Good day for a paddle: Floatin’ Goat Outfitters launch first kayak outfitting service in Austin since 2017
Published 8:00 am Saturday, July 19, 2025
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Leah Ferch and Jacob Kubinski have launched Floatin’ Goat Outfitters, a kayak rental business that started just this Friday.
Jed Nelson/intern@austindailyherald.com
On Friday, the new Austin-based business Floatin’ Goat Outfitters opened for business with their first day of kayak rentals.
Leah Ferch, an avid kayaker and outdoor enthusiast, has launched Floatin’ Goat Outfitters alongside her significant other, Jacob Kubinski, to connect others with Mower County’s Cedar River State Water Trail.
“We both enjoy paddling,” Ferch said. “We wanted to make this accessible to the community since there’s nothing available like this in Austin. Hopefully others can find joy in paddling and the beauty that the river has to offer.”
This weekend, people can rent kayaks to paddle on specific routes on the Cedar River State Water Trail or one of the local water bodies: East Side Lake, Austin Mill Pond or Ramsey Mill Pond.
“It’s a good way to be a part of the community a little bit more,” Kubinski said.
For a few days each week this summer and fall, the business will outfit renters with kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and basic safety tips. They will also offer optional rentals, such as a waterproof speaker, dry bag, cooler, or cellphone protector. All things that Ferch and Kubinski believe will make for fun-filled days on the water.
“We got feedback through a survey we put out a few months ago.” Ferch said. “We saw the interest and positive comments, so we figured we’d just go for it and see what happens.”
“We’re expecting to be busy for sure,” Kubinski added.
Ferch and Kubinski worked closely with the Cedar River Watershed District (CRWD) as they explored the idea of starting an outfitting service.
In 2011, the CRWD led the effort to get legislative approval for designating the Cedar as Minnesota’s 33rd state water trail.
“Tim Ruzek and I are on the Austin Whitewater Committee together, and he and I have talked about different ideas,” Ferch said. “He’s been working on trying to get an outfitter in town and I saw the opportunity, so I jumped on it.”
Both Ferch and Kubinski praised Ruzek for his help in answering questions regarding the river and the different routes.
“Big time,” Kubinski said. “He’s been a big help.”
In 2023, Ferch and Kubinski purchased a small farm south of Austin where the two keep dairy/meat goats and chickens. With their shared love for paddling and a property that sits atop the Cedar River, they looked to their surroundings when choosing a name for the business.
“We threw ideas around of what we wanted to name it,” Ferch said. “I said ‘Floatin’ Goat’ once and it just stuck.”
“It’s something fun,” Kubinski added. “It represents who we are.”
At this time, Floatin’ Goat can accommodate groups of up to six kayak rentals.
For its north and south routes, Floatin’ Goat offers single kayak rentals (sit-in or sit-on) for $30 per person and $40 for a tandem/two-person kayak. Paddlers must be at least 9 years old to kayak solo, but age 4 and older can paddle in tandem with an adult.
The North Route from below Ramsey Dam to Wildwood Park’s Wolf Creek landing, just upstream of Interstate 90 in Austin, covers about 3.6 river miles and takes about two hours.
The “South Route” from Austin’s Driesner Park to the state’s Riverwood Landing south of Austin, covers about 4.7 river miles and takes approximately two to three hours depending on flow.
There will also be a “Stay and Paddle” option, where individuals have the choice of $15 per hour for single kayaks or $20 per hour for tandem kayaks for use on Austin Mill Pond.
“You’ll book online and choose whether to ‘Stay and Paddle’ or one of the route options,” Ferch said. “We’ll meet them at the starting point and give them their safety briefing and make sure lifejackets fit properly and that they’re fitted to the kayak. Once they reach the endpoint, they drop the equipment off to the side, let us know they’re finished, and we come pick it up.”
Floatin’ Goat will also offer a monthly event series, Wednesdays on the Water, that will start July 23 at Ramsey Mill Pond, across from The Old Mill Restaurant. Each month during the season, a different local waterbody will host the event from 3:30-7 p.m. to offer the community an easy, affordable way to enjoy time on the water.
Ferch and Kubinski hope that the Austin community finds joy in their new outfitting service, and that they experience the beautiful rivers and wilderness Austin has to offer.
“Being outdoors, enjoying nature, and enjoying what Austin has is important to us,” Ferch added. “It’s a beautiful trail we have. It’s a state water trail for a reason. I don’t think a lot of people have experience being on the river or paddling in general, so being able to share that in hopes that other people will enjoy it is special.”
Ferch and Kubinski hope to expand their business eventually to include shuttle service for paddlers but, as of now, renters will need to have transportation arranged at the entry and exit points.
Reservations are required and paid in full when booked. Questions can be asked via Floatin’ Goats website floatingoatoutfitters.com. You can also email at floatingoatoutfitters@gmail.com or call 507-438-4788.
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