We have rented kayaks in the past from Lodi Boathouse (formerly Headwaters Kayak Shop). They have always gone out of their way to make sure we were comfortable, had the right kayak, were generous with their time. I was in the market recently for a specific kayak. Long story short, Abigail from the shop contacted me. We checked the kayak out, and were able to purchase it for an extremely competitive price! Can't say enough good things about this shop! read more

Dan, owner of Headwaters Kayak, was a great help as I sifted through all the information about kayaks and canoes. After much discussion about the type of boat best suited to the on-the-water experience I was after, I ordered a Northstar canoe from his shop. Dan was/is professional, respectful of my limited knowledge, and punctual when it came time to pick up the boat (this past Thur, May 21nd). The final result exceeded my expectations, and the pricing was good. I will definitely be returning for gear and advice. read more

My husband was researching kayaks online and watched many videos and eventually settled on the Eddyline brand. We drove 4 hours to The Boathouse/Headwaters Kayak Shop on Lodi Lake so we could try out various models. What a treat to be able to take out multiple boats and make sure we found the right fit for each of us. In addition to having beautiful new boats you can also purchase a demo for a substantial discount. My husband was working with Abba, the owner, to set up our appointment and boats to try. She is absolutely delightful and knowledgable on all the models. She gave us a very fair deal as we purchased two boats, two paddles, and life vests. Josh was working the day we came up and got us all set. He was very professional, patient and just a joy to work with. He taught how to do a "dock entry" to the boats, helped us load up for the trip home and gave us tips for safe and easy tie down on the truck. We went on a Moonlight paddle with a group the evening we bought the boats and WOW,..what a great experience. We were not the only first timers and everyone had a great time. If you are considering buying a kayak but don't know where to start, I HIGHLY recommend reaching out to Abba and setting up an appointment. It was defiantly worth the drive up. The lake is beautiful and a great place for all levels of kayakers. If you want a fun day out in nature, you can't go wrong setting up an appointment to rent a kayak/paddle board at The Boathouse on Lodi Lake. It is very affordable and they have a variety of kayaks and paddle boards to choose from. read more

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I have no issue with the quality of the equipment. My issue is the lack of common sense. We made a reservation for a Sunday at 10:00 am the day before at 5pm (17 hrs before the scheduled reservation) At 9pm someone backed out and we attempted to cancel that paddle board and keep the other 3 boards. No answer from the posted number about canceling. We get there for our reservation in the morning and explain the situation. They tell us we are still responsible for the cost of the paddle board that wasn't used because we didn't give 24 hours notice. EVEN THOUGH THE RESERVATION WASNT MADE 24hrs PRIOR! I'm sorry but if there isn't even 24 hrs from the time it was made to when you show up how are you to give more notice?! Never going back due to complete lack of common sense. NO COMMON SENSE read more

Our second time kayaking here. We rented 3 premium kayaks for 2 hours. Josh gave us a tutorial and helped us launch. The lake hooks up with the mokulemne river. Lots of waterways to explore. Birds, turtles, jumping fish. A great nature experience. read more

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OMG. BEST EXPERIENCE EVER because the workers are amazing! RILEY to be specific helped me so much and made good n sure I got safely on my board and also off of my board hours later! The crew of young men working here are fabulous and I can't say enough nice things! Riley was the best tho! I can't wait to come back again and again and I will recommend this rental place to anyone anytime!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE BEST TIME EVER!!!! read more

Headwaters Kayak Shop - Paddle boarding @ Lodi Lake!!! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Lodi, California

Fun time out on a really hot Sunday in Lodi. The service was fantastic and employees were very friendly! They ensured our safety and asked us on several occasions if we had needed anything else before and after the experience. We ended up taking the two hour rental and enjoyed about 5 miles out on the water! We loved the views and definitely had to take some pictures to remember pieces of it. We will definitely be back again before the end of the summer! read more

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I was introduced to this store by my boyfriend who wanted to spark some interest in me to do something fun with my life besides working and taking life too serious. When we went to Lodi Lake for the Paddle Fest a few Saturdays ago, we were able to enjoy some kayaking on the lake by trying out several varieties of kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and corresponding paddle styles. There was so much to choose from and we were given expert advise from the employees that were waiting on hand to assist visitors. After our afternoon of fun, we drove a short distance to where the Headwaters Kayak Shop was located. The store was jam packed with everything necessary for water fun including the appropriate sports attire! Kayaks were our main focus. They have many styles, colors and sizes to select from to match any individual's preference. Needless to say we found some favorites and put them on our wish list! Now, saving up for these purchases will be another serious goal I will have to strive for! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSQORPN_pls read more

