Customer Comments
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"Not only was the instruction superb in all respects, but the instructors were delightful to learn from because of their passion for sharing all that is so wonderful about kayaking, the outdoors, and guiding itself." J.L., Courtenay, 2007
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"The Level 2 Instructor course was excellent. I learned alot about teaching paddling skills and theory. Michael shone as usual. It was very professional. I am so pleased." C.G., Courtenay, 2007
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"Thank you again for your outstanding work over the past two trips. It truly is a pleasure to work with you." P. M., St Michaels University School, Victoria, 2009
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"We have had amazing response from your trips the past two years and we would like to continue for a third!" S.M., York School, Toronto, 2009
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"I have been wracking my brain to come up with ways to improve what you offer and I can't. The more I paddle the more I remember things you passed on." J.P., Fort St-John, 2009
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"We often recount stories and games from your trip together. We had a really awesome experience, thanks again for doing this for these kids! The impact runs deep." B.S., Ucluelet, 2009
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"I feel much more confident now that I have some skills. :-) Thank-you very much for your instruction, you are a great teacher." M. S., Cowichan Bay, 2009
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"Just a quick note to say that was a trip of a lifetime with Jean-Francois. A total class act - professional - safe - fascinating - fun - and a challenge!!! Thank-you so much." S. Q., Seattle, 2009
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"Thanks again for the great organization JF; the course was very good as always." J.O., MEC Ottawa, 2009
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"The 9 days was so much fun - it was challenging and hard but we played games to learn and to break up the studying. We ate so much good food. I think i may have laughed the hardest on this course as well!" L.K., Victoria, 2007
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"Thanks again for your hard work, patience and guidance during the AOG course - thanks to you I learned a lot and had a good time in the process." M. A. Kitchener, 2009
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"Thanks for everything. I finished the course, I had a blast and learned a lot! Loved my teachers, Chris and James!" S. I. G., Kelowna, 2009
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"I really enjoyed the Paddle Canada Flatwater Instructor course in Victoria. Erik did a fantastic job and is a great instructor. I will definitely be taking more training from SKILS." S.F., Alpha Dive Services, Powell River, 2009
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"Thank you so much for the instructor course. I have never taken a kayaking course that has increased my self esteem and made me feel so great about the skills I do bring to the kayak industry. I am aware of the things I need to keep working on as well which is great." S. P., Victoria, 2009
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"We just wanted to say thank-you for a great kayak session last Wednesday. It was really fun and we learned so much! Now we can go out in our kayaks and not worry so much about falling out!" K.B., Ucluelet, 2008
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"Thanks again for hosting a great class. Everyone was raving about your teaching ability, your humor and patience. You truly are a great asset to SKILS & Paddle Canada." J.C., Rocky Point Kayak, Port Moody, 2009
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"Thank you again for a tremendous learning experience and being such a great role model during our AOG course. It was a very eye-opening and growing experience for me." S.B., New Westminster, 2009
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"I had such a great time and learned so much on the course. Everything was better than I could have expected." B.D., Port Coquitlam, 2009
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"Thanks again to all at SKILS who made the week such a success. Merci Beaucoup!" T.W., York School, Toronto, 2009
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"Thanks JF, you guys at SKILS are the Best!" R.G., Kelowna, 2009
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"I thoroughly enjoyed the Day Guide course. The instruction from JF and Chris was top notch. I would definitely recommend your training programs to anyone." S.F., Alpha Dive Services, Powell River, 2008
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"I was impressed how quickly you guys could change gears and offer up a canoe version of the course. I found the course to be very informative, practical and adaptive to what my staff would would be experiencing on the sales floor." N.C., Product Team Leader, MEC Ottawa, 2007
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"The AGO course with JF and Beth-Ann was fabulous. Intense, challenging, enjoyable, well organized, and wonderful people. Thanks to SKILS for a great course." G. S. Victoria, 2009
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"I wanted to thank you again for the kayaking course. Succeeding at this mental and physical challenge has given me more confidence and exhilaration than I ever would have thought possible in 4 days!" A.G., Vancouver, 2008
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"Thank you again for one of my most amazing experiences! I appreciate the work you each invested in my skills development. The direction and instruction received from your company has been outstanding." T.B., Saskatoon, 2008
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"It's all good. The staff had a GREAT day today with Erik, who, as always, is being hailed as the best instructor out here!" U. L., MEC Toronto, 2009
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"You were a great teacher and your kayaking enthusiasm was obvious. The ninja wetsuits were a bonus!" K.B., Ucluelet, 2008
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"I found the Level 2 course extremely rewarding (as did the other participants) and am sure it will pay dividends in the level of service our staff are able to provide." S.M. Learning Coordinator, Mountain Equipment Co-op, 2008
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"Meaghan, everybody on the course found you a wonderful instructor. You did a phenomenal job communicating both hard skills and teaching techniques to our unruly crew." S.M. Learning Coordinator, Mountain Equipment Co-op, 2008
