Rutabaga Outdoor Adventures - Madison, Wisconsin

Daniel F.

I am a neophyte paddler and heard about Rutabaga as a good spot to buy gear. I was greeted by Steve who took a ton of time with me, walked me around the store and explained all the boat types they offer. Pretty cool

Karen R.

I had scheduled a one on one rolling session and had the pleasure of working with Ted. This was a wonderful experience. Everything from the booking of the class to the session itself was run very seamlessly.

Ted was a great instructor. He was so patient and friendly. Not only did we work on rolling, we worked on important paddling skills and confidence building so I can really learn to enjoy my time out on the River.
You could clearly see that Ted was so knowledgeable and passionate about paddling and getting new boaters out on the River. He made me feel safe, confident and like I had had the ability to really develop my skills further. This session was worth the confidence I gained alone! I cannot wait to continue to practice what I learned and go back for more one on one in the future, well worth every penny spent!

As for the rest of the Rutabaga Staff and paddling community, they were warm and friendly, as well as incredibly skilled and enthusiastic about welcoming me.

If you’re hesitant about trying this sport or gaining new skills, DON’T BE! Reach out to Rutabaga, their staff of skilled coaches and their paddling community to help you become confident and comfortable. You will be so happy you did!

Ben B.

I couldn't have been happier with my experience with a recent class. All of the veteran paddlers were super hospitable and patient with having a beginner like me around. Thank you all for that. The community there is pretty special.

In terms of the lesson, the instruction was excellent. Positive, patient, effective, and fun. He moved at my pace, communicated extremely effectively and I left with a strong feeling of progress and accomplishment. The session was exactly what I was looking for.

Ahead of the session, staff was extremely communicative and responsive throughout and their emails were both informative and well-timed.

If you are looking to grow your skills in a supportive, top-notch environment -- Rutabaga is the way to go. I've had other paddling instruction experiences in the past. Rutabaga is exceptional. Thank you!

Daniel R.

I checked out this shop while looking to buy my first kayak. The staff were extremely helpful and welcoming and answered all my questions with great detail. I was also able to test out a few kayaks in the lake behind their shop. After deciding what boat to buy, they helped me get the boat up onto my roof rack and taught me how to properly secure it. Overall, I think Rutabaga provides a great service and go above and went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable with my purchase.

Scott R.

Rutabaga is the most wonderiffic place. The sales staff are always kind, patient, knowledgeable—and in the friendly Midwest kind of way. You can’t go wrong getting your first, or fortieth, boat from the crew here, they will make sure you find all the right gear for truly enjoying your time out on the water. If you are wondering if it is worth the pilgrimage, it is, absolutely.

Vivienne A.

Unbelievably helpful and friendly staff. Seriously. I legitimately had no idea there was so much to consider when buying a canoe paddle, and the guy who greeted us when we walked in the store walked us through all of it. I was honestly blown away. REI is nice. The folks at Rutabaga are on an entirely different level.

Jack G.

Easily the finest paddle shop I've ever been to. The staff is incredibly kind and helpful!

tony C.

Brad and Brandon really helped me out and explained a ton to a novice!!