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September 2023 by dustin holm
Came from out of state snd needed to rent kayaks. SOC has everything anyone can need and the owner Guy is very helpful and informative.
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August 2023 by T. Branson
Love this shop. Guy has been holding it down for years on all our outdoor adventure needs. Thanks for being here. Highly Recommend.
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June 2023 by Chris R.
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.
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June 2023 by Allison Joseph
Great prices, absolutely the most knowledgeable customer service! Alex helped me get the gear I needed and gave me advice on where to go for the best experience, and he was right! We had the most fun I’ve experienced in a long time! Love this place❤️
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February 2023 by Val J. P. Syverson
Enter through the parking lot back entrance where it says Kayak Rental, because the street-facing door is closed as of Feb 2023. Great place for lots of different gear, nice guys and very reasonable prices!
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December 2022 by Ankur Shrestha
Alex, Ben & Lev are awesome! Super friendly & knowledgeable folks. And they have best rental price all the way from the SFBA to Tahoe. I'd highly recommend checking them out on your way to the slopes in Tahoe/Truckee ⛷?
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November 2022 by Alex Joseph
Great place to come and get anything you need for outdoor adventures. Kayaking, rafting, climbing, camping, skiing, wake boarding, and fishing. Rental boats, S.U.P., kayaks ski and board equipment. Interesting place and worth the visit.
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October 2022 by Elektra Mathews-Novelli
Best used whitewater library I’ve experienced in the states.
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October 2022 by Terry Kennington
I drove by the place I don't know why I'm being asked but it seems like a good store from the outside.
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June 2022 by Gary F.
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.
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April 2022 by Ryan E.
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.
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April 2022 by Ryan P. Enright
I highly recommend the Sierra Outdoor Center for your river recreation needs. Guy Cables and his excellent staff are worth knowing in themselves, lovable people that they are. They are a reason to visit in and of itself! Guy’s shop has been around for a long time and he is a pioneer in the whitewater sports and technology industry. (Take a leisurely visit and you’ll hear stories pour out of him that will keep you riveted, from his whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures, to his river knowledge, to equipment summaries and excellent shop talk.) A trip to SOC is an experience in itself and many boater friends know it. SOC is located by the American Canyon in Auburn, just meters from a left turn down into canyoned glory on highway 49. Whether you wish to demo or buy a kayak, raft or SUP (anything else?) this is a perfect place at which to stop. Trade-ins in good condition are accepted. New to used equipment is available. I’ve been continually inspired by Guy and Ben and the staff to push, albeit in my slow and controlled way, my kayaking life adventure. I enjoyed a second whitewater kayak demo today, framing my day around it like a California hedonist freed to escape work and live another life. It was a typical heartfelt day in the canyon, with the sun beaming down, limpid green water to float on and roll in, and friendly river lovers and park rangers to chat with. Ben Hoxie is both a dear friend and a facilitator of my kayaking addiction, and we have created a de facto boat demo plan based on my needs and responses. A couple weeks ago Ben pointed me to the Titan Rival, a “slicey” (read “super fun!”) creek boat; in fact it felt more like a river runner flying over the rapids of the Auburn Playpark). Today it was the Jefe Grande - too small for this big boy, alas, but still loved paddling it down a short section of the MF American.) Auburn and the ASRA (Auburn State Recreation Area) is a special place and SOC is part of the larger community that relishes it, its sublime outdoor values, a gift for the human animal and a place to show respect and appreciation for our non-human dwellers as well. Basically, SOC provides me a golden portal into the joy of the outdoors and friendships that linger long after visits. Also, you never know which river friend you might run into! Many thanks for the golden moments, SOC! - Ryan (And I believe the craft in the photo was sold, one of the most hilarious things I’ve ever seen!)
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January 2022 by Stephan M. Rueck
Large selection of used and new whitewater equipment, lake kayaks too! And diving gear camping gear, one of the most unique stores I’ve ever seen.
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August 2021 by Arno Rogg
Super messy place but good prices, good service and nice rafts. I would recommend.
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July 2021 by Ronilyn Houston
I got a free 2 person kayak at a yard sale because I was told there was a leak and they didn’t want to mess with it. So I brought it to Sierra Outdoor Center. Josh blew it up, sprayed it, looked for bubbles, and let it sit for awhile and he found nothing wrong with my kayak. He was funny, courteous, and a pleasure to do business with.