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"Once again we would like to thank you for the wonderful weekend and the course which is a great start to our education and career in guiding. Already we are looking to the next courses and some wilderness first aid." K.K., North Vancouver, 2007
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"Thank-you JF for the great training, your leadership and your knowledge." J-F.L., MEC Montr
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"What a great experience that week was for me, you guys are incredible teachers!" V.G., Lund, 2007
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"Both instructors were really great. Alex, thank you so much for not only teaching us so much great info. In such a easy to learn way but for also making the day such a great one." J.B., MEC PaddleFest, Ambleside Beach, 2007
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"Skils instructors (JF and Beth-Anne) are able to teach the skills necessary in a manner that was easier to understand and made more sense and the info stuck." L.K., Victoria, 2007
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"As facilitators, the two of you were professional and extremely knowledgeable as well as being one of the group. There is something to be said for having "outside course instructors" teaching classes." N.C., Product Team Leader, MEC Ottawa, 2007
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"I just want to tell you how fantastic Ben was for our SKILS water sports training this year. He was VERY knowledgeable." S.C., MEC Halifax Product Team Leader, 2007
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"A special thanks for the energy and effort you put into our Level 1 guide course over the past few days." P.V., Victoria, 2007
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"The courses were tremendously fun because the instructors had a wonderful sense of humour, and the other participants were very like-minded individuals." J.L., Courtenay, 2007
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"I wanted to say thanks so much for introducing me to the world of guiding. I'm loving every minute of it!" C.O.N., Thunder Bay, Ontario, 2010
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"The courses were tremendously fun because the instructors had a wonderful sense of humour, and the other participants were very like-minded individuals." B.G., Victoria, BC, 2010
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"JF, just wanted to thank you for your time and effort.... I really feel that I learned much thanks to you, and now I have a better understanding of kayaking in general. You show great patience and an honest will for others to learn. You taught the course with great enthusiasm, humour...your knowledge of the sport really made things easy for me to understand. I have every intention of sharpening my skills. Hope to see you on the water soon. Thanks again." R.K., Pender Island, BC, 2010
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"Thanks for such a great course! I hope to put in some hard work over the winter and come back for more next year. Thanks again!" J.R., United Kingdom, 2010
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"Hi JF and James,Just wanted to thank you both for a world class session this weekend. You are both great instructors and I shall happily recommend you to European paddlers. I only started kayaking 4-5 years ago and then decided not to waste my time on average instructors. Sometimes I have to gamble a bit, though, because I don't know the instructors beforehand, but I was so happy this weekend to realize that you were actually world class. Thank you for that! I am sure we will meet again." L.F., Denmark, 2010
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"Thanks for a great weekend, I really enjoyed the whole experience. I went into the exam very tired, but left feeling energized, motivated and with a big smile on my face." J. B., Saltspring Island,BC, 2010
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"Just wanted to start out by saying thank you once again for an amazing time during the 4 day in the Broken Group Islands. We could not have asked for a better way to spend our honeymoon, it was perfect." J.K., White Rock, BC, 2010
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"I truly, truly enjoyed the Level 1 Guide's Course last summer. Michael was amazing to learn from." L.M.L, France, 2010
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"Thanks again for your great instruction during the course. You deserve to be recognized for the high standards you set for your students and the quality of teaching you bring to the course (not to mention all the entertaining moments) I would recommend SKILS to anyone interested in developing their paddling confidence and would definitely sign up for another course!" L.A., Vancouver, BC, 2010
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"Thanks for a fabulous course. Feedback on the ferry was that everyone had met their expectations, and more, and in spite of the weather, all were glad we had structured the course as a camping trip" M.B. Vancouver, BC, 2010
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"I just wanted to thank you once again for a fantastic course and a great experience. Your teaching style, humour and professionalism is truly inspirational, and I really appreciate the support and kind words as I work towards creating some programming." W,K., Comox, BC, 2010
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"I just wanted to let you know how pleased everyone was with the instructor course in April. Doug proved to be a very skilled teacher and was able to keep all of us engaged regardless of our range in skill levels. It was a very productive week and we will see you again to continue our crew’s skill development." C.R., Halfmoon Bay, BC, 2010
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"JF and Rowan, I really appreciated the professionalism that you both showed during the course. I learned an awful lot. The course was well worth the money and time spent." K.B., Courtenay, BC, 2010
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"I wanted to say a big thank you for all your help with me in the AOG course in May, last year. After...I went North to Skagway, Alaska. I spent the summer as a kayak guide there. It was the time of my life. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you." S.B., United Kingdom, 2010
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"We had a great weekend despite the cold and rainy weather. Rowan was amazing and really taught myself and our group a great deal. We will definitely be using him again down the road.
