Excellent customer service. Patient, knowledgeable, and kind. Picked up a little hatchet and some excellently priced sale items. Love this store read more

Had a great time kayaking on lake Monona. It was super easy to book & pay online. They sanitized the paddles and life vests and everything & it's easy to socially distance on the lake. Will definitely be renting from them again! read more

Rutabaga Paddlesports - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great people that are well informed and big into the sport. Extremely helpful and competitive pricing

Really great experience purchasing from Rutabaga. I bought some paddles from their website. They had the product I wanted in stock. It shipped really fast. They reached out to clarify an option before shipping. Super job and the paddles are absolutely stunning. read more

GREAT EXPERIENCE! They're swamped, dealing with the Covid-19 changes and still Connie was fantastic. Took her time explaining the differences and helping us decide on our first kayaks, a big decision! We took them out after Saturday's purchase and LOVED them! Looking forward to many years of happiness with them and our new relationship with Rutabaga! read more

2 other customers in the store, a number of employees around, no help for me though. looking to buy kevlar canoe and acc. for my grandson and his new wife. After 1/2 hour,finally left with no one helping, even the employees who where just standing around talking to each other. If someone had bothered to ask, this would have been our 9th boat from Rutabaga. And,since there was no response to our email, here we are. read more

I've done quite a bit of canoeing and kayaking - lakes, rivers, whitewater, but, never actually owned my own Kayak. I live on the Sugar River and was looking for a nice boat that had a good balance of maneuverability, stability, tracking, and efficiency so I could use it on the river but, also take it on nice paddles on lakes. The staff were excellent about helping me and very patient as I tried numerous boats, over and over and over, at their test area located on the channel between Lake Monona and Upper Mud Lake on the Yahara. In the end, I ended up picking the boat that TWO staff people first recommended right from the start. They listened to my needs, helped me extensively, and made some really good recommendations for selection of a paddle and other accessories. I've since purchased the boat and have had MANY opportunities to paddle it - on flat water, rivers, and some small rapids. The boat has been great for me. I will definitely come back - we are looking at another purchase for my wife. read more

Rutabaga Paddlesports - My Wilderness Systems Tsunami 120 on Lake Mendota - from Rutabaga - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Rutabaga was recommended by many for private kayaking lessons. They were right! If you're interested in some small group or one-on-one lessons, head to Rutabaga. We went primarily to help my husband increase his comfort level on the water and so we could both learn some basic techniques. Mary, our instructor, was very knowledgeable and patient. read more

If I could give more than 5 stars for Rutabaga's customer service, I would. Recently I reached out to them with a challenging situation related to a canoe my husband purchased several months ago. I can only say that their responsiveness and creativity went far beyond what I expected. They responded to me promptly and courteously and were extremely helpful and gracious. I have nothing but positive things to say about the professionalism and kindness of their staff. read more

Phenomenal business. Very friendly and customer-service driven! I placed two online orders and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful in helping me select the correctly-sized garment. Both of my orders were shipped quickly and the return process is simple as well. Will certainly order from them again. read more

We have rented many times from here. Our latest was renting a couple of snow shoes for a winter weekend. The employees are always very helpful and knowledgeable. Can't wait to see what we rent next. read more

I am an absolute kayaking beginner, and went to Rutabaga today to buy up. Ethan helped me out, and absolutely knocked it put of the park. Helped me pick out an extremely comfortable 12-footer, explained the adjustments, care tips and everything. He then lined up a selection of paddles and dropped some hardcore knowledge, before helping me pick out a system to hook the kayak to my car. Very impressive help for a novice to feel comfortable with his purchases! It should also be noted that rutabaga offers paddling courses in the pond behind the store, which I took and was VERY thorough and helpful. This also rules since you can try their boats out in the pond. read more

Kate and Ethan provided the absolute BEST customer service at Canoeacopia! Highly recommend!

