All the reviews are correct. That's what makes this place cool. Boaters and skiers selling stuff to boaters and skiers. The prices are very fair for new gear. Selection is good. There are deals to be found. And it is hard to find used rafting equipment, so we can all be thankful someone has some available. If you get the chance to talk to Guy you will learn something. Nothing flashy. Not REI. But my experience was great this week. read more

I ventured into this store for the first time today, as I was in the market for a kayak. Did much research online, and was lucky enough to come across their website. It was a quirky little place, but was very helpful and had very helpful and accommodating employees. Guy the owner was an incredibly helpful man, very interesting, and full of knowledge, experience, and want to be helpful. I was geared up with everything that I could need to become a first time kayak owner. Guy gave great information and discounts on gear for a limited time. Staff helped me get my new kayak fitted to me and my dog appropriately and onto my car and strapped down efficiently. What more could a girl ask for!?! FYI... if the cute blonde gentleman (Mike) that helped me shop and strap my kayak on my car is in the market for a date... call me read more

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My wife dearly wanted to rent a Kayak for a day, this review is just about the rental process - AWESOME!! I called and spoke with Guy, turns out to  be the owner. He is holding two 1-person recreational Kayaks to be picked up one day, used the next, and returned the next. Guy opted to not charge all three days (we are going Sunday-Tue), it was not an expected consideration on my part. The Kayaks are being held with just with my name and phone number, who on earth does that any more? If my wife opts to buy...I am certain this is where that will happen. The rates were already more then reasonable!! Thank you for an awesome over the phone rental experience Guy. read more

I can't speak to the Snow Mountain side of the business though I know they are respected for their work on the skiing/snowboarding side of things. I'll review as a whitewater kayaker. I'm a wholehearted supporter of SOC, which has been in the business for over 25 years. Yes, it is definitely an experience to visit SOC, part of the charm. Like a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant, you don't go there for the plush surroundings but for the great local cuisine. Guy, the owner, Ben, and Corey are great people who want to make sure you get the equipment that suits you best and keeps you safe. I've been given hours of attention from Guy and Ben trying to fit me in the right kayak (I'm 6'4 and over 200 lbs and it's hard to get a good fit). I'm a regular and it's a highlight of my week coming in here to demo hardshell kayaks, chat with Guy, Ben and Corey as they support my whitewater addiction. If you're looking for new equipment and new models they have them. However, most of my time is spent looking at used kayaks. Guy and his team are oriented around the community and want to get people outside, with the right equipment. I've tried out five kayaks Ben and Guy recommended and they never charge me a penny to demo them; to paraphrase Guy, "we want you to find the right kayak." And it's not a far drive to multiple canyons. Check the place out. read more

Sierra Outdoor Center - The ultimate off-the-couch boat. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Auburn, California

This place seems like the original. They have a crazy inventory of boats. Many available for rental. We rented a small oar rig a couple of years ago and were pleased with the package. These folks are mad about kayaking, and are really great about exchanging yer old boat for a new one. They have almost any accessory you might need for boating. Good luck finding it in their messy shop. Good luck finding an employee to help you. Good luck getting in and out of the shop in less than an hour (or two if you are renting). Good luck finding the shop open. Don't you love the Quonset hut? read more

Sierra Outdoor Center - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Auburn, California

I have brought friends to SOC for years to rent kayaks, IKs and rafts. They have a yard full of boats in the back, of all different types and models so there is almost certainly something for anyone. They do not have many new boats so if you are looking for that, go to The River Store or CCK. But if you are looking to try out different boats once or twice a year, or see if you are interested in buying a used boat (they sell their boats), this is the place. Guy seems sort of gruff but is nice, and the ability to rent a boat and return it later in the evening by dropping it over the fence without worrying about having to get back by closing time or needing to stay overnight to drop it off in the morning (The River Store) is very convenient. read more

They were very helpful and knowledgeable. I'm very thankful for the help they gave. I came in with no information on boats, and came out with a kayak and many supplies for not too high a price. If you need any outdoor gear, this is definitely the place. read more

