Headwaters Kayak Shop

I went to headwater kayak shop last month to look for a kayak to buy. Dan was very helpful and he spent time finding out what type of kayaking I wanted to do. He had me try out 4 kayaks on the near by Lodi Lake. And I got a bonus kayak lesson to top it off. I did buy a kayak that day. I’ve had a chance to go out a few times so nice then. I feel like this kayak is a great match for me. Thank you Dan and your staff. You were all very informative and helpful. It was worth the drive!
Marcie

My husband and I wanted to rent a paddle boat for a few hours on Lodi Lake. He called and left a message, and three hours later someone returned the call. When my dh said what he wanted, the guy on the phone said it wasn’t worth his time. I guess we won’t be renting anything from them, ever.

No doubt this experience broke me of my interest to start kayaking. Easy rental, but the kayak was so bad that i might as well have been tubing if I want to sit in water, I was completely soaked. Not only did my kayak appear to be a heavier and clumsier version of others rented out (it was more like a plastic raft), other folks reported they weren’t soaked because their kayaks were lighter, streamlined, and enclosed (not that I was offered one like that, and how would I know to ask for one if I’ve never done this before). I am pretty strong, but my intense paddling didn’t keep me with the group. One of the female employees had terribly a snotty «I can’t be bothered unless I am chatting with my co-​workers» attitude that was awfully unhelpful, and unprofessional. I am pretty positive, athletic, try new things, but this kayak experience will be my last… which is a real bummer. On a positive note, I save a lot of money because I won’t go again and I won’t be buying the equipment I planned to invest in.

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.

Hello! I’ve been a HUGE fan of The Headwaters and have taken a SUP Yoga class, and referred numerous friends to rent their paddleboards and equipment from you all for our adventures at Lodi Lake. I’ve gotten incredible service every time, regardless of how busy the boathouse was.
Yesterday was different. My friends and I arranged to meet at the boathouse. They couldn’t find me and asked the girl at the front desk at the Boathouse if they had seen a «small Asian girl.» The girl, in between shoving chips and guacamole in her mouth said «NO. No one’s been here.» Then, my friend asked for info on renting boards for the afternoon. She had driven her two daughters into Lodi to rent from The Headwaters, since I had nothing but good things to say. The same girl at the front desk said (again, between shoving chips and gauc into her mouth and chewing with her mouth open), «We have stuff to rent but we don’t have any life jackets. You can go to Big 5 and buy them.»
I walked in on this conversation, and wanted to clarify. I asked the girl, «so you’re telling me you have plenty of boards and kayaks to rent and absolutely ZERO life jackets?» I then go through the plethora of jackets behind her. She’s still eating her chips. She told me all of the life jackets behind her to her right were for infants and that we can’t use them. And the ones in the kayak behind her were reserved. So, I asked when people would be returning their equipment so we could use their life jackets. Still eating, she said «Whenever they want. They just pay a late fee if they’re late.» Finally another employee comes up with a big bag of doritos in his hand and says «We hope to have people back in 45 minutes at the earliest.» I finally had them go through the «infant» life jackets. Turned out, there was one for my friend’s daughter who is 40 pounds. Guess they weren’t all for infants. There were also plenty of child size ones there also. I’m a petite woman, so I asked if I could try one of the child size ones on. She said «You’re way bigger than me, and those barely fit me. You could try, but it won’t fit.» Turns out, the life jacket fit. She went on to tell us that we would get tickets on the water if we didn’t have a life jacket on and it wouldn’t be her issue. I get that, but could she have stopped eating her chips, and explained it nicely?
We had a board with a leash with us, so 3 of the 4 of us were set and could rent boards. I then asked if they had any PFD’s that go around your waist available. The girl said, «we only let people taking classes use those.» A few weeks ago, a friend and I came out… and she was able to use one of those, so I’m not sure when that changed. I said «Is Daniel around? Can I call the store to talk to him? You both are really caught up on your chips… I can’t seem to get any true answers.» The girl said «He’s on vacation.» and gave me a look as if to say «SO THERE, you just have to deal with me.» The guy responded more appropriately and said «The Store is closed on Sundays, but I’ll be happy to help you the best I can.»
We ended up getting squared away on paddles boards and had a great time. It only took 30 minutes for us to figure out what the situation with the life jackets were. The employees could have taken an inventory of what we needed «Oh, you need one child, 3 adult life jackets? Let me see what I can make work.» Instead, the employees felt that their snacks at the counter were far more important than renting paddle boards and life jackets to customers. I hope that your employees can receive some customer service training, can find a more hidden place for snacking, and can try to accommodate the needs of customers in a more respectful manner. Thanks.

We are blessed to have a high quality and professional kayak shop in our town. Dan and his staff are true experts in all types of kayaks and accessories. I appreciate the top quality fishing kayaks and the customization to meet my specific needs.