This place is a veritable candy store for outdoor enthusiasts, especially kayak and canoers. Really friendly and knowledgeable people ready to help. They have a huge inventory of watercraft out back, so don't get fooled by the size of the building or showroom. The building backs up to a channel that makes it possible to test drive a kayak or canoe. One word of warning - you will want to buy something, anything, when you walk in. read more

Rutabaga is one of the coolest stores in the midwest and the employees are the best. I've worked with them for 7 years doing the annual CANOECOPIA show each spring and have learned so much about paddling, acquired great gear for all my outdoor hobbies, and met so many awesome people who share a love for everything outside. I highly encourage everyone to check them out in Monona, WI or online. As a shout out, they are one of this year's recipients of grant money from Outdoor Nation to help fund their summer youth programs. RUTABAGA ROCKS! read more

This place has it all and the staff is willing to go the extra mile for the customer. Additionally, the knowledge and experience of the staff is second to none. read more

Top notch paddlesports store! We went to Canoecopia earlier in the year and I'd been researching kayaks for months. Thought I knew exactly what I wanted -- turns out, I bought a totally different brand after the wonderful test drives they allow out behind the store. Awesome service, superior expertise, and very patient folks. Took the time to help me load my new kayak for the 2-hr trip home. Can't say enough about this store - completely worth the trip and I'm thrilled with my new kayak! read more

I am new to kayaking and had been researching and looking to buy my first one. Being a big tall guy, with long legs, I knew this would be a challenge. The first person I spoke didn't totally impress me, but I found another that was willing to help and answer my questions. I left to process what I learned, do some more research online, and check out reviews. The next day I returned again and spoke with another gal who was SUPER knowledgeable. She shared a lot but didn't seemed to understand the type of kayak I wanted (recreational/not an angler). However I trusted her expertise and guidance and agreed to keep an open mind and return the next day to take a test paddle of fishing style kayak. The third day I called around 12:30 to arrange a test paddle time, the kayak was at the warehouse and needed to be brought over. I was total to come at 4pm. The gal was busy with another customer and I didn't interrupt her. I just waited and waited. The kayak arrived about an hour late and I ended up working with another employee because she was still busy. After the test paddle I knew the direction she wanted me to go, was not the direction I thought was going to work for me. The new employee started listening and was directing me back in the direction I originally was going towards a recreational kayak. When she found out I didn't like what she had recommended and was looking at something she hadn't recommended she made an off handed rude comment (my interpretation) in front of another customer. I was totally caught off guard but maintained a calm head even when the customer joined in and added his own negative comment. At that point I quickly wrapped up my dealings with the guy I was working with and left the store. I had NO intention of returning! I began looking around again at other retailers and was willing to drive wherever, just so I didn't have to return to Rutabaga's. However I couldn't let what the employee had done and said go, so the next day I called and talked to the manager. From that point I received the most amazing customer service ever. I gave them another chance and went in and spend a few hours working with the manager, owner, and an instructor. I ended up not only buying my kayak, but all the other gear I needed too. I love my new kayak and have been using it almost daily since I brought it home. It is the perfect recreational kayak for me. It handles amazingly. It is fast on calm days out on the lake and it also handles all the waves on the windy days. I know you're probably wondering after all the problems, why I gave them the score I did. The reason is because while yes they messed up and dropped the ball initially in regards to customer service THEY OWNED IT! (Very few companies understand what "good" customer service is and RARELY ever attempt to earn your business after they've messed up.) That is NOT the case here! They went over and above to make sure I ended up in the right kayak and with the right gear. I was very impressed by their efforts to correct the problem and then go over and above to earn my business. Thank you for all the time, knowledge, tips, and information you shared with to help me purchase the perfect kayak for me! read more

Phenomenal locally owned store for outdoor enthusiasts. I like to buy local whenever I can and this store reminds me a lot of REI but with the added bonus of being locally owned. I've always received outstanding customer service and found the staff to go out of their way to find a solution for me. I just finished my holiday shopping here because they have a ton of little things that make great stocking stuffers for anyone like balms, solar lights for camping, doggy gear, kid stuff, etc. I often like to gauge a business by the happiness of its employees and when I talk with them about working at Rutabaga, they never hesitate to sing the praises of this very cool store. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

