Strokes from the Folks - Testimonials from Guests
 Here are some of the things recent
Otter Bar guests have had to say about their experience. Those
who have been here before know that words can't convey everything
but here's a start...
Comments From The 2005 Season
"I'll keep this simple: The Best Vacation I've Ever Had!
EVERYTHING was first class!!!" -- Rich Hearney, Ukiah, CA
"This week has been a very enriching experience which has gone
way beyond learning to kayak. To spend time with a bunch
of people who are so passionate about their sport, environment and
their life is truly inspirational and has contributed to an amazing
week. Thank you so much for all you have given me." --
Helen Weatherhill, Bristol, England
"The lodge is beautiful and the ambience there was so elegant and
relaxing. I loved the candlelight, the music, the fires
and artwork. I'm stunned by how well the instructors read my
mental state, fears, abilities--all of it." -- Carol Flynn, Walden,
CO
"Awesome instruction. The instructors encouraged everybody,
made sure everybody's interests and concerns were addressed, and
helped everyone achieve their goals. The food topped off an
already awesome vacation." -- Sybille Fleischmann, Seattle, WA
"Frankly, I was blown away. The entire experience very much
exceeded my expectations. The facilities, instruction, and the
entire support staff were fantastic. I'll be back with family
and friends" -- Kyle Kovalik, Seattle, WA
"The incredible attention to detail and the monumental effort
it takes to produce that really struck me. The grounds are
spectacular, the rooms and lodge are beautiful, and amenities right
down to the hammock are spot-on. You have accomplished
something incredible in your business and my week at Otter Bar was
one of the most fun and educational experiences I have ever had.
The food was so far beyond the most unreasonable expectation that it
is ridiculous. Not only was the food great but I was always
served with a genuine smile." -- Scott Zagarino, Santa Monica, CA
"Wow! The food was way better than anywhere I have been. The
entire lodge and grounds are well kept. The instruction was
both consistent and progressive. Each instructor brought a
personal style that complimented the others. The entire staff,
the great facilities, and awesome instruction will always be
remembered. Thanks for the best time!" -- Don Copp
Comments From The 2004 Season
“I was completely over-whelmed by the Otter Bar Experience. You have
created an environment that definitely meets the needs of your
clients. Everyone on your staff is deserving of any and every
accolade I could conjure up. It is rare to encounter so many people
that truly love what they do. Your enthusiasm was reflected in every
aspect of life at Otter Bar: meals, lodging, instruction, et al.” --
Greg Bond, Laguna Beach, CA
“Thank you for a wonderful week and one of the best vacations I’ve
ever had. Fantastic food, a beautiful location, perfect weather
(thanks for arranging that) and a top-notch staff in all areas.
Everything was taken care of at every turn and everything was
thought out way ahead of time and functioned flawlessly.” -- Nolan
Haims, New York, NY
 “Your
instructional staff was infinitely patient, caring, and clearly
enjoying teaching at OB. As folks who spend a part of our lives
teaching professional students building confidence in their clinical
skills, it was also interesting to observe the techniques used by
the instructors. They read their audience and tailored the
tips/techniques to each individual gently pushing all of us to
strive to be better but never over-achieving and dashing our slowly
building confidence.” -- John Pascoe, Davis, CA
“Let me talk about the kayak instruction. The instructors are all
highly skilled with an amazing worldwide experience. They are also
top notch in their instruction. They are articulate and easily
explain the task at hand. They are positive in their instruction and
possess infinite patience. But your instructors as people just blow
me away. They are personable and easy to talk with. They are all so
intelligent and have amazing background. I am just so impressed by
your teaching staff. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with
the instructors and they seem to truly enjoy their job and
interaction with the guests.”