Thank you to Daniel and Courtney’s sincere care and apologetic approach to this matter. Dealing with a complainy customer is never fun, especially an angry mother customer complaint like me. Their responses and actions regarding my expierence made me feel like my concerns have been taken seriously and not scoffed at or ignored.
My girls and I have decided to try a Take 2 on paddle boarding once our muscles relax and we are able to move our arms more than four inches. I say that jokingly but wow definitely a workout!

I actually bought my kayak from a shop in Sacramento last summer. Got talked out of buying the one I wanted. Anyway, I called Headwaters to see what they could do to modify my Eddyline Denali because the pedals were too far. He asked me what my height was and when he found out, Dan immediately said that I got the wrong kayak. The kayak I had are for much bigger/​taller dudes/​dudettes. Originally, I wanted an Eddyline Journey but got talked out of it by the owner/​manager at the other store.
So here I was, with a kayak not suited for me trusted the other shop for changing my order and left feeling a little upset at myself for believing the other shop.
In comes Dan to the rescue. He took in my kayak for trade and gave me way more of a trade value than he needed to. There was no way I could have sold it for as much as the discount Dan gave me. My kayak was in great shape but like a car, once it leaves the shop, it drops in value. Anyway, Dan took my kayak and ordered me the Eddyline Journey instead. This time, he fitted me in one to make sure all was ok and it was.
I don’t care that his shop is over an hour away. I will drive right past my local kayak shops in Sacramento and head out to Lodi for all my kayaking needs from now on (except maybe for tie downs or small stuff like that but I’m still not buying it at that other shop I no longer trust). Next kayak will be a fishing kayak and I will of course buy it from Headwaters. They know their stuff and when I spoke to Eddyline Corporate about my issue, they referred me to speak with Dan at Headwaters Kayak. How impressive is that when a manufacturer knows about a dealer and recommends them first hand?

Dan and his shop are the best. I have purchased a SUP and a sit on top kayak from his store. He and his staff are very knowledgeable, have a passion for their sport, and are there to answer your questions.

Amazing service and very knowledgeable staff. After talking to local stores about a new kayak (had a cheap costco plastic brick), at a coworker recommendation I came down to Headwaters and went on a kayak test drive. Ended up with a Stealth Evolution 465 (upgraded from a Ford to a Ferrari kayak). This sit on top is amazing, fast, turns on a dime, and was an amazing demo price (included all headwaters good memories for free). I am excited to take it on my random adventures. And I will be back again when I get my third kayak eventually, because its worth the drive to give this family business the repeat customers … They are so friendly and always interested in sharing their knowledge with others.

If your looking for a kayak in Northern California and u go any where else but here your making a huge mistake! This place is awesome every is super nice there customer service is unbelievable all are very knowledgeable dan and bam are great dudes. They answered all my questions (which there were a lot) and rigged me up a sweet lure 11.5 if u want something on your yak bam will figure out how to fit it on there. Can’t say enough about these guys beyond pleased with my experience here will be returning for more rigging and to add to my fleet

Dan volunteered his shop and time for our 4H project and the kids loved him! Every time we go into this shop, we get the individual attention one would expect from a friend and the selection of merchandise is great.

If your looking in to a weekend rental, kayak fishing, or updating your current kayak don’t waist any time just come to headwater kayak shop. From the second you walk in the door you feel as of your the most valuable customer and they were waiting all day in hopes you would come in. The are never ever trying to make a sell, they just want to be helpful and give you the attention you deserve. I have gone in several times just to look around and ask questions, and have never be pressured to buy a thing. They offer a wide selection of kayaks, accessory and equipment. Have the ability a to customize a kayak to meet your needs. They offer guided fishing trips, too. In fact went in 4÷1÷2014 afternoon to schedule a guide trip. I am glad they are in my community, and would recommend them to all. They have one me over and I will always go though them for my kayak needs.

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.

5 star place, ran by a 5 star staff.

The owner of the shop, Dan is very knowledgeable and helpful. Lots of nice boats and gear in stock and if he does not have it, will order for you. I highly recommend Headwaters.

Class act! If you like dealing with a progressive business that gives back to the sport they support — look no further. Dan and the team at Headwaters will take care of your needs, get the kayak of your dreams and rig it up so you can go from shop to water! I am a repeat customer and drive well out of my way to go to the best kayak shop in NorCal. Did I mention their fishing clinics? Equipment selection? Clothing accessories? Go check them out — you will be glad you did!

Headwaters is a well stocked shop, if they don’t have what you are looking for they can get it for you. Dan is very knowledgable and will gladly answer all your questions. I am a beginner to kayaking and when I purchased my kayak, Dan spent time with me showing me all it’s features. Dan facilitates a Wednesday night Sunset Paddle on Lodi Lake, providing all the equipment a beginner would need to try it out for a very reasonable price.