Perhaps good product, but really poor service. My wife and I stopped here to purchase a bike rack for our Rav4. We noticed a Rav4 in the parking lot with a bike rack and asked the salesperson (Jim) if he could help us determine if it met some of our criteria (does not cause bike damage to mounted back tire; allows back door to swing open for rear access). Jim was telling us some things that contradicted information I had found online; so we asked if he could help us track down the owner. This was over the top for Jim and he made derogatory comments as he strutted away to hide in the back of the store. My wife and I tracked down the Rav4 owner on our own and he was more than happy to share his experience and contradict Jim's "guesses" that were portrayed as fact. I had never been in a situation where a sales person abandoned me in a store before; so I contacted the owner (Darren). He apologized and indicated that we would receive a 20% discount on another bike rack that he had in stock and that I believed would meet our needs. I indicated I would think about the purchase offer, but really wanted an apology from the sales person. I was told the offer stood for as long as they had my desired bike rack in stock and that I would receive an apology from Jim. I decided to purchase a rack and followed up twice to make arrangements. Once I was ignored; the other time I was told they'd have to check inventory. I was never able to make arrangements to conclude the sale and never received an apology from the sales person. If you place importance on follow-through and commitment to customer satisfaction, I would suggest you consider other stores in the Madison area. I frequent several other stores that have excellent follow-through and place greater emphasis on customer satisfaction. read more

Rutabaga, What is it? It's the ultimate personal powered watercraft store I've ever seen. Gear, boats of all shapes, styles, sizes and pricepoints, clothing, even racks to put them on your vehicle! They might even carry bicycle racks. A word about racks: There are A LOT of fitment issues with racks. No salesperson can know all details about all vehicle fitments and your personal quirks. Their information on many vehicles has to be based on product fitment catalogs, the same catalogs that you as a consumer have access to online. Inform yourself and don't expect a kayak/canoe store salesperson to know all the in's and out's of your particular vehicle and how it works with a bike rack. How's the Thule fit my 79 ? Will it squeek? Derp. I recieved total personal attention when I chose to buy a kayak. I tried out no less than 8 boats to find one that fit me, my paddling goals and my price range. I purchased a boat, paddle, PFD, and a rack system. I was personally helped by various individuals to help me decide on all of these items. I was helped to install my rack for the first time and shown how to safely tie off my kayak. These folks WANT you to come back and thier service shows that. If it floats? I'm buying it at Rutabaga. They earned my respect and my patronage. Paddle on! read more

This paddle sport supply store is stocked to the rafters with a staggering selection of everything you could possibly ever need to get your crazy paddle on. Owners, Jeff and Darren, are friendly and quick to answer even silly newbie questions. read more

We rolled in a little after 7; they close at 8. I needed a roof rack for my 240; hard to find. Staff patiently went through options and brought examples out. We rolled away with a sweet rack setup and installed; a little after 8. Couldn't have been better. read more

The staff at Rutabaga are top notch...unmatched by any other paddling store I have been to. No matter who you run into, talk to on the phone, or converse with through email, everyone is polite and knowledgable. When I purchased my kayak in 2009, I felt like I was joining a big happy family! I have been to the store numerous times since my first encounter with Rutabaga at Canoecopia in 09, and I always leave a happy camper (or paddler!) with any questions I may have had answered. Their prices are competitive and fair. And they offer great classes and outings. Rutabaga is my favorite place to shop. :) Abi read more

Very cool, staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They connected us with guides for our Apostle Islands trip and we had a great time! Thank you :) read more

Amazing selection of product, and very knowledgable staff. Location is great because you can paddle right from the back door.

