Ontario Sea Kayak Centre — Local services in Parry Sound

Edited to respond to the Kayak Center's response to my feedback: What's your name then? I don't believe I authorized you to use mine in your response. "When you asked about the wet exits....our instructor took you back...." - wrong, I asked him to take me back. Nice of him to do so, I agree - back to the 'well meaning' introduction to my original review. "If more feedback is wanted" - there was no feedback AT ALL, so there is no MORE, there was a demonstration with self-admiration motives, but no watching to give the feedback on execution - at least not in our case. "You missed the 25% of the course" - my point was that there was supposed to be a half a day trip in the end, was there not? I am sorry if I was wrong in my understanding like I said in my original review. Also, please go ask your instructor, the afternoon was spent to get people to try the self-rescue, because of how well behind the training was. I've been trying to find the feedback on my instructors, but failed to do so, just the 5 stars to the ones that were advertised on the website and that sent me introductory emails. I'm sure you were great!

I stand by my 3 stars, especially after your response where you take zero ownership of mediocre experience we got. I did not even say it was bad, I just said it was not great. So I genuinely hope that this feedback will help you make things better for your future courses - if nothing else, then a more accurate description of instructions, what to wear and what the schedule will be for the two days. And likewise, I hope you have a great summer of teaching!

Feedback on kayak training: a) Very well meaning, but not very knowledgeable instructors, both level and instructing wise - also definitely not the experienced faces from the official instructor list on the website that were promised for that particular training location. Newly certified level 2's were teaching level 1's, so a lot of questions were unanswered. My favorite one was: Q-"Is it more difficult to get out of the boat when capsized in a dry suit?" A-"I don't know, I never did it in a dry suit". So I (the novice) had to try without knowing for sure, and it was. b) No individual attention - they would show you the stroke, but then disappear and not watch you to ensure you do it properly, so I am pretty sure we learnt a whole bunch of wrong technique. c) I got the impression that the second half of day 2 was supposed to be a half a day trip on the nearby lake, which did not happen; instead we were told to practice the drills that we learnt in the previous day for about 4 hours, so we just left.

Feedback on the organization: Please do not say in the email "wetsuit or quick dry clothes" for the training in the beginning of June - I wore proper, polyester, kayak wear quick dry clothes and got so cold after capsizing on the first afternoon that could not finish day 1, therefore got no certificate.

I think the main thing I would recommend is sticking to the instructors that are promised on the website, as it is a bit misleading to expect a person that send you the introductory email and instead get a couple of students one level higher than me. I am fully aware that this is an acceptable practice, it is just not what was promised when I...

Hey James;

I just wanted to take a moment while this is all fresh to thank you and your colleagues so very much for the time and the effort and most noticeably, the heart that goes into organizing and executing an event such as Paddlepalooza.

I was a first time attendee and only happened to find out about the event from one of the participants whom I met while camping this summer.

I had just completed Level One and had purchased my first “real” kayak at that time but was very hesitant to join a group with so much history and experience. But I am so thankful that I stepped outside of my comfort zone and registered.

I was so fortunate to have some amazing coaches this weekend. I wish I could remember all of their names but special mention goes out to Joede, the “Jeff’s”, Carl, and Mike? (from Michigan).. These people without exception were welcoming, patient, professional and knowledgeable but most importantly fun! I learned so much this weekend and have gained such self confidence in my ability to kayak and not be afraid of embarrassing myself or of not measuring up. This weekend has inspired me to look forward to next year, hopefully some wilderness excursions, my Level 2 and definitely a Paddlepalooza 2026!!!

Once again, please accept my thanks and pass along my sincere appreciation to all of the other coaches as well who truly made this weekend what it...

Completed the level one kayak course at Deer creek conservation course over August 26/27 weekend. Our Instructors were Jeff P. and Patricia J. This course might seem like an unnecessary expense at first if you believe you can handle a Kayak. It cannot be farther from the truth. I went in with a clear mind that I would attempt everything like I never paddled a kayak before. Positively, I learned where I was making mistakes, Where things could be cleaned up. Our instructors were friendly and engaging. They were able to keeps things organized and on track and able to bring everyone into focus. Having you perform one more wet exit than you really wanted to but afterwards realizing that they are here both to make sure you leave with those skills, ensure you have those skills. Every attempt at a skill I could feel the confidence improve from myself and those around me. Even for those who only plan on recreational kayaking these two days are worth it. We had participants from early 20's to living their best lives in retirement. I heard others making plans to paddle together in the future. Right from the start there was clear communication from OSKC on what to have, where to be and what to expect. I'm looking forward to completing more...