Rowan really taught us that we are not having enough fun in our kayaks. As an owner and part time instructor we tend to get complacent in our teaching routines and curriculum, he got us thinking about new ways to introduce and teach the skills, and above all PLAY and have FUN in your kayaks to further develop your personal paddling skills. Good working with your crew again." J.C., Port Moody, BC, 2010.
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"The courses that you provide are top notch and we feel very comfortable with the level of training that our staff receives from you." S.F., Powell River, BC, 2010
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"Just a quick note to say thank you again for a great course. As always it was a pleasure paddling and being instructed by you." N.F., Duncan, BC, 2010
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"The course was a lot of fun, as you said it would be, and it is always fun to learn how others do things. Learning the PC background, process and structure sure helps." R.G., Edmonton, Alberta, 2010
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"The courses were great. Doug is very passionate about kayaking. He has a wealth of information to share and he doesn't mind sharing it. I pretty much got everything I wanted plus a reminder of how much I still have to learn. You probably know we had some weather challenges, I think you did too, and that made for some interesting and very educational discussions. The people were great. I'm starting to think that all kayakers are pretty nice people" B.D., Vancouver, BC, 2010
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"I have taken two courses with SKILS group, my Paddle Canada Level 3 in 2009 with JF and Meg and later my Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor's Course in 2010 with JF and Doug. All three of these instructors showed a keen interest in teaching and helping me develop my personal skills. They bring many years of kayaking instruction and paddling to their classes and show genuine interest in their student's development of kayaking knowledge and skill. I would recommend them to anyone wanting to safely improve their kayaking skills." S.M., Qualicum Beach, BC, 2010
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"You have excellent communication skills and really have a way of making the students feel relaxed in difficult conditions. JF you are really a natural instructor." S.M., Qualicum Beach, BC, 2010
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"Level 1 Instructor was awesome, I never stopped learning thoughout the course." P .M., Courteney, 2010
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"Just wanted to say thank you for your time and passion shared with kayaking. Emily is hooked. She just also completed a white water river raft course with the university as well as taking an entire semester on kayaking, river rafting, etc. Yes she is rolling!!!!! in the ocean... in the river.. in pools..... thank you again for sharing. Can't keep her out of the water..." R.H.T., Tofino, BC, 2010
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"The instructor course was a really great course and I thought (Meaghan) you were amazing! And I'm not saying that to suck up - remember you already passed me...lol... ;o. Seriously, your skills and knowledge are incredible but above all of that was your genuine caring personality - you never came across as harsh or judgemental and you always kept us engaged while showing that you genuinely care about helping us grow and develop - not only as paddlers and leaders but also as people. Not to sound sappy but it was inspirational.That is really the main draw for me for doing this kind of stuff - I'm an outdoor junkie through and through but I could go and do backcountry stuff on my own or with buddies...what really keeps me motivated to take courses and lead trips is having the opportunity to meet such wonderful people like you and (the other participants) ...certification expires but those memories last forever...when I get old and I'm sitting around in the old age home wearing my Depends playing my zither I will look back on days like these :o)" R.D. Whiterock, BC, 2011
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"I know that it's been a few weeks since our trips out west, but I just wanted to send a quick THANK YOU for all your work, support and guidance. From all early accounts, the students had a terrific time." K.W. , Greenwood College, Toronto, 2011
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"Thanks so much for putting together this expedition for us. We originally had bought a luxury kayak trip with gourmet food - that's what we ended up getting, thanks to Sarah. She's an awesome guide. She's patient, accommodating, knowledgeable and a great chef. We wouldn't have changed anything. She managed competing requests diplomatically. She catered to my finicky food fussiness in an understanding and non-judgmental manner. We really feel that we got the best possible use of our time because of her experience and familiarity with the area and its history. We crossed one area in total fog and, thanks to Sarah's skilful navigating, arrived EXACTLY where we were headed. The food preparation was delicious, fast, healthful and beautifully presented. We're very lucky to have had Sarah as our guide and we highly recommend her for other trips." L.K. , Toronto, 2011
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"The environment and conditions were outstanding, and Rowan's instruction was exceptional. He provided a positive, guided, progressive experience that focused on our paddling objectives. We both improved immensely, and Rowan's skills and spirit will have a lasting impact on my paddling." D.U. , Ontario, 2011
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"We had an *amazing* time, and Rowan was great to paddle with and provided us with lots of useful tips. My skills and confidence improved a lot paddling out West with Rowan – he provided me with feedback and tips to take my paddling up a notch (or two!). Rowan was very responsive to questions that I had, and provided clear explanations and demos. A lot of the time was unstructured (on my and Dave's request) with Rowan available to answer questions and provide demonstrations upon request.This is what we were looking for. A*very* positive experience - and I continue to day dream about paddling in BC!" E.G. , Ontario, 2011