—Marla Kodama,Burbank, CA
“Awna did a great job her first week here. Great, great food. Your
motto could easily be: ‘Bloat ‘em and float ‘em!’” —Anonymous Guest“
"I was not only satisfied but delighted with the variety and style
of the food. Since I eat very little meat, I was glad to see a lot
vegetarian dishes and the use of tofu. Thanks to everyone in the
kitchen for both the food and your continual cheerful demeanor and
friendliness. The group of people we were with was friendly,
compatible, interesting, talented and animated. The casual
atmosphere seemed to foster friendships. It was great fun!!" -- Viv
Pilmanis, Bulverde, TX
“Special thanks to the guides--Creek, Traycee, Jason, Dave and Clare--for filling our hearts, our minds, and our muscle memory (key!) with
all the ‘right stuff’. And to the chefs extraordinaire
for filling our tummies with a lot of damn tasty stuff. Lastly to
the ‘creators’, Peter and Kristy, and the cast of seemingly
thousands that make Otter Bar a veritable Shangri-la for the 18
hours that we’re not wedged into our river missiles.” -- Ellen
and Matt Masseur, New York, NY
 “I
don’t think I can say enough nice things about Otter Bar and my
experience there. I only wish it had been a longer trip!! The lodge,
instructors, staff, food, locations, other guests-all combined to
create the best trip I have ever taken! (And certainly the best
fireworks display!) I will be a repeat offender many times over. I
can’t wait to come back. The trip is priceless!” -- Courtney White,
Charlotte, NC
“Wow, what can you say? The guides are amazing. They teach you and
build your skills without ever making you feel inadequate. They just
keep building up your self-confidence. On top of that, they are just
great people to hang out with. And I would come back just for the
food!” -- Mike Dodge, San Francisco, CA
“Wow, loved the food! Awna, Nyomi, and Melinda Rock!” -- Keri
Phillips, Lotus, CA
“Want to thank you for the wonderful time I had in New Zealand. This
trip met and exceeded my expectations of what to expect and learn. I
would most definitely recommend this trip to anyone else. It was
well worth it!” -- Michael Koehimoos, Tempe, AZ
Comments From The 2003 Season
 "Without
fail, Otter Bar is a highlight of my year and a premier destination"
-- Jennifer Hirsch, Studio City, CA
"Peter has done a wonderful job of using conservation, technology,
and common sense to provide a wonderful oasis of civilization in the
remote wilderness" -- Chris Stagg, Taos, NM
"I loved rotating guides. They also allow you to be part of
the decision making process. The individual attention is
paramount. My personal needs and goals were met and exceeded"
-- Colleen & Chris Fox, Vancouver, WA
"What a wonderful week. Part of the 'charm' of the instruction
is the varied background and style of each of the instructors.
We have been fortunate to have had Creek, Peter, and Scott before,
and they get better and better." -- Lori Quillen, Arcata, CA
"Accommodations were perfect for a family of four. We
appreciated the comfortable pillows and bedding. The lodge has
many places for a number of people to stretch out in the common
areas." -- Michael & Mary Homier, Steamboat Springs, CA
"I can't say enough good things about the excellent instruction.
Each of the instructors has their own styles and are equally
effective. Food is unbelievable. I had heard about it
from friends, but it exceeded even my high expectations. Every
meal was terrific." -- Steve Cohen, Evergreen, CO
"Thanks for accommodating a vegetarian so well." -- Terri Pauls,
Anchorage, AK
"Warm, homey place to hang out. Great amenities such as a
hot tub, sauna, practice ponds make for a pleasant week." -- Ralph
Crabtree, Orinda, CA
"Absolutely wonderful. Really quite perfect and very
comfortable. I enjoyed the shared community of it. I got
more than I wanted, s I could not ask for more or any better
instruction or funnier, friendlier or higher qualified instructors,
for I don't think it exists." -- Greg & Justin Kennedy, Newberry
Park, CA
Comments From Previous Seasons
“The mix of personalities within the
staff and their interaction with the guests was an unexpected
pleasure. Their ability people and balance personalities displayed a
level of professionalism which isn’t often seen, but was very much
appreciated.” -- John Guarino, Warren, NJ
“Thank you so much for all your
efforts in making Otter Bar one of my favorite places in the world.