Quality products, great service, great prices. I especially enjoyed being able to take a kayak or canoe out for a spin. Then the help purchasing a car rack and mounting it on my car - nice. Rutabaga also rents canoes and kayaks with a nearby drop in point that conveniently connects to the Madison lakes. read more

Great place to rent kayaks for a little bit of exercise and sun...

Stopped here on my way up north and picked up a paddleboard. Staff was super attentive and knowledgeable while helping me get correct board for my size. I will definitely go back. read more

Connie was exceptionally helpful in our search for new kayaks. She really listened to us and helped us to find the right kayaks, ones that matched our needs and skills. Also, Connie worked very hard to find the right system to carry the kayaks on our car. Rutagbaga & this superb salesperson deserve far more than 5 stars! The service & products were truly extraordinary. read more

As an avid canoeist, it seems I'm always getting something from Rutabaga as I drive through Madison. From paddles to dry bags to PFDs, all of the gear I bought has proven to be first class. They should also be congratulated for their work with charities to get youth outdoors and on the water. Finally, their Wilderness First Aid class through WMA proved a wealth of info and hands on work. read more

Excellent service and helpful staff. Just awesome that you have the opportunity to "test paddle" in the little lagoon behind the store. Today Ian was super patient in teaching us how to mount our kayaks on the car read more

Great shop with extensive stock and passionate staff who know their stuff. They do their best to educate you and ask a lot of questions to help you figure out what is best. On weekends it can be a challenge to get help for all the right reasons; staff take their time with you to get you what you need and in the process you learn a ton. It's not a high-pressure sales environment, and they are really encouraging of newbies. The location is ideal and the test paddle program is beyond helpful. I've taken several classes from them and while not cheap the instruction level and attention are excellent. Their classes are a great way to get started paddling, and they also offer rentals and other events to help folks get out on the water and feeling more comfortable. If they don't have it in the store they likely will at Canoecopia in March every year--their boat deposit program is a great way to go for canoe/kayak purchases. When I picked up my first kayak they got me outfitted with the right safety gear and even taught me how to load it on my carrier and knots to tie it down safely. High quality products and high quality service! read more

I own two canoes, two kayaks. I only bought one kayak from Rutabaga, as I didn't know them when I bought the others. The facility is a candy store for paddlers. They get that they aren't selling boats, but time on the water. The staff are very gung ho. I bought a kayak skirt last week. Sales person insisted I look at all possibilities. Explained what skirts fit what boats in mind numbing detail. I didn't need the detail, but the sales person's enthusiasm was catching. read more

Wonderful service. Good Clearance section. We are clearly not athletic or young but love the water. That's all it takes. We enjoyed great, patient guidance to identify what would suit us. I would say that the whole experience was dreamy; as it was in the waning of a long winter that needed some new summer dreams. read more

