Strokes from the Folks - Testimonials from Guests
2008 Season
"It has been a month now since my trip to Otter Bar began, and still I am raving about your resort. Your cabins, staff, grounds and equipment were all so welcoming. I enjoyed my time both on the water and off and think of you whenever I insert Rush's video into my DVD player in order to reminisce. I miss the mouth-watering meals and the warmth that Otter Bar provided to all of us with First Descents."
Natalie Conforti , San Francisco, CA
"I wanted to give all of you a very heartfelt thank you for all your patience, good humor and most excellent skill in working with us this week. I enjoyed our days at the lodge and on the water so much. I especially appreciated being in the presence of such experience and professionalism, as I try to develop in my own kayak guiding. But most of all, it was fun, and I had it!"
Pam Gray, Berkeley, CA
"Very positive. Like switching instructors to get exposure to different styles. Nice work on catering to different levels and still giving everyone enough attention. A little push to go beyond where I was comfortable was good!"
Lesley Ross, Bonita, CA
"Probably the best instruction I have received. Detailed and consistent. Probably one of the best weeks of my life. Peter, the instructors and all the staff made the week! Thank you!!"
Ted Bonner, Phoenix, AZ
"Bryan and I had an awesome time at Otter Bar. One of the best vacations we have ever had. Since we got home I have purchased a Mamba and finally ran the Ocoee, a river I had been nervous about running. I had a great time thanks to the confidence I gained while at Otter Bar paddling with Jess, Peter and Graham. Everything was great, from the food to the rivers to the location to the guests. Thanks for the great experience."
Susan Kyle, Commerce, GA
"Peter and Kristy, thank you for such a great experience and your good humor. You run a tight ship, fun and beautiful too. I am very impressed and found everything well worth it. Video was a very valuable experience and taught me lots. I can't believe my kayaking improved so tremendously and I am very stoked and looking forward to my Middle Fork Trip. I feel comfortable and safe. Thank you so much!"
Marissa Nelson, Ketchem, ID
"A good week of laughing" which is a pretty healthy thing for me. A place so beautiful to have had the chance to play in life is good. Each instructor was fun! Great at calming my insides down, demonstrating skills, patience and not making someone feel like an idiot after failing a maneuver for the 50th time. Thanks so much."
Marybeth Mitchell, Issaquah, WA
"Peaceful, stunning comfortable-truly a home away from home. A very special place has been created here. There is so much heart and soul, not only in the infrastructure, but in every single member of the Otter Bar Family. This place offers a genuine retreat, rarely replicated in the world. Thank you for providing a week of tranquility, not only for me, but for every client that has entered your home."
Erin Raley, Placerville, CO
2007 Season
FOOD: Phenomenal-There were varied menus & each eating experience was amazing. I appreciate the attention to detail the recognition of dietary needs. I was asked if I would like an alternative or one was already waiting-that's service!
Alice Sherbow Ketchum, ID
INSTRUCTION: Every single one of the instructors were amazing!! By far the best teachers I have ever had! This was my first time ever stepping into a hard shell kayak and I'm already going down rapids and doing combat rolls! That shows how great the instructors are. The way they taught was very easy for me to understand so that I could do the best I could. They were always getting me to do my best, but never pushing me to do something that I wasn't comfortable with. Basically, they were the best, amazing, nice, and funny.
Kaisha Johnson, 15 years old, Davis, CA
This was the best week of vacation I've ever had! I started out a bit afraid, unsure of whether I'd have fun, but I loved kayaking. The people here were great, both the staff and the other guests.
Colleen Druzgal, Salt Lake City, UT
INSTRUCTION: In a word, amazing. All 4 guides helped me learn in different ways, and it was great to get to paddle with all 4 of them.
FOOD: The site promises good food, so my expectations were high-but you guys exceeded them all!! Every morsel of food I ate was delicious!!
Jay Krutulis, New Castle, WA
INSTRUCTION: Instructors were excellent. I felt like they all cared about my progress. They wanted to see me improve. Positive reinforcement was always there. Most importantly, I felt completely safe. I knew I could trust every guide. Loved the different personalities & humor!
Heidi Vivolo, San Francisco, CA
FOOD: First time I really enjoyed a meal in the States, excellent!
Cary Walhof, The Netherlands
LODGE: So amazing! The reason I came back-who cares about kayaking!? There is no other place like this to get away from it all-it is truly beautiful! Kristy's welcome was so appreciated & she made me feel like an old & missed friend. Pete's personal attention did the same. I expected you to be burned out by now, but the fact that you seem happy to be here makes all the difference.
Sue Leavitt, Trabuco Canyon, CA
I had a lot of fun & totally see why my dad has been here five times. I'm really depressed to go back to my normal life.
Annie Leavitt, age 16, Trabuco Canyon, CA
INSTRUCTION: Awesome. All were great. Very consistent messages, drills, etc. Clearly all on the same page. Really enjoyed them off the river too!
Jay Anderson, Cupertino, CA
FOOD: There is not enough praise for Awna & Nyomi. The food is better than any 5 star restaurant. It is the little touches and friendly smiles that make it exquisite.
LODGE: The lodge is comfortable as always and feels like home. I truly feel that Kristy and Peter have opened their home and love to do it. You have created an island of calm, beauty, and peace. I look forward to seeing you next year.
Richard Spry, Waukesha, WI
My son and I had a wonderful time last year. That's why we're here this year & we'll be back next year. Thanks for everything!
John Martin, Short Hills, NJ
FOOD: All the food was exceptionally good from breakfast to dinner. Nothing better to look forward to after a long day on the river but the dinner at Otter Bar.
Justen Sheridan, Dublin, CA
INSTRUCTION: I did not expect to leave this week with the degree of confidence in paddling the instructors created. I'm very grateful for the professional, persistent, and individualized instruction given to me by all of my instructors.
Bill Nebo, Livermore, CA
FOOD: Beyond Yummy. I would come back for the food alone. I ate healthy all week with such a variety of food! The cooks are very sweet!
Donna Shade, Coeur d'Alene, ID
FOOD: Outstanding food. The best week of dining in my life!
Salil Patel, Orange Park, FL
Thank you both for everything you did to make my week at Otter Bar such a wonderful success. From the moment I arrived, I could tell that your welcoming lodge was a place I could truly relax. This was only reconfirmed as I got to know you, the guides and other members of the Otter Bar family, and the other guests. I feel not only did I learn a fun and challenging new skill, but I also once again felt what it is like to be a student in the competent hands of dedicated teachers.
Courtney Shannon, New York, NY
The professionalism on the river was noticed. They were always on top of things. They were always aware of any danger and I felt very safe knowing they were guiding me in the right direction wanting me to have the most fun that I could within the safety limits.
Trisha Morrill, Minneapolis, MN