You just think of everything. Each year, I come away from Otter Bar
with much improved kayaking skills, and feeling like a million
bucks. Thanks you!!” -- Kari Lindauer, San Francisco, CA
“Perfect week for me. I’m so
exhausted, but so relaxed. Realized while here it’s time to work
less and experience life’s adventures more.” -- Stephen
Ford, Bend, Oregon
“I thought the instructors were the
highlight of the trip. They read my skill and confidence level well
and picked very appropriate runs. Great attitudes, personalities and
senses of humor. Awesome boaters too…very fun to watch them at Oak
Bottom.” -- Wendy Laakmann, Portola Valley, CA
“After enjoying Kim and Mark’s fare
all week, eating now just seems like a waste of time; I seem to have
lost all interest in the “food-like substances” that are all I can
find after my departure from Otter Bar. Wow! Thanks! -- Ted
Farmer, Yosemite, CA
“Thanks for helping me get excited
again about the sport. I will be boating both days this coming
weekend and using my refined skills and new mantra, “Go for it”. My
favorite thing about the instructors was two-fold, they all have a
great sense of humor but even while joking around, they always kept
us working and practicing.” -- Ellie Caryl, Glenwood
Springs, Colorado
“I hesitate to use to many
superlatives, for you might think I have a tendency towards
exaggeration. I don’t. I am always amazed at how great the
instructors are, each in their own way. Good humored and fun;
encouraging and patient. I’m totally grateful for their supportive
attitude and to allow me to work through my stuff and try things
that I never would otherwise. I felt I was able to stretch myself
under their watchful guidance, and that’s how you build your skills.
My heartfelt thanks for a wonderful week of learning, play and
camaraderie.” --Susanna Schmidt, New York, New York
“I was told to go to Otter Bar 17
years ago in Peru and I’ve been every year since.” -- Skip Larcom, Casper, Wyoming
“Everyone is top notch. They all
inspire confidence. They were all right there with rescues. I now
feel much safer on the river and this was my goal coming here.”
-- Robin Hawke, Dallas, Texas
“This place really exceeded my
expectations, which were already high. Everything was so well
thought out and organized, the staff so fun and friendly, it was
just great. All of the guides were encouraging, kind, supportive
and patient. I learned far more than I thought I would, and will
recommend this place as a vacation destination to many friends. I’m
also planning to come back, just to warn you!!” -- Amanda Tucker,
Portland, Oregon
“This is without a doubt, the most
fun, rewarding, relaxing vacation I’ve ever had! The ambience that
Peter and Kristy have created at Otter Bar is so unique…guests want
for nothing during their stay, but the entire operation is pulled
off in such a casual manner that everyone feels relaxed and
comfortable. I appreciated everything from the beautiful woodwork,
my soft bed, to Peter’s “off the grid” electrical tour and Alli’s
artistic toe nails! I’m also impressed with the kids program!
Zack has had the time of his life and found a way to shine in the
shadow of an older brother. The only problem is that with an
off-side hand roll, he’s now a bazillion times better than his
mother and is bugging me to buy a boat. He’s hooked.” -- Anne
Stephens, Chico, CA
“The food was beyond my
expectations. It seems to be part of your vision to reward the
students who work so hard during the day with really good and
healthy, not to mention, abundant food. Including desserts and wine!