We purchased a 12' NRS Cataraft with frame and oars from SOC, Guy Cables, and used it on the South Fork American River where on 2nd Threat we split open one of the tubes. We returned the boat for repair and never heard back from them when the boat was fixed, they won't tell us what happened to the boat after we left it there. We've been waiting a long time, but this is typical how Guy treats long time customers. read more

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Shoddy equipment and abusive customer service about sums up my experience at Sierra Outdoor Center. I rented an inflatable kayak so I could let my out-of-town family experience a small stretch of the American River. I picked up the boat in the evening to use the next day. At the put-in I started inflating the boat with the hand pump provided, and before it was even completely inflated, one of the air bladders in the boat burst. Since it was a 30 minute drive each way to the shop and we had other things planned that day, I tried patching up the boat quickly and getting on the water. The boat got about 100 yards downriver before losing air. So we scratched the remainder of the river-running and got on to our other activities. Having worked in outdoor retail before, I understand that rental gear gets used and abused and that equipment failure happens. So I still would have been perfectly happy if the shop had offered to make things right, for instance, by giving me the choice of taking another boat the next day or not charging for the rental. I brought the boat back in the afternoon and told the person at the counter what happened. She went and got the owner. Before I had a chance to explain anything to the owner, he had made up his mind that the only way the boat could have burst is if I had inflated it and left it out in the 100-degree sun all day. He condescendingly began explaining the laws of physics behind this. When I was finally able to tell him what actually happened, he refused to believe that the boats could fail due to wear and tear, saying it didn't make any sense. The owner then said that people return broken gear to his shop all the time and lie about what happened (was he inferring something?). At this point, I had enough and left, refusing to pay for the rental or any of the damages he wanted to charge me for. Thankfully there are other paddlesports and outdoor stores in the area that are much better to deal with. read more

A river outfitters store in Auburn, is one of the few places around that rents and sells boats for river running (california canoe and kayak is another one, in Rancho Cordova). They have a large selection of inflatable boats for rent and also hardshell kayaks, canoes, etc. Inflatables that are rented are not in the greatest shape, and some boats we rented came with missing pieces and non working parts. Their rental helmets are falling apart and are a disaster. The salespeople are generally friendly and helpful, but they are often busy on weekends, understaffed and stressed out during peak hours. They are also a bit disorganized in general. In the past we got double charged (erroneously) and it took months for them to refund the card. The store is a bit untidy, if not messy. Prices are average, especially considering there's not much competition in the area. Overall, it's a great friendly local resource for white water / outdoor stuff, but they could definitely improve on the quality of rented equipment, peak hour service and store cleanliness. read more

So grateful we found this place!!! Owner is very accommodating and always hooks us up with quality gear at prices you won't find anywhere else. Plus they have an awesome selection of used stuff that I constantly find myself sifting through when their. It's an hour out of our way but we always make the drive cause it's that worth it... trust me rent your gear from here!!!!! read more

This is the go to place for any paddling / whitewater gear. Great local business! Tons of new and used boats and equipment!

I've been a customer for many years (over 20+) rented gear, purchased gear, and even went on a couple raft trips with the owner. Yea he's a little quirky, unorganized, and at times moody, but who f$#@in cares? It's whitewater rafting/kaying - not knitting. He's carved out a niche that is unique in a location that is unique and done it for over 20+ years. I can spend hours in his shop looking through all the whitewater guide books he stocks like a library reference center. Fun stuff is tucked into every corner and for sale. His business practices are subjective to your ability to be real. Treat him and the business with respect and he cuts you deals on the fly. It's a unique diamond in the retail rough of what has become box chains and sporting goods conglomerates. ...and I'm pretty sure he doesn't even care about Yelp reviews :p read more

Really well stocked, with a lot of variety for any adventure! The guy there helped me buy a camp stove and was very informative. I love supporting small businesses like this! read more

So I have a twelve year old raft. It has provided me with a lot of enjoyment. Sometimes it needs parts and repair. Sierra Outdoor Center does it. These are river people. Good folks, good parts, fair prices. read more