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"Last Saturday I finally had the chance to get that garbage out of Ahous Bay.I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all the projects SKILS/Outward Bound completed at Vargas this season. I was extremely busy this summer and to know that your team would be helping out with garbage collection and re-positioning, as well as keeping the food caches clean, was one less thing for me to stress about.Thanks again for volunteering in the parks." F.B., BC Parks, Clayoquot Sound, 2011
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"Andrew. It was absolutely terrific! Your lessons gave us a degree of confidence that made the trip. Thanks ever so much. We're already thinking about our next destination." G.N., Victoria, 2011
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"Thank you for putting on the amazing course." P.W., Vancouver, 2011
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"It was a great experience working with you guys and something tells me it won't be the last time." M.V., Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik., 2011
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"Just wanted to say thank you for your recommendation for Meaghan, she was amazing and taught Bernice and I a ton of skills ... (that) was great, and with what we learned I already feel more confident on the water." J.K. ,Surrey, BC. 2011
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"I have arrived safely home, with so many wonderful memories of my kayaking and exploring experience.I will never forget my brief time in Clayoquot Sound, the place is stunning beyond description, and your expert guidance (and good food!) really allowed me to relax and enjoy myself on my adventure. Thank-you JF for being our guide." E.C, North Carolina, 2011
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"Most of my canoe experience comes from white water and lakes, until now. I've always considered that the Ocean wasn't a place for a small canoe, until I did this ocean canoe course. I had already a lot of knowledge and experience in canoe and still, this entry level canoe course was very enjoyable and instructive. Michael Pardy is a very good, knowledgeable and experienced instructor...funny too!" J.B., Victoria MEC, 2011
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"I took the AOG course with JF and Sarah at the end of May. I just wanted to write to first off thank you again for a great course, I learned a great deal, had fun, and am excited for the path it has set me on." J.M. ,British Columbia, 2011
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"Today was the first time I have had a look at your website. As I am studying for my Level 1 Instructor, I wanted to research any information that would help prepare me for teaching. Your downloads are very accessible (I am quite computer illiterate!) and helpful." J.S., Victoria, 2011
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"By the way, we thoroughly enjoyed the course, especially Doug’s instruction! It was a really good experience!! (and we passed!!!)" A.P., Victoria, 2011
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"Our kayaking club is impressed by Meaghan’ skills and knowledge." J.J. Langley, BC, 2011
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"Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed taking the SKILS level one day guide course with Chris in Deep Cove last week. He’s a superb instructor. I really appreciated his calm, encouraging and really coherent approach to the large amount of information and scenarios we needed to cover. I’ve taken various other kayaking programs but now I have a way better understanding of the nature of tides, currents, weather etc and how they fit together. I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge and confidence." B.H., Quadra Island, BC, 2011
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"Hello JF and Kate, I wanted to write and thank you again for a great course that has really inspired me on the potential of sea kayak guiding. The energy you both put into the course and high quality of instruction both on and off the water was very motivational." E.M., Tofino, BC, 2011
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"Just wanted to say thank-you again for such a great course, it was a wonderful learning experience for me!" R.H., Maurelle Island, BC, 2011
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"Thank you JF and Michael very much for a great course. I had lots of fun and was inspired to keep working on my skills. These courses are always great places to meet other like minded paddlers and share learning and experiences." G.N., Duncan, 2011
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"Dear Ticket to Wonder,I didn't adequately express how sincerely grateful I am for your kindness, your competence and your considerable patience. Your hospitality is in a class all by itself." J.T., Tennessee, 2011
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"I had an absolute blast." P.M., Campbell River, BC, 2011
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"I want to say thanks to JF and Meaghan for providing a very challenging, enjoyable and rewarding course experience during our 5 days in Barkley Sound. I'm still very energized by the whole experience, although I have to admit, I was exhausted for a couple of days when I got home." S.B., New Westminster, BC, 2011
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"I had a great time during the course. I learnt so much and loved it all." S.L., Australia, 2011
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"Great course, great students, great instructors!" H.J. ,Cowichan Bay, BC, 2011
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"Gained so much from the last 4 days in my PC Level 2 course. Plus met a couple of great people...Yhan and Ken, you were awesome! (and Doug too of course) Thanks SKILS!" M.B., Victoria, 2011
