Thompson Boat Center050

The Boat Center is operated by Guest Services, Inc. for the National Park Service and is a hub for regattas and racing throughout the region. Georgetown University, George Washington University, and many local high schools and clubs, store sculls here for practices and races.

Bicycle rentals are first-come, first-served. The Center rents all-terrain bicycles, which have 21 speeds, hand-brakes, and racing seats, and are available in both 16" and 18" frames; cruiser bicycles, which are single-speed bicycles with coaster brakes and wider, more comfortable saddle seats; kid's bicycles; and children's trailers. Helmets and bike locks are also available. Rental season begins in March and runs through October.

Boat rentals begin in March and run through October, or when the water temperature drops below 55 degrees. Four types of boats are available: kayaks (single and double), canoes, rowing shells (single recreational and single and double racing), and Sunfish.

A wide variety of instructional and competitive rowing programs are offered, including instructional programs in single person (sculling) boats and 8-person (sweep) boats, as well as competitive progams for every age and experience level.