak Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: Up to 8 hours
Full day rental of a 10 ft kayak for one person.
Includes:
- •10 ft kayak
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
Half Day Canoe Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: Up to 4 hours
Half day rental of a 14 ft canoe for 1-3 people.
Includes:
- •14 ft canoe
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
Full Day Canoe Rental
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: Up to 8 hours
Full day rental of a 14 ft canoe for 1-3 people.
Includes:
- •14 ft canoe
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
Downtown Adventures Kayak River Route
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: Up to 3 hours
Self-guided kayak route exploring downtown areas.
Includes:
- •10 ft kayak
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
Bridgepark Adventures Kayak River Route
Not specified, additional hours $25Duration: Up to 1 hour
Self-guided kayak route exploring the Bridgepark area.
Includes:
- •10 ft kayak
- •Life jacket
- •Whistle
Red Bank Cove Self Guided Tour
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Guided tour map provided to paddle around different areas and coves, starting at Red Bank Boat Ramp.
Includes:
- •Guided tour map
- •Kayaks/Canoes and safety equipment (implied)
Oxbow Island Self Guided Tour
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Guided tour map provided to explore around Oxbow and venture to one of the few islands, starting at Oxbow Boat Ramp.
Includes:
- •Guided tour map
- •Kayaks/Canoes and safety equipment (implied)
Twin Bridges Cove Self Guided Tour
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Guided tour map provided to explore coves and main reservoir, starting at Twin Bridges Boat Ramp.
Includes:
- •Guided tour map
- •Kayaks/Canoes and safety equipment (implied)
Try Kayaking (Beginners Class)
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Beginners class for first-time paddlers (kayak or canoe) to learn basics and get comfortable on the water. Suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Little Yakers Class
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Kayaking class for kids 7 years and older (with parent's signed permission), specifically for kids 13 and younger, to learn proper technique and get used to the water. Held twice a month.
Golden Paddlers Class
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Beginners kayaking class specifically designed for people 50 years or older to get used to the boat, gain control, and find a relaxing physical activity. Held twice a month.
Deep Water Kayaking (Private Class)
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Advanced paddling class covering advanced techniques, launching/exiting via dock, and re-entering boat from water.
Paddling for Exercise (Private Class)
Not specifiedDuration: 6 weeks (sessions) or single class purchase
Workout class on the water designed by trainers to learn/master kayaking and get exercise.
Adaptive Kayaking (Private Class)
Not specifiedDuration: Not specified
Beginner kayaking class for people with any disability, with a certified adaptive educator on site to teach paddling basics.
Bird Watching Adventure
Price not specified, available for purchase on the spotDuration: Not specified
Explore Hoover Reservoir for bird watching, includes map and 'species you may find' guide.
Includes:
- •Guided tour map
- •'species you may find' guide
Scavenger Hunt
Price not specified, available for purchase on the spotDuration: Not specified
Fun adventure exploring mapped-out favorite spots throughout the reservoir.
Private Event Outing
Contact for pricingDuration: Customizable, can be a full day
Customizable group events including kayaking/paddling games, sports, relay races, kayak polo, sink the boat, capture the flag, and treasure hunt. Available at various reservoirs and rivers in Central Ohio.
Includes:
- •Boats
- •All equipment
- •Setup of games/sports
Events & Schedule
🍎Food Policy
- • No open alcoholic drinks allowed on the Hoover Reservoir (against all laws).
- • Recycle bins provided at daily locations for bottles, bags, and garbage to keep waters clean.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • All participants must properly fill out a waiver before hitting the water.
- • Mandatory 10-15 minute introduction instructions to paddling provided for safety.
- • Every boat includes a life jacket and a whistle for safety.
- • Rules: Do not stand while in the boat, stay in the boat while on the water, always be aware of other water traffic.
- • All participants must abide by city, state, and county laws; laws are posted at every boat ramp and reviewed before launch.
📅Booking Policy
- • Reservations are accepted for any time, day or night.
- • Call or email for all group reservations.
- • A $10 deposit per boat is required for reservations.
- • Participants are asked to show up at least 5 minutes before their reservation time.
🚗Parking Information
- • Oxbow Boat Ramp: 8401 Oxbow Rd, Westerville, OH 43082.
- • Red Bank Boat Ramp: 4748 Red Bank Rd, Galena, OH 43021.
- • Red Bank Boat Parking / Twin Bridges Boat Ramp: Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43082 (this is the most populated boat ramp).
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
rkpnally
10 months agoLoved Wooz! He was the best! Great kayaks, had the best time out on the water too. You can lay back in the kayaks and catch a great tan ;). Will definitely come back again! If you’re in the area, you should definitely check it out!!
Sarah Deas
9 months agoMy friend made 12PM kayaking reservation and the company never showed. We waited for half an hour but no one came and no one picked up the phone despite repeated attempts to contact them. No explanation was provided. I do not recommend this company as their service is unreliable.
Anna Diller-Stried
3 years agoMy husband scheduled a cub scout outing with Hoover Adventures. Woose and Dylan were on time, informative, and most importantly, patient with our first time kayakers. We had 9 kids (age 9-11 years old) and 9 adults. Hoover Adventures provided these kids with an excellent experience on the water. We will definitely use their services again!
Deleana Lawson
4 years agoWe had a great experience! The owner Woose is who we met with. He was on time, friendly, and happily answered all of my questions. They have different launch sites and their website recommended Red Bank Rd for beginners, which was perfect! We'll definitely be back again this year to try out a different launch site!
Amanda
5 years agoDefinitely a great experience kayaking with Hoover Adventures. They are extremely timely and very helpful. Their prices are comparable to other areas of Ohio and I can't wait to go kayaking through Hoover Adventures again!