California Canoe & Kayak

The staff here clearly knows their stuff and genuinely cares about getting people out on the water safely. Multiple reviewers mention JT and Sou by name, praising their patient instruction style and willingness to go the extra mile, like helping track down hard-to-find gear or rescheduling when water conditions aren't ideal. The equipment gets consistent praise for being well-maintained, and there's a solid selection whether you're renting or shopping for your own kayak or paddleboard. Beyond rentals, they offer lessons that work well for beginners and families with kids, plus they handle repairs and maintenance like drysuit gasket replacements with quick turnaround. The Oakland Estuary location provides calm waters with nice Bay Area views, making it an accessible spot for first-timers to build confidence. One customer had an initial hiccup with an online order that turned out to be a spam folder issue, but the team resolved it quickly once they connected. The genuine passion for paddling sports and commitment to customer care shines through consistently.