Testimonials

One day my wife and son came home with flatwater kayaks hanging out of the back of the car and I asked her what she was going to do with them. I had no interest in getting into a small boat like that. Eventually I decided to get one too.  I bought a sit on top, used it once and thought, "how great to be out in the elements with my family."

Flatwater paddling held my attention for about a week. I needed more of a challenge. I found an ad online and I took a beginner class with Zoar Outdoor. I learned the basics in one weekend, with all the skills I needed to get down the river safely. I have looked back since that weekend and said to myself, "those instructors at Zoar must really know what they're doing if they can teach a city guy like me how to paddle in one weekend."

After that weekend I felt guilty going down the river without my family. I did take my son Joey with me on the river in a tube (with a helmet and PFD) but that wasn't enough for him, so we convinced my wife to take a course with Joey. We now can be spend just about every weekend at Zoar Outdoor and on the Deerfield River.

I encourage you to take a beginner course and have the time of your life. If you have a family,  take them too, It will be well worth it. Thank you Zoar Outdoor for giving me something to do every weekend with my family. I have made a lot of great friends at Zoar and on the river.

David - the dad

My dad has been paddling for three years (going on his fourth year) and he loves it. My mom and I have been paddling for two years (going on our third year) and, also like my dad, we love it! My dad's first year he took me in a tube and I couldn’t wait to start kayaking. During the second summer my mom and I took a kayaking class through Zoar Outdoor. During the summer weekends we are always on the river having a blast. This is great because we not only get to spend time together, we also make new friends. 

Joey - the son

I have only been paddling for 2 years, but will probably never stop because it is that much fun.  Zoar Outdoor is a great place to learn for beginner to advanced paddlers.  Being on the river is a stress reliever for me and going through the Gap is a complete body rush.  My next step is learning how to roll.  I'm sure Zoar Outdoor can help me with that.

cyndie - the mom

I just wanted to write a little note to thank you for "guiding" and "teaching" my wife and I last Thursday and Friday.  Your warm welcome, excitement, and outgoing and friendly personality was contagious and we knew from the start we were going to have a lot of fun.  My wife was apprehensive about the challenges, and your confidence and encouragement and patience made all the difference.  She had a fantastic time. 

I only want to mention the second day.  I knew Thursday evening that she was shook up about "loving" that rock and then going swimming (twice actually) and she was pretty gun-shy on Friday.  When she came down the first rapids, she was really unsure of herself, and your calm demeanor, empathy, and caring words really helped her regain her confidence and turned the day around for her.  I thank you for that.

You demonstrated to us a true care and concern that we both leaned the basics of whitewater kayaking and enjoyed ourselves doing it as we pushed beyond our comfort zone.  We both recognized very early that you have a passion for whitewater kayaking, and whether you are aware of it or not, a gift for teaching!

We wanted to thank you for the time, energy, and commitment you gave to us over those two days.  

Karl and Sherri, Williamstown, MA

I never really got a good chance to thank Jenna!  Thanks to her and Zoar, I plan on continuing in the sport.

I cant stop thinking about my experience and how positive it was. The instruction was great. Jenna was very patient and non-judgmental. The sport was new to me, although I have sea kayaked near home, but since this course, I am really considering focusing on whitewater...it was such a blast once I started to get the hang of it and really feel like I was using my edges appropriately!! Thanks so much for opening up a whole new world to me!! Once my kids are old enough, they can play too ;) Thanks Jenna!

steven, PA