Definitely will shop here again. I got at least an hour of Guy's time and felt like I was being given personal service. The other staff were all very helpful and friendly. Yes the shop is crammed full and not very organized, but I'd rather shop local and be given good customer service by someone who very obviously knows his stuff. I walked in trying to find cockpit covers for my two boats that I don't use very often. He had both brands and the exact models of my boats in stock so we could try the covers on for size. Then I found out that he has a trade in deal. I've been wanting hybrid SUP for a while since I don't use my fishing yak very often. I went home and got my yak and traded it for one of his hybrid SUPs. I wouldn't have done it if he didn't spend so much time with me and if he didn't seem so honest and gave me all the option from the very cheap to the very expensive with regard to accessories. read more

What a crappy experience. Owner was rude to his staff and customers. Store looked like a tornado it. They're used fear costs as much as the new. Don't waste your time. read more

I've been a loyal customer of SOC for many years because of Guy Cables. He is knowledgeable and has a great stock of boats and equipment. Prices are fair. I tried the competition and returned to Sierra Outdoor Center because it is the best. read more

Guy is very passionate and knowledgeable about the outdoors and the products he sells. He is obviously only in this business for love of the outdoors and not the money. His shop may seem a little crazy, but he knows where everything is. I have always received first class customer service from the SOC. The SOC is a good, old school privately owned business that I will continue to support. read more

I was just there looking to purchase some items for my Saturn inflatable boat. The negativity in the shop was overwhelming. The guy helping me kept repeating what a very poor boat I had, and would fall apart very soon. Then he said maybe the newer one's are better. He kept repeating himself, so i finally said to him that he's not helping with his negativity. My wife and I walked out of the store. I came home and looked up my boats reviews and ratings- non of the issues he cited were to be found. Only a lot of poor ratings on him and his store. That explains it! read more

So, Guy is a little wacky, a little crazy, and very passionate. I'm giving him a good review because this is boating, and you don't open up a rafting gear shop to give corporate style service to top end clientele, you do it because you love rivers, you're a dirt bag, your customers are dirtbags, and none of you really care that much about money or cleanliness or tidy shops, you care about boating. I brought in a very old, very damaged boat, and Guy took it on. We worked together, trying to rescue a boat that had been abandoned in Idaho and then taken to burning man, and he didn't balk. I think Guy ate a lot of hours and some dollars working on that thing, when most people would have laughed at you. So, if you didn't get that very polished and professional Nordstrom experience you were looking for, I'm sorry. This guy does things for the broke ass boaters that make the community, his customer is river trash, and you are probably not his target market. read more

My husband and I have rented paddle boards and kayaks here and have always been pleased with the service. We decided to buy paddle boards here yesterday. Guy was very informative and helpful and we're pleased with our experience. read more

This is a WONDERFUL PLACE to shop and to obtain information. I moved to the area a few months ago and had recently purchased a kayak that really was not appropriate for me. I stopped in to Sierra Outdoor Center because I needed advice. After HOURS of online research I just wanted to speak to a human and I want to shop local if I can. The owner could not have been more helpful!!!! He was really busy but focused on what I was saying and my needs. I had a certain kayak brand and model in mind and we talked about it; he told me it was a great kayak. But he was listening to what I had been saying and had another suggestion as well. NO, it was not substantially more expensive - he wanted to help. I checked it out online when I got home, it really is perfect for me but I had not considered it because I didn't think I could afford it - I can at this shop! They have a wonderful policy of allowing you to RENT the kayak for a day to try it out - just what I needed. If you decide to buy a kayak (or I'm sure other water craft) within 30 days the cost goes towards your purchase price. I'm scheduled to go out this weekend and I'm so excited. They also buy trades - YES! I really want to get rid of my current kayak and this is such an easy way. Also, I felt a part of my new community. They plan many outings, classes of all types. If you are into hiking they have a lot of books with trails that are unique - with the proceeds going to the river foundation (not sure of the name). They had the maps I wanted that REI didn't have. It may look like a small shop, but they have over 300 kayaks and it looks like a lot of other water craft, climbing and hiking materials, etc. It was great to have someone listen to me, listen to my concerns and point me in the right direction. AND, I know he had my best interest at heart because I'd done research already. I can't wait until this weekend!!!!!! Thanks so much. read more