I called Rutabaga this morning at 10:11am. I told the young lady I wanted to buy a rack for my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to carry 2 kayaks. She was nice enough to spend 20 minutes on the phone with me and telling me all the equipment I needed to purchase. She also stated everything was in stock. I then told her I was coming from Greenfield which is about 1 1/2hrs away, so I wanted to know if I needed to make an appointment. She said No, however to please come before 5:00pm because it wasn't fair to keep people working after hours to install the equipment. I assured her I had more respect than that and I would arrive with plenty of time to spare. I then asked her if I could ask a personal question and wanted to know if they work on commission so I could ask for her. She said No and anyone available would be more than happy to help me out. I drove the 1 1/2 hrs to find to my dismay they in fact did Not have everything in stock. I couldn't believe it, so the salesman convinced me to mix and match parts between 2 different brands. As much as I don't like doing that I tried to be accommodating to Rutabaga. The sales guy went down to get everything and I waited an hour. Had enough time to read throughout a trails book guide on paddling. Finally he comes back and again it's Not going to work. I asked to speak to the manager and he came over and I expressed my disappointment in them. I don't understand why you would have me drive all the way out here when in fact you don't have all the merchandise. I'm guessing their policy is to get people to come in and then they will convince you to let them mail you the merchandise, because that is exactly what the manager wanted to do. I told him the reason I drove out here was because you guys teach people how to set it up and take it off your vehicle. He assured me it was easy and showed me in the show room all you had to do. I agreed, because again I wanted to accommodate them and I am an easy going person. They told me it would take about 45 minutes to get the rack set up and I should go to lunch and so I did. When I came back I saw it was on my vehicle, but was confused. The rack was only on the back door and my kayaks are 12 feet long. When I went inside a salesperson asked me if I needed help and I told him I had the Jeep outside, but had a question. I expressed my concern of how the rack was placed and asked if that was correct, because it seemed like it was off balance. I wanted to be assured when I was on the highway it wasn't going to be shaking and weaving. The sales guy started belittling me and was talking down to me. I could Not believe it. At this point I have been there for 2 hours, drove 1 1/2 hrs was told they were wrong in what they informed me on and now I have a salesman insulting me. I was completely patient and kind to everyone and then this is how I am being treated. With everything I was purchasing I do believe my bill was a little over $1000. I asked again to speak to the manager and he was to busy to deal with me....I guess. Needless to say I told them to remove the rack, because I did Not have the confidence I would receive all the merchandise they claimed they would mail to me. I did have one saleslady apologize on behalf of the salesman. She stated that because he is so knowledgeable he forgets that customers are not. So I guess if you are going to be a customer of Rutabaga you must be as knowledgeable if not more in order to get respect from a salesperson. Truly sad. I had asked for the manager to call me and he didn't. No respect. He did Not care. If the manager shows no respect and does Not care about the customers why should the employees. As far as I am concerned the employees are a reflection of the management. I wasted 5 hours of my Life and a 1/2 tank of gas which was $20 just to be lied to and disrespected. That's Not living life and I would have hoped a company that sells goods in the field of Enjoying Life would hire people who have that passion and respect for their customers. read more

Bought a lake property and commenced to build/have built a house there so I figured I better get over my fear of the water. Rutabaga hooked me up with a sweet single person boat (technically called a solo boat) that is a hybrid between a canoe and a kayak. The Native WaterCraft Ultimate is open like a canoe, but you sit on a comfy seat down on the floor so you have a good low center of gravity for stability, and you paddle it with a kayak paddle so you aren't needing to learn fancy strokes. It was just the right thing to meet my specific need. They're like that at Rutabaga, they can help you figure out what kind of waters you want to paddle and whether it will be with a partner or solo and what kind of paddle will be most comfortable and effective. They have the knowledge and understanding to help you figure all that out and a diverse product line to back up their recommendations. If you aren't ready for a boat yet, they have maps and books and camping gear and apparel and shoes for the outdoors. If you are ready for a boat, they have all the accesories, like PFDs, car top carriers, paddles, packs to fit inside the boat, and even ideas for where to paddle! Love this place! read more

The rentals are expensive, they only rent canoes, kayaks, and SUPs for half days and full days. The only way its worth the money is going all day. Multiple people acted really rude. They treat you like an idiot. We got there at like 5 at night and acted like they were pissed they had to do work and help people. Tons of paper work to fill out. Don't park in there parking lot or they tell you to move onto the street when theres no one in there parking lot. The front seat on the canoe was very narrow if you were a big dude you would be really umcomftable. They did have the fabric seats compared to metal seats, but I used seat pads anyways. read more

Pay around seven times what you would pay with a little shopping around. Enjoy outfitting by people who have no idea what they are talking about. Enjoy being a yuppie with expendable income. Try to find meaning in the little things (did you see that blue heron? What do you think he is thinking about when he flies?). Die with a nagging feeling of emptiness deep inside you... read more

Stopped by late afternoon on a weekday looking for a kayak paddle.They were not very busy but could not find or flag down anyone to help me.Looked at the paddles for a while and then left planning never to go there again.. read more