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"JF was so helpful and informative. He was also very patient. I feel that he is one of the best instructors for any outdoor course that I taken." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Rowan was excellent. He provided us with a progressive environment in which to challenge and extend our skills and was supremely responsive to our interests, while providing excellent instruction, demonstration and evaluation." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"(The instructor was) Very responsive to questions. Provided clear demonstrations. Had a good sense of humour. Was very encouraging. Provided constructive criticism to improve paddling skills." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Rowan and Kate did a great job of adapting to difficult conditions. They managed to keep the course on track in the midst of unmanageable weather." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Both instructors worked very well together and had clear knowledge of what was being taught. They were very understanding, open and helpful. They brought and lead the course in a fun and safe atmosphere which reduced the stress of being put in new situations and being reduced the feeling of being tested the whole time. I would say they were both amazing people and wonderful instructors because they are exceptional role models and I look up to them and respect them both." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Doug is a great instructor: very clear, very professional. I got a lot out of the course thanks to his expertise." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Chris was clear and concise and fun. It was just the right amount of on water training and on land teaching." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Information extremely well presented. Instructor encouraging, empathetic and fun." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Every aspect of the course was a learning experience." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"It is clear you are learning from the top in the industry. The skills, the demonstration, breaking down the vast array of skills on and off the water, and managing a large group." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Very knowledgeable, excellent communicators, keep things interesting with activities exercises and anecdotes, well organized." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"JF and Michael kept things interesting by sharing their formidable experience on the sea and their use of humour helped keep the experience fun and light hearted." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Michael and JF were professional; both instructors were a wealth of experience." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Both instructors were very attentive to the emotional needs of individuals and to the group dynamics as a whole." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Always professional yet make it a fun, low stress environment. My stress was self-induced but teaching progressions and style helped me deal with and lower my stress levels. Instructors were able to quickly recognize technical deficiencies and offer helpful suggestions for improvement." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Doug really knows his stuff! Very informative and supportive. Examined strengths and weaknesses and not afraid to give advice and practical tips. Covered the course matter very well and in a timely manner. I'd take a course with him again, excellent!" Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Outstanding combination (JF and Kate) Professional and fun." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Doug continually posed questions to encourage us to think about the why behind why we do certain things or have certain items of gear. I believe this method of teaching encourages a different mindset as one moves from a novice to more experienced paddler." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"The quality of leadership/instruction was excellent. The enthusiasm of both JF and Kate was extraordinary. Combine this with the skill level and knowledge they both posses and your are looking at the perfect atmosphere for learning." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"We are very happy with our experience and especially with Rowan as our instructor." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"I am *extremely* satisfied. Truly one of my best paddling experiences. Instruction was great. Correspondence from SKILS staff leading up to the lessons was informative and very personable." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"I feel I came out of this course with more knowledge and skill, but also personal development then I expected I would. The layout of the course is well thought out." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Doug was able to provide all of us with practical tools to improve our paddling, our paddling decisions, etc." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"I got more out of the course than I expected." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"High quality of instructors and also their emphasis on making the course enjoyable (while stressing safety too)." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"They are the very model of professionalism." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Although the paddling and camping environment were constantly changing the instructors were able to adapt to these changes and were able to provide a learning experience for a group that had a fairly large spectrum of skill sets. In the process the whole group was able to come together as a relatively efficient, self-supporting and happy team." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"The course was fun to attend and I learned a lot - now I'm looking forward to my AOG course next month." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"This course fulfilled my expectations and more. I am very pleased with the instruction and feedback I received." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"Completely satisfied. The reason I say this, is they (instructors) both went above and beyond what I was expecting. They made everyone feel comfortable and confident which allowed us all to grow as paddlers. Thank You." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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"I learned a lot, I gained some valuable experience and I look forward to my next course." Confidential, SKILS Survey Monkey, 2011
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Customer Comments
"JF, just wanted to thank you for your time and effort.... I really feel that I learned much thanks to you, and now I have a better understanding of kayaking in general. You show great patience and an honest will for others to learn. You taught the course with great enthusiasm, humour...your knowledge of the sport really made things easy for me to understand. I have every intention of sharpening my skills. Hope to see you on the water soon. Thanks again."
R.K., Pender Island, BC, 2010