This reward system really works! Kim and Daniel are exceptional!” -- Kathy Perl, San Francisco, CA
“I can honestly say that the
experience at Otter Bar only seems to get better time and time again
and this is due in large part to the amazing instructors and people
from Otter Bar and the awesome people in the group. All you guys
made this past week such a memorable period of time in my life and
it was so great to see a group of almost total strangers bonding
over an activity that most had never tried before n their lives. So, thank you for providing me a life moment that I’ll never forget
and always treasure!” -- Kevin Hee, San Francisco,
CA
“One of my all time favorite
vacations! You’ll have to see me next year so be fore warned!! I
enjoyed getting away from the chaos of the city and relaxing in a
beautiful location with a great group of people, great food and a
great accommodation. Then, each day pushing myself on something
new. For someone who never had been in a whitewater kayak it was a
BLAST!! I can’t wait to return.” -- Jason Frame, Chicago,
Illinois
"As a guide I was very impressed with
the way the guides all paid equal attention to everyone in thee
group. It was good to rotate them as each had different insights and
ways of explaining things. They all enjoyed what they are doing
which is very important. I was very impressed with their quick
response to each roll and how they were always close if someone
needed help." -- Dave Christensen, Grand Junction, Colorado
"The lodge is
absolutely beautiful! Inviting, cozy, very comfortable, tastefully
decorated. Loved all the windows. We stayed in the Manzanita cabin
which was so cozy and comfortable-again loved the windows and French
doors and porch. The instructors did more for my paddling then I
could have ever hoped! I never had a bad day on the river. Very much
appreciated all the roll practice. The instructors were some of the
best ever! Very supportive, very safe and encouraging, relaxing and
fun!" -- Lynn Madigan, Auburn, CA.
"Food was beyond
belief. Could have broken my arm on the first day and still would
have enjoyed my stay anticipating the dinners each evening. Also,
very grateful for the special diet treatment." -- Tom Matteucci,
Ventura, CA.
"Just returned home
after spending a week at your wonderful lodge and feel like I'm
walking on air. Thanks to your phenomenal instructors Peter, Creek,
Greg and Scott, my stay there led to a small miracle…taking an
extremely fearful occasional boater and transforming her into
someone who is very excited about kayaking and can't wait to get
back on the water. That all this took place in an environment of
beauty, camaraderie and luxury was a bonus that transformed the
whole experience into the realm of 'heavenly'." -- Kay Simenc,
Chico, CA.
"Have never been fed
so well for seven days in my life. Couple that with the crickets,
frogs and stars during dinner and I'm left with an experience I'll
be talking about for years." -- Ken Sivori, Livermore, CA
"I can hardly
imagine a better group of instructors-obviously extremely talented
in their own abilities with great patience for the students. While
each has his own style, the message was delivered with consistency.
I just didn't expect the amount of learning required and this
element of our stay far exceeded my expectations. Beautiful area,
the entire operation is simply first class. This place is obviously
a real labor of love for you. Not many people would go to the time
or trouble required to create this place, you've done a wonderful job!"
-- Dave and Karen Hassig, Manhattan Beach, CA
"Just a quick note
from to thank you for the most exciting week of our lives. Simply
put, the greatest risk is not taking one! You can go after your
dream with fiery determination, armed with the confidence of knowing
you have chosen a school or an instructor wisely. From this I walk
away with no fear of the water, but respect, and a great adventure.
Thanks for opening up this new world to us." -- Corey England,
Moline, IL.
"Thank you for an
unbelievably perfect week at Otter Bar-and for opening up your home
and your hearts to all of us. What a truly wonderful place you've
created up there in that little sliver of a valley! I'm having a
hard time figuring out what it was exactly that's left me with such
a deep feeling of happiness: you and your gang of caring, hilarious,
passionate people; long summer days on the river with first-rate
instructors; flying on bikes along the river road and then enjoying
the most delicious food I've ever eaten; or most likely, some
perfect combination of all of these. Throw Scampi a pinecone for
me!"
-- Katie Arnold, Managing Editor of Outside Magazine
"I just wanted to
say thank you for the most incredible experience that I have ever
had! I can honestly say that I have not had too many life-altering
experiences in my life, but this past week spent at Otter Bar
definitely changed my life for the better. And this is owed in large
part to all of you." -- Kevin Hee, Mill Valley, CA.
