Kayak Nature Adventures — Local services in Gulfport

Unethical business practices, terrible customer service and verbally abusive staff! I made arrangements to rent kayaks from Kayak Nature Adventures. I gave the attendant my credit card for payment. I did not sign a voucher at the time because I assumed that the card was left open for security. While we were out my son asked why I had allowed the attendant to write down my credit card number on a piece of paper. I was not aware that he had physically written down the number on another piece of paper. This is a serious breach of security in credit card handling. When we returned I asked the attendant for a credit card voucher to sign. He said that he did not have one. He said that he had called another person and given them my credit card information to run the card. I asked about the paper that he had written the credit card number on and he told me that he had torn it up. When I said that I would like to see the paper and get a receipt for the charges he became very hostile. He said to wait until he washed off the boats life jackets before he could walk up the eight foot ladder to the office and get the shredded paper. It took ten minutes before he walked up the stairs and got the garbage can from the office. He brought it down and handed it to me. He told me that I was free to go through it and see if I could find the shredded paper. When I told him that this was unacceptable and that I would not go through the his trash can he began to curse and threaten me. He told me that I wasn't going to get a receipt for the days charges and to get the f... of his docks. When we got to the car outside of the fence he continued to curse. He even went as far as insulting us for not leaving a tip. He told me that helped us into the water in the morning and then pulled my fat a** out of the water when we got back I would caution anyone who is considering using this operation to think again. Poor customer service is one thing. Abusive employees are worse but writing a persons credit card number down on a piece of paper is a sign of total incompetence and indifference to standard business procedures. There are several other companies in the area that certainly are more professional and friendly. If you don't mind being verbally abused and having your credit card information floating around somewhere give...

I don't know who "Newin G" means, but I've gotten to know Kurt through his business and he's always been ethical. Maybe he had a friend helping, I don't know, but I can assure you that after paddling with Kurt several years ago, I've returned and never had anything but an amazing experience. I've paddled Clam Bayou many times with Kurt and I've never left disappointed. I've used his SUPs, 'yaks, and my own and have always found him passionate about paddling and the environment. He knows the area and the issues and educates as you go. He also performs cleanups and lives right in town, so he's committed to giving paddlers a great appreciation for the great outdoors. Definitely one of Gulfport's best waterfront experiences! I will say that there is a political undercurrent surrounding Clam Bayou and it serves some people to keep people off the water; I have to wonder if that bad review is some sort of corporate espionage or a group of people who want people to stop going to the bayou.

Ignore it. I'm posting under my real name. Give KNA a try. If you're not happy,...

Had a great time with Kurt on the full moon paddle. We own kayaks so we received a discount on the fee. Had 3 members of my party including my daughter. We were supplied with a sub sandwich, chips and drink. Completely comfortable giving credit card info over the phone and signed waiver at the meeting spot. Went for a nice paddle with a group of approx. 10 others and Kurt pointed out areas of interest and took us to look for manatees. Very informative and professional. Had a blast when we hit the island and we were able to roam around and explore. The paddle back was fun as the moon was full and we each had our own lights to paddle by. My daughter turned hers upside down into the storage cubby and her entire kayak glowed. Had a blast. I have recommended Kayak Nature Adventures to others and would go on further trips with them also. Have never had anyone tell me they had anything other than a great...