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I went on the 3 day kayaking immersion trip with Cameron this past weekend - it was fantastic! He is a gifted instructor with a deep love of the outdoors and wealth of knowledge and the ability to help you do things you think you can't do - like kayak self-rescue! I have always been a slow paddler and have taken some lessons to no avail - Cameron taught me how to paddle properly so I was able to keep up with the other 2 people in the class and him in our final paddle in the Delta where we put it all together - in fact we all paddled so fast we came in 2 hours earlier than other groups he led. I can't recommend the 3 day skills class enough - I'd give it 10 stars if I could - a worthy investment for any kayaker - beginning or experienced! read more

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A group of 8 ladies, celebrating a 70th birthday, rented single and double kayaks and a stand up paddle board. Josh took care of us and he was prepared, knowledgeable, efficient chill and easy to work with. We were in good hands! Thanks for taking our picture and serving us well He made our morning a giant win! read more

Rented paddle boards from here twice. Super fun! Loved it. Staff were friendly, excited to go again

I've taken kayaking lessons here before and they were great. Today I was suppose to go out on a group lesson. I paid $178 for 2 of us to go. The river which feeds the lake is the coldest it's been in years. The lake is too cold. Because I paid the cancellation fee I can reschedule. So happy. Thank you Abagail. read more

We took the stand up paddle board class with Abagail and it was wonderful! She paced the class based on skill and experience level by providing tips as needed. Highly recommended! read more

Rancho Cordova. Working with Steve was great. Traded in an Epic V10 Sport for a P & H Virgo. Did not have space for the Epic and my last rec/rock boat (Dagger Stratos was beaten up). The Virgo replaced the Dagger (I have other ski's) . However, I needed the Virgo seat adjusted. Steve handled it promptly and professionally. Walked away very satisfied with the transaction and attention to modifications. I felt it was a fair trade (plus some cash). Going to miss the Epic but satisfied with Virgo. Felt good about dealing with Headwater and Steve. read more

Purchased the two hour night kayaking, guided tour. Although it's a guided tour you aren't surrounded by people. Guides make sure you don't get lost, as it is very dark towards the end of the tour. This was my fourth time kayaking; first time at night. Very tranquil. I would definitely do it again. Parking: To park in the lot costs around $5 and you must have cash. However, you can park on the street for free. read more

By far the best kayak shop I've visited in the East Bay, Oakland and Sacramento area. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Buy from them and then enjoy. read more

Had so much fun, attended the paddle fest this year with my daughter who us 15. We rented both a kayak and paddle board and took turns on both. We enjoyed both, definitely worth the trip! I went again with my bestie last weekend but she brought her own kayak for us to use and had lots of fun also. Plan on making it a day, both times were not long enough pack lunch and snacks! Oh and bring Fido read more

After wanting a kayak for years and my boyfriend lucking into one from a buddy, I have been on the hunt for the perfect kayak for me for around a month or so. I wanted a lighter sit on top kayak that I could load and unload by myself, that I could take our small dog out on, fish from it and also use it for work - it's a long list of wants for not wanting to spend an exorbitant amount of money on . We had heard of Headwater Kayaks, but hadn't been into the shop yet. Then we ran into them at the outdoor expo! Josh immediately told me to check out the Crescent Ultralight, which is perfect for smaller adults (I'm 5'1") or big kids and the price point is fantastic! I went home kept researching and looking at other kayaks and just couldn't beat the price and weight of the Crescent, which also meets all my wants! Today I went in and I have to say it was an amazing buying experience! I mentioned to Josh that he's who inspired me about the Crescent Ultralight and I'd love to get all geared up with a paddle as well as a PFD. Josh and everyone there was incredibly patient and knowledgeable! I probably tried on 10-13 different PFDs, short torso making it a more difficult fit, and Josh just kept making suggestions, highlighting the positives and negatives of each PFD until I finally found the right one. Since I was buying the kayak, paddle and PFD he gave me a great deal, helped me load up all my new treasures and off I went! Love supporting small local businesses and I love it even more when they have amazing customer service and people working there! Thanks guys! I will definitely be back! read more

Headwaters Kayak Shop - Crescent Ultralight in Aqua!! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Lodi, California

Generally we love coming here every single week... we haven't had bad customer service up until yesterday. We arrived with no reservations, but advised we would wait to speak to her so she could help some one who had a reservation... it was only us and then 1 person behind us.. might I add the person behind us she clearly knew cause she called her Mary and smiled but once she looked at us her smile went away and instead of being kind she told us to get out of line VERY rudely and go up top to the parking lot. Least to say I won't be going back anymore. It's one thing to feel stressed at work but it's another to treat people like the way she did. It was enough to raise my brows at her. In the situation like yesterday, I walked away questioning what we did wrong to be talked to like this especially in front of other customers.. read more