"The quality of your instructors both years have been outstanding
and this year again I was impressed at how quick you all assessed
the individuals in the group, paired people off, tried to
accommodate social issues and provide individual guidance as
needed. It is clear, you as a group put a lot of energy in trying
to make the camp right for everyone and provide the most
opportunities to learn and acquire skills and have fun at the same
time. The impact of the Otter Bar experience on my life goes way
beyond paddling. It touches and challenges a part of me that I like
to get to know and develop more, that otherwise doesn't always get a
chance. When I think about your instructor crew a smile comes across
my face. I want to thank each and every one of them for
contributing to my " baby steps" and imparting their knowledge of
and enthusiasm for kayaking to me." -- Riemka Brakema, Chaska,
Minnesota
"What can I say? I came into the week with some trepidation and came
away a very happy kayaker! The memories will be with me forever.
Every single person in your home and on your staff was a delight and
an inspiration! (Including Turbo!) Not only are they excellent at
their jobs, they also made me feel as if I was with long time pals.
I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed that much in one
week! I will be kayaking again and love every minute of it.
Hopefully, with my new friends of Otter Bar!" -- Teri Schrauth,
Phoenix, Arizona
"Sally and I wanted to write and say thank you again for a marvelous
week. You have every right to be proud, because your hard work has
created a top quality vacation destination. Everything about
the week was first class-the quality of the instruction, the relaxed
environment and the beautiful food. We will be back."
-- Matt and Sally Shapcott, Vail, Colorado
"A
week of professional attention beyond any coaching I've ever had. A
strong portfolio of guides in terms of methods & personalities all
pushing the same coherent process. You can trust them with
confidence, mind and body." -- Greg Kelly, Atlantic Beach, Florida
"For those of you who have been at Otter Bar in years gone by, maybe
the experience doesn't feel so fleeting. To me, it was magic. Not
only because of the beauty of the area, the marvelous accommodation,
and the expert instruction, but largely, because each of you were
there to share the experience with. Thank you all for being there." -- Becky Pattinson, Boulder, Colorado
"The instructors understand different levels of abilities and fears
and tailor the instruction to each individual. The different
personalities and styles of the instructors really enhances the
whole learning process. Their excitement for the student's success
and their persistence in teaching technique was truly appreciated."
-- Debbie Meymarian, Pasadena, CA
"This is a marvelous place. It would have been a great week even
without the kayak instruction. You have created a true gem."
-- Michael Sipe, Scotts Valley, CA
"Outstanding. Better than my bed at home! Also very impressive
attention to detail from the soft, big towels & shampoo in the
shower to the clocks by the bed and puffy comforters." -- Carine
Lindauer, San Francisco, CA
"I had a fantastic vacation last week
at Otter Bar. It was the right mix of working on new kayaking
skills and relaxation--you could work or play as hard as you wanted.
The food was outstanding and the setting was perfect. It was clear
that you put your heart and souls into this place!" -- Steve
Diehl, Santa Rosa, CA
"I want to personally thank you for
creating The Otter Bar Lodge. You have developed a beautiful and
mystical setting. I was so welcomed and nurtured the whole week.
It was truly the ultimate vacation experience." -- Virginia
Dodd Pulaski, Poway, CA
"Possibly the best vacation that I've
ever had. I will definitely be back!" -- Cathleen Cline, Honolulu,
Hawaii
"Accommodations were excellent. The
whole facility is comfortable, clean, and has a very homey feeling.
To maintain the lodge and the kayak operation requires a lot of
planning and effort, however everything was so well organized and
carried out, it was almost transparent...fires were burning in the
morning, coffee ready, vehicles and equipment ready to go and the
day planned for us. The food was outstanding. The week at Otter Bar
was far better than I had hoped for. You have put a truly amazing
team together and your guests are the beneficiaries." -- Joe LaValley, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
"Each instructor, all five of them,
was different and had something to give. They were genuinely caring
and interested in improving my kayaking skills." -- Lauri
Hafvenstein, Sacramento, CA
"There is a spirit and mystique to
OBL that is virtually impossible to think about giving up. It is an
intense and emotional time. I suspect we'll keep doing it as long
as you've the patience to get us down those rivers safely."
-- Carol Fellows, Klamath Falls, Oregon (Carol has been coming to
Otter Bar since the mid 1980s. Thanks, Carol and Henry!) |