I haven't known Guy for decades like some other folks who run these rivers and lakes for decades. But i've been driving by that quanset hut for years, and really appreciate small businesses in our foothills being able to compete with the Big Corporate Dogs and doing it because of the love of our area. Guy knows every river, trail, and whitewater course in this area (and beyond), and I trust him with years of accumulated knowledge and FIRST HAND experience. His products and prices seem competitive and i'd rather buy a board or boat from him any day than REI. He's quirky and you might not always get served immediately (bc he's helping someone ahead of you!), but he's old school and the real deal. read more

I've bought inflatables from Guy for several years. I've always enjoyed our business transactions and felt he was fair. The store always seems busy on weekends, that's why I only go in during the week. Slow? Yeh. I'd have to say so, but I generally attribute that to his being very busy and having a short staff. It hasn't always been that way, but times are tough. I prefer to see Guy for purchases or repairs rather than someone closer because I know Guy and know how he works. He does EXCELLENT repair work and is very knowledgeable about what he is doing. He also always has great deals on used gear. Guy's my guy when it comes to outdoor gear. Joe R, Sacramento read more

I have been a customer of Guy's for 13 years. I have bought all my boating gear from him, and he always steers me in the right direction (buy quality gear, for safety and longevity) and gives me great prices. Recently I needed a car roof rack for my paddleboard. The choices online were so confusing, and I went with Guy as he quoted me an unbelievably good price, and agreed to install it for me for that price. He was patient with me when I changed the appointment twice to accomodate my work schedule. Guy is even-tempered and sweet, and I like doing business with him. He's a longtime fixture of the local boating community. read more

First let me say this Guy is a good man and a friend of mine. He has always did me right and never lead me in the wrong direction. Yes His shop is dirty and messy but this is not REI. If you are a true boater you will love him, if you are a yuppie you will most likely not like his shop. Over the last 20 years I have bought many boats from him and he always gave me a fair price and treated me good. He has a heart of gold and will always go out of his way to help you. read more

I am brand new to the sport of Kayaking. When we went to rent a kayak from Sierra Outdoor Center in Auburn, among the things discussed we mentioned that we where beginners, that we wanted to go somewhere easy and relaxing, and that we would be bringing our keys, cell phone, and camera. The young lady behind the counter suggested Clementine Lake and suggested a "Dry Bag" for our belongings. As it turns out, "Dry Bags" do not really keep things dry. And to make things worse the one they gave us had a hole in it. Our $600 camera got ruined. Naturally, when we returned the kayak we mentioned that the dry bag did not work, and upon inspection of the bag by one of Sierra's employees a hole was found. We then mentioned the camera and asked if they would pay for it to be repaired. The owner, Guy, said that as an experienced kayaker of 30 years, you should never put any type of electronic device in a Dry Bag and he has never had a customer make this mistake. We explained that this is what the lady that helped us recommended to use. When we confronted the young lady she denied recommending a dry bag for those items and insulted us by saying that we should have used some common sense. Ouch! This was an expensive lesson. And an insulting one too! Guy and Sierra Outdoor Center showed no integrity. Needless to say, we will not be going back. read more

I was in need of a seat for my inflatable kayak and the company gave me a list of dealers to order one from.....I took the first guy on the list, mistake ...he was rude to say the least, but I needed the seat and pump so I ordered it from him, gave him my credit card number and asked him to please ship it to me when the items came in.....well that was a month ago, the pump arrived and an employee called my and said come pick-it-up, the seat was backordered....ok, 2 weeks ago the owner called and said the seat was in, ok, remember I gave you my credit card number and asked you to mail the seat to me??? Oh yea, here it is, ok I'll ship right away. Now it's 2 weeks later, still waiting for my seat and I get another call from an employee saying the seat is in give us your credit card number and we will send it....really ??? If you don't mind getting frustrated, and if you don't mind waiting for your products, maybe this will work for you, sorry but poor customer service doesn't work for me.... read more