New kayak shop launches with demo day

Say you spent the summer renting kayaks and are ready to commit to paddling. Or you’re itching to upgrade your ride. Then check out The Headwaters Demo on Saturday (Nov. 13) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rancho Seco Recreational Area, between Sacramento and Lodi.

It’s also the kickoff for The Headwaters, a new kayak shop in Lodi owned by Dan Arbuckle. Area paddlers know Dan from Penguin Paddlers in Rocklin, where he was manager until that shop recently closed. Dan  offered free classes and seminars for local paddlers last summer (and won high praise from NorCal Yak friend Gail). He’s been very active in promoting area kayaking clubs and the sport in general.

Dan tests the boats he sells -- in the photo he sent me, it's a Rockpool in the surf off Trinidad, in Humboldt County. Also check out this video.

Dan’s celebrating his new venture with a demo at Rancho Seco that includes kayaks from Eddyline, Emotion, Sterling, and Rockport, and paddles from Swift and Aquabound, among other watersport manufacturers. It’s a good opportunity to try different styles of kayaks and chat with factory reps. The 160-acre lake is off limits to powerboats, so it's an ideal venue for this event. Kayak vendor raffles and freebies are also on the menu.

Here’s more info on the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Note that there are fees. The Headwaters store expects to open before Dec. 1. In addition to kayak sales, Dan plans to provide tours, kayak rentals and classes. California kayak river lake sea