Outback Adventures

Had a very wonderful day on there deluxe boat with the with the wife

After the picnic in the park, we decided to rent a boat to relax on the lake. We got inside the rental office about 15 minutes before the cut off time which apparently was 2:45pm (there was no sign posted outside that afternoon). We waited in line because the girl at casher had to handle quite a few people waiting. After more than 30 mits or so, Nathen, another employee walked in. He just rudely told us - I am not letting you on a boat today. We tried to explain that we waited for a long time before the cut off time and his response was, literally - I DON'T CARE! Quite disgusted with his behavior and sad to see his display of power trip in such a otherwise nice park, over a pleasant weekend.

I called ahead to make sure kayaking services were open, which I was informed that they were until 5pm. I get to lake del valle and pay the entrance fee only to get there and find out that the kayaking services were closed. I called back later to ask when they'd be open, in hopes of getting the correct information and also asked if I could possibly get a refund for the entrance fee, that way I could use it to come back when the kayaking services would be open and they refused. I would have stayed to enjoy the park but it was too hot to do the trail and the water still looks to be filled with gross toxins, so swimming did not seem ideal. Usually this Regional Park is a joy, but no one seems to know the right information. Now I think I'll pass on using the park or the kayaking due to not knowing if I'll be misinformed.

Such a huge disappointment, when compared to Sunrise Mountain Sports, who used to have the contract to rent kayaks here. I went around 3pm, in the middle of the week, in the middle of summer, thinking I could get a paddle in for a few hours, only to find they closed at 4pm. And today, after Labor Day, when Sunrise used to have kayak Wednesdays, where you could rent a kayak from 3pm to 7pm for only $25, I find Outback has closed for the season, only open on the weekend. Truly, the public has been the loser when the East Bay Regional Parks District board chose to switch to Outback.

Long lines, VERY slow service. Made it to the counter after 45min only to be told there is NO way to use a credit card to pay for a kayak. Buyers beware, they only take DEBIT or CASH. Left very dissatisfied, no rental. Went over to the boathouse and rented a powered boat for similar price to a triple kayak. Suggest you do the same. 1 star.