Jim & Celeste, Butte  MT
(graduates of AKS Kachemak Bay Sea School July 2000)

"By the way, it seemed like on our lake kayaking trips we were losing our skills (not enough practicing for sure, and our kayaks are shitty) - however, in August this last year we were on Yellowstone Lake and got caught in 40 mph winds and 6 ft waves out in the open - thanks to you we didn't panic and after making it to shore (we needed to regroup ourselves a bit), we put back out into it (although stayed closer to shore) and had a great time (Celeste finally found out what I was experiencing in Alaska in terms of forgetting everything except trying not to get dunked).  She even learned to brace finally (or she would have gone over numerous times).
 
Hope you're doing well - I really like the educational program you've put together as a way of making a go of your passion for what you do!!!

Rosemary, Anchorage, AK

Foundation Kayaking Skills April 2003

"The class was wonderful .....Thank you too for keeping me with my pals Annette and Eileen. All of three of us teach in different capacities and felt you were an outstanding teacher who made the experience comfortable, fun and very meaningful. I will certainly recommend you and your course to any interested parties."

Eileen, Anchorage, AK

Foundation Kayaking Skills April 2003

"I thought the class .. was super.  I am a teacher at UAA so I know a bit about teaching .... I thought the class offered opportunity for all. Your instruction was specific, clear and you all demonstrated patience with all of us. You adapted to the class and yet offered a range of skills within the pool session." 

Amy and Brian, Anchorage, AK

Passage Canal Sea School July 2003

"We all agreed, while sardined in the car on the way home, that this was definitely the BEST course any of us have ever taken...in any subject. Thanks for your patience and humor and fabulous metaphors.  We all look forward to hanging out with you some time again, so please keep us updated on further clinics.

Mark, Anchorage, AK

Passage Canal Sea School August 2003

Fantastic course!  We've been talking about it all week and I've remarked to quite a few people about what a good course it was.  You and Laura treated the whole group with a lot of respect, meaning that you didn't talk down to us and you encouraged us to go as far as we could.

We have also been talking about the high quality equipment that you trusted us with.  Good equipment encourages you to reach its level of performance. Again, a form of respect for your students. ..all your gear was in good condition and that you provided everything necessary not only for our skill advancement but also for our comfort.  That sort of attention to detail helps me to shrink the landscape of any anxiety I have (about such things as, oh, being turned upside down in cold dark water).

Your talent and your pleasure in sharing it with others are infectious.  Thanks again for an XLNT course.  Pass the word to L, too -- she was most helpful and patient with me in our one on one exercises.

Dan, Fairbanks, AK

Kachemak Bay Sea School June 2003

It was terrific, Tom!  Just great!  I learned so much in such a shortperiod of time, paddling, etc., on the reservoir and then paddling withyou for two days on saltwater!  I wish I lived where I could do it withregularity ...

Clay & Cecil, Destin, Fl

on Tutka Bay Adventure, September 2003

We are home and reflecting on our 29 day Alaska experience. The kayaking was one of the highlights we will remember vividly, both from surroundings and wildlife as well as the actual paddling experience. I am attaching a couple of the photos Again thanks for the great experience!!

Open Canoeing, Bridge Creek Reservoir. Homer.

Bridget, youth leader.

Thanks you for your great canoe clinic! We had a fabulous trip with no mishaps and the students you met and taught were paddling champs. We sure appreciate your efforts.

Paul Nylund, lead guide, Anadyr Adventures, Valdez Alaska

3 and 4 star weekend, Homer, September 2003

I wanted to thank you for all your effort and energy that went into the weekend. I really feel I learned a ton, and know what I need to work on. I also really appreciate what you're doing for the AK paddling community. It's great to have some competent and fun people to paddle some of the more challenging and fun areas of our beautiful state, and it's great to have a person and/or place to bring them together. I look forward to paddling with you some more, and I feel pretty confident going into my Instructor Certification Exam. Mahalo, Paul