Great place to rent kayaks. Abigail was very helpful and personable. The two young men gave great instructions since this was our first time; and they were thorough in disinfecting the kayaks and oars upon each return. read more

Headwaters Kayak Shop - Me & hubby enjoying Lodi Lake. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Lodi, California

The Kids Kayak Camp was an excellent experience for a first time kayaker! I dropped off one quiet nervous 9 year old girl and picked up an excited happy little kayak camper! She told me her teacher helped her with some towing when she needed it and gave her good pointers. The kids also got to stop and take in some fun nature. The staff helping me get signed up we're very nice and let me know about other interesting options. This was a really good deal and great day camp! (-: Thanks everyone! read more

Headwaters Kayak Shop - You might have to zoom in but they are out there! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Lodi, California

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Buy your kayak and gear here. You won't be sorry. :-) read more

Headwaters Kayak Shop - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Lodi, California

Great customer service, great get away and peaceful time on the lake. Pricing is good too! read more

Headwaters Kayak Shop - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Lodi, California

Great shop.. Customer service absolutely amazing.. Owner very friendly and kind... We bought our kayak at this place and the owner took good care of us.. Thank you so much!!! read more

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Beyond grateful to their genuine kindness that most have seemed to lost. My husband, 1 1/2 year old son and I were denied lake access when trying to walk in our own kayaks for a quick early morning 4th of July trip. After being told that we could get on the lake if we walked them in.. Seeing us being turned away, the gentleman running the lake rentals was kind enough to not only help my husband carry our 2 kayaks back to our truck so he didn't have to carry them by himself (did I mention I'm pregnant and due in less than a week?), but he offered us a free rental for the hour. Seriously can't say enough kind things about the staff there. Not sure what the deal is with Lodi closing off lake access to those willing to walk in their equipment (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards..), but we are grateful to headwaters kindness on this 4th of July! read more

Stop by this afternoon to take a look around and get a better Idea of the kayaking sport we are interested in. Bill was exceptionally awesome! His expertise and knowledge of all things paddling, made us confident in our options. After selecting 2 fishing kayaks and all the gear, we left feeling AWESOME to be supporting this local business. Dan was helpful and friendly as well. Wish there were more "Bill" and "Dan" employees in the retail world. Thank you guys!! See you on the water!!!! read more

Purchased my first kayak from Dan and his staff this weekend...what a fantastic experience. I started on Friday by trying out a few kayaks at Lodi Lake with staff member Eddie...great guy who was very patient and full of info and advice. Came back on Sunday...was stuck between two kayaks...Dan suggested I demo one more time to be sure...and that was the right move. Came home with a great rig and can't wait to get out and learn kayaking. I'm all about great customer service and knowledgeable staff....Headwaters Kayak has both and has just earned my business for life. read more

Headwaters Kayak Shop - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Lodi, California

This kayak shop is solid. Everyone that works there is very friendly,informative and helpful. I have nothing but positive things to say about Headwaters Kayak Shop.. I had an issue with the rudder on my kayak that I purchased from Headwaters last year.. I went there and they replaced it new no questions asked for freeeeee! You need a yak? HEADWATERS KAYAK SHOP IN LODI IS #1. read more

The three young adults running the shop last Sunday were very attentive and professional. When they saw we needed space for our kid they pulled out their larger tandem so we wouldn't have to rent another kayak. We were also able call in to add another hour while we were out. Had to leave a VM but their booking system confirmed by text. Super easy. Next time we will leave earlier and plan to rent for the whole day, bring a picnic and gear for swimming! read more

LOVE these guys! They are so friendly and helpful. They want nothing more than to make sure you love kayaking. They taught me to get it on and off my car myself. I'm a customer for life. read more

Friendly efficient service, and great prices! The whole family loves going kayaking and stand up paddle boarding!

I was looking for a lakeshore sup bag and I was trying to avoid paying the $25 shipping fee from the website. These guys were able to order me my lakeshore sup bag and have it shipped to their location in Lodi. I also had a few questions about new paddles and they were really informed about the equipment. They also provide great customer service. They are kind of hidden to the back so you gotta pay attention or you'll drive right past them. read more

