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Comments: We have just got back from a brilliant day out with Mike and felt moved to leave a comment. Kayaking on the Exe in the morning then caving in the afternoon. Excitement, physical challenge and safety in perfect measure. My girlfriend summarised Mike's input by saying "..it was just like having your dad with you on a fairground ride". Enough said, thanks Mike. 
Comments: The three of us had a great days introduction to sea kayaking. As others have testified, Mike is a patient, calm and confidence-inspiring instructor. He was very gracious when pointing out that my buoyancy aid was on the wrong way around and simply left the 'ribbing' to my two sons! We liked the fact that Mike clearly believes in 'learning by doing' as we were soon out on the sea in Torbay and playing follow-my-leader in amongst the rocks which was good fun. Mike gave us options throughout the day to help let us get the most out of the experience which was very thoughtful and much appreciated. All three of us later admitted to being tired after the day but in a very positive way. We also admitted that at times we were outside our comfort zones but with Mikes good instruction it was not an issue and certainly a really positive aspect of the day. I can see that we'll be taking Mike up on the idea of a camping/kayaking weekend around the South Devon coast.
Comments: Just back from a great hiking trip to the Alps with Mike as our guide.Our aim was to get to a hut and stay which was a first for us. Mike rose to the challenge and took us on some great routes that gave us the challenges we were looking for. Fabulous scenery and plenty of climb. Fantastic time, Mike is so easy to be around, and it's was just great not having to worry about getting lost! Big mistake - not staying for longer. Tip: take extra wine gums the keep the guide happy!
Comments: September 2008 was our third session with Mike and probably the best yet! We had intended to paddle from Totnes to Brixham, camping on the way, but the terrible weather put paid to that. In fact we nearly had to cancel the whole trip but fortunately Mike had a late September slot free and the weather turned. We had three separate trips, Totnes down the Dart & back; the Salcombe estuary from North Sands to Kingsbridge & back; and Brixham across the bay towards Paignton & back. All were great, with the Salcombe trip probably the best as there was so much to see and it was a glorious day. Mike inspires confidence and is very patient with novices; he also has a good line in banter, which this time included relentless mocking of my walker's compass as an essential bit of kayaking kit :+) We will definitely be using Mike again and hope to hit on some good late Spring weather in 2009. We'd also like to do some skills training with him as eventually we would like to be able to do some day-paddling as a pair. Enjoy your Himalayan trip Mike; hope to see you in 2009.
Comments: Having only had 3-4 kayaking sessions with Mike, he successfully brought us up to speed on how not to capsize and all the other essentials! Hugo and I then believed we were capable of crossing the English Channel for Charity - this we did but fortunately Mike came with us to provide us with much needed reassurance that we weren't as foolish as we looked as we set off from Dover at 5.30 a.m wondering what we were doing! So from not kayaking to crossing the English Channel by kayak with only 4 sessions with Mike under our belt, I think we can all safely say that he a maestro in teaching kayaking - without him, we'd still be in sight of Dover now! |
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