CanoeSport Outfitters

"Best shopping experience I’ve had in years! From my first phone call with Shireen to confirm store hours to the hour Jeff invested in qualifying my needs, the staff at CanoeSport was both knowledgeable and friendly. You won’t find Walmart prices here, but what you will get are fair prices on real gear to make your leisure time enjoyable. With expert advice to match you with the right kayak for your needs, you won’t regret the investment. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned expert, this is THE PLACE in Iowa to get you started. I found the right boat at an excellent price. Well worth the 3 hour drive and I am already looking forward to a return visit. Thank you, CSO."

"If you are looking for a cheap boat where they are going to just run the sale through the register, go to a big box store. If you want to get quality equipment, superior customer service, expert advice, classes and training on safety and adventure in a kayak, service after the sale, go to CanoeSport Outfitters. For Christmas 2020, I wanted to buy my wife her first kayak. I did go to a local big box store and contemplate getting a basic (meaning cheap = $300 - $400) kayak. A friend referred me to CanoeSport Outfitters. This meant a trip of 90 miles to their store. I am glad I took the time to go there. I have no kayaking experience so Shireen spent over 90 minutes helping me pick out the right kayak, rooftop rack, lifejacket, paddle etc. She answered everyone of my of my questions and even talked to one of my daughters (who kayaks) on the phone to help me pick out the right kayak. I also wanted the best possible roof rack. My wife is 5'2" and would have a difficult time lifting the kayak on top of her SUV by herself. My goal was for my wife to have the ability to go kayaking on her days off even if I was at work. I researched various roof racks and wanted the Thule Hullavator. They had one on display that I could see and operate. The Hullavator is a premium rack, but allows one person to life the boat chest high and with hydraulic assist, get the boat on the top of the vehicle. I had no idea what quality kayaks and equipment cost, but I had a budget in mind. I ended up spending a little over double my budget. I AM GLAD I DID! Due to my ignorance of the sport and seeing cheap boats at the big box store, I did not have a realistic budget for quality equipment. My wife is awesome and deserves the best. This past Saturday, we went to pick up the boat, rack and accessories. We called early in the week to let them know we were coming. Jeff had everything ready and had pre-assembled the Hullavator. Jeff put the rails on and taught us how to put on the carrier. He took plenty of time to have us practice securing the kayak to the car. Then he double checked everything so we were safe to make the 90 mile drive home. Since my wife was there for the first time, Jeff spent a good 20 minutes talking her through the choices of kayaks and to see if the one I chose was the right one for my wife. He gave us the option to exchange if she wanted to do so. (She liked the one I picked out! (Whoo Hoo!) To conclude, I circle back to my opening comments. What experience do you want? What are your expectations? CanoeSport Outfitters is a specialty store with premium products, that has expert knowledge and advice. Go with confidence looking for superior -- premium -- specialized experience."

"Probably the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced. The guy with the ponytail was extremely rude, condescending and basically told us to get out of his store - too good for our business. My husband and I are new to kayaking and was asking for help / advice. He told us to go to a box store and leave. Ended up purchasing from REI. Canoe Outfitters will never get our business and I’ve shared our experience with all of our friends. What a shame. Ponytail should not work in retail if he does not want business. Zero rating for sure."

"The best shopping experience we have had in our hunt for the perfect kayaks. Super knowledgeable and helpful, and they were so patient with us and as beginners we had a ton of questions. It was great that we had the opportunity to try the kayaks and different paddles at a nearby lake before purchasing. Extra bonus - we bought two roof racks and they mounted them and showed us how to load them on the roof of our car - WOW!."

"WOW!!! I'm somewhat experienced kayak'er however wanted a refresher and had never been to Red Rock. Booked a eco group tour on the morning of Memorial Day with instruction. Shireen & Logan greeted me and walked me through the day. Tour included all the gear, instruction and shared info on the area. We had all different skill levels in the group and they took time with everyone and did an amazing job explaining why and how. I learned a lot of new stuff and excited to know I could book lessons, rentals and buy gear. This is a TOP NOTCH tour company. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to experience kayaking. They made me feel safe and comfortable. I will be back for more!!"