I've now rented from Headwaters a handful of times and every single time has been great, except the last. Normally we rent and Lodi Lake or Camanche South Shore, this time we went to Camanche North Shore and i'm honestly so disappointed with the experience. We walked in to rent kayaks and the young brunette working didn't make any acknowledgement of us for several minutes, she was too busy reading her book to take care of customers. There was another customer in at the same time as us trying to return his rental, which she refused to help him. She told him "The man on the dock can help you or anyone in a blue shirt." After our time was up we paddled back to return our kayaks, she pulled all of my group up on the ramp sideways nearly dumping me and my friends out of our kayaks. When she pulled up my last friend, she pulled him out so sideways that she did dump him out of his kayak, dropped all of his stuff out of the kayak including his phone which slid off the ramp and into the lake, busted his face with the side of the kayak making his mouth bleed for probably about 15 minutes. This girl showed zero remorse for any of this. She actually said "ohhh was that your phone? that's rough. you could dive for it if it's worth it." Our 50 dollar day turned into a 500 dollar day to replace his cell phone and at no point did this girl even apologize for dropping his phone in the lake or busting his lip open. I'm so disappointed with this Headwaters employee. ***UPDATE: i left a voicemail for management on Sunday evening, today 10 minutes after they opened i received at call from Headwaters. They listened to all of my issues and feedback regarding the experience. She even gave us a gift certificate for our next rental. It doesn't fix the busted lip or lost phone but Headwaters cared enough to call back, listen and do something to make up. read more

Abagail was very helpful when I tried to select the kayak model that fit me the best (for purchase). The lake was super nice for paddling and the staff seem very friendly as well. Too bad that I live 100 miles away or I will surely come here every week! read more

Review is for the boathouse. We visited on a Friday morning around 10:30 am with no reservation however I understand that reservations are suggested for the weekends. You may reserve online or call in a reservation. Dan was swamped when I called and he encouraged us to just show up as Fridays are slower and I was unable to use a groupon online to make the reservation. We were able to get a double kayak for the day. Very helpful young man helped us and another couple. It was their first time and he made the process very easy. The lake and river were gorgeous! We had an amazing time and can't wait to go out again. read more

Great customer service, nice selection, but hoped for a bit more. Gal who helped me was full of info and helped me as I was researching for a new kayak. Found one that is a contender. A friend of mine who recently purchased a kayak from them told me they had used kayaks for sale too. Unfortunately I had forgotten to ask, and later wondered why no one mentioned their used kayak inventory for me to browse through. Anyway, you want to feel like an important customer, go here, you will not be disappointed read more

Good shop for kayak and sop needs. You can trust the advice because they are kayakers. If you are thinking about a boat stop by for recommendations or a rental. Kayaks are kinda personal preference and it is great to try before you buy. They can also hook you up if you are interested in a group trip or paddle. This is a local shop by local people, please support local so they don't disappear. read more

First thing I wanted to say is, I am in the market for a fishing kayak so after some researching I decided to drive 100+ miles just to come check out the store and talk to the owner here. First time: I arrived around noon and walked in and immediately I was a kid in a candy store. So many awesome kayaks. Immediately I was approached and asked if I needed any help. I mentioned the owners name "Daniel" and wanted to talk to him. Fortunately he was there and I couldn't be happier. I picked his brains for quite a while as I have no clue what to get as for sizing and weight for what I need it for. He was very pleasant and straight forward with all my questions. I wanted a certain kayak and couldn't afford a new one so he had a few used ones that he can show me. After seeing the selections and with Daniels advice I had my decision. Unfortunately I didn't have my rack setup to make the purchase that same day. One week later I called back to see if it was still available and needed some more info. A very sweet lady name Courtney was kind enough to give the info I needed. A couple hours later I called back and purchased it. In the end I got what I wanted due to many facts. I bought the kayak from someone who is knowledgable and has the patience to talk to his customers. Dan made my purchase a awesome experience. As my peeve is "CUSTOMER SERVICE". Hell, I could've bought a kayak at another place that is half the distance to where I went or even a few miles from my house. But if you don't great your customers right, you will not get the sales you want. I just want to say thank you very much to Daniel, Courtney and the other guy who helped me at Headwaters Kayak Shop. Your service is what keeps your customers coming back. And I will be back and will also recommend your shop to who I know. read more

Great people, Ben was really helpful and Josh Let us borrow his personal dry bag. We loved the kayak so much try to buy it, but they turned down our offer. Hoping when the sale comes at end of summer to be able to be the proud owners of a kayak we can call our own. Until then... we highly recommend Headwaters Kayak Shop. 2 Thumbs Up!!!! Great Job Guys, We will send many your way. read more

Morons! I repeat, MORONS! You have to give "collateral" for using their equipment at the lake. You give them your keys or ID. Well, the stoner kid put my ID in the wrong number bag and 2 hours later realized someone else walked away with my ID and then they were trying to give me someone else's keys?! Not only are they way overpriced, but are complete incompetent kids working the register. The guy had to call the lady who took my ID to mail it back to me. I felt violated of my privacy because my ID has all my info, plus someone would've taken my car if I gave them my keys. If I ever go back there I'm asking for them to sign a contract not to lose my "collateral" and they will have to pay for all of the loss and damages. This could've been a huge lawsuit had it gone all the way south. MORONS!!! read more