Testimonials from clients
I have arrived safely home, with so many wonderful memories of my kayaking and exploring experience. I will never forget my brief time in Clayoquot Sound, the place is stunning beyond description, and your expert guidance (and good food!) really allowed me to relax and enjoy myself on my adventure. Thank-you JF for being our guide.
 Elizabeth Clark, North Carolina, 2011
Hello JF and Kate, I wanted to write and thank you again for a great course that has really inspired me on the potential of sea kayak guiding. The energy you both put into the course and high quality of instruction both on and off the water was very motivational.
Emre Bosut, Tofino, BC, 2011
Dear Ticket to Wonder, I didn't adequately express how sincerely grateful I am for your kindness, your competence and your considerable patience. Your hospitality is in a class all by itself.
John Taylor, Tennessee, 2011
I want to say thanks to JF and Meaghan for providing a very challenging, enjoyable and rewarding course experience during our 5 days in Barkley Sound. I'm still very energized by the whole experience, although I have to admit, I was exhausted for a couple of days when I got home.
Steve Barnes, New Westminster, BC, 2011
I had a great time during the course. I learnt so much and loved it all.
Steven Louey, Australia, 2011
Great course, great students, great instructors!
Huw Jones ,Cowichan Bay, BC, 2011
JF was so helpful and informative. He was also very patient. I feel that he is one of the best instructors for any outdoor course that I taken.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
(The instructor was) very responsive to questions. Provided clear demonstrations. Had a good sense of humour. Was very encouraging. Provided constructive criticism to improve paddling skills.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
Information extremely well presented. Instructor was encouraging, empathetic and fun.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
Every aspect of the course was a learning experience.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
It is clear you are learning from the top in the industry. The skills, the demonstration, breaking down the vast array of skills on and off the water, and managing a large group.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
Very knowledgeable, excellent communicators, keep things interesting with activities exercises and anecdotes, well organized.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
Always professional yet make it a fun, low stress environment. My stress was self-induced but teaching progressions and style helped me deal with and lower my stress levels. Instructors were able to quickly recognize technical deficiencies and offer helpful suggestions for improvement.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
Outstanding combination (JF and Kate) Professional and fun.
Confidential, Survey Monkey, 2011
JF, just wanted to thank you for your time and effort.... I really feel that I learned much thanks to you, and now I have a better understanding of kayaking in general. You show great patience and an honest will for others to learn. You taught the course with great enthusiasm, humour...your knowledge of the sport really made things easy for me to understand. I have every intention of sharpening my skills. Hope to see you on the water soon. Thanks again.
Ryan Kemsley, Pender Island, BC, 2010
Thanks for the amazing time.... I thought it was an amazing course, and I am moving forward with many new tips and tricks to help make my job on the water more effective and professional.
Brent Goodman, Victoria, BC, 2010
Hi JF, Thanks for such a great course! I hope to put in some hard work over the winter and come back for more next year. Thanks again!
Janna Rist, United Kingdom, 2010
Thanks for a great weekend, I really enjoyed the whole experience. I went into the exam very tired, but left feeling energized, motivated and with a big smile on my face.
Johan Bosman, Saltspring Island,BC, 2010
I...wanted to say thanks so much for introducing me to the world of guiding. I'm loving every minute of it!
Caitlin O’Neill, Thunder Bay, Ontario, 2010
Hi JF and James,
Just wanted to thank you both for a world class session this weekend. You are both great instructors and I shall happily recommend you to European paddlers.
I only started kayaking 4-5 years ago and then decided not to waste my time on average instructors. Sometimes I have to gamble a bit, though, because I don't know the instructors beforehand, but I was so happy this weekend to realize that you were actually world class. Thank you for that!
I am sure we will meet again.
Leslie Fleming, Denmark
Thanks for the great trip J.F! You are a consummate professional.
Lewis Duffy, Ucluelet, BC, 2010
Just wanted to say thank you for your time and passion shared with kayaking. Emily is hooked. She just also completed a white water river raft course with the university as well as taking an entire semester on kayaking, river rafting, etc. Yes she is rolling!!!!! in the ocean... in the river.. in pools..... thank you again for sharing. Can't keep her out of the water...
Rosemarie Hossack-Tranfield, Tofino, BC, 2010
Hi JF,
Hope things are well for you. Just wanted to start out by saying thank you once again for an amazing time during the 4 day in the Broken Group Islands. We could not have asked for a better way to spend our honeymoon, it was perfect.
Jason Kossen, White Rock, BC, 2010
Thanks again for your great instruction during the course. Like I said before you and Kate deserve to be recognized for the high standards you set for your students and the quality of teaching you bring to the course (not to mention all the entertaining moments) I would recommend SKILS to anyone interested in developing their paddling confidence and would definitely sign up for another course!
Lauren Acres, Vancouver, BC, 2010
I just wanted to thank you once again for a fantastic course and a great experience. Your teaching style, humour and professionalism is truly inspirational, and I really appreciate the support and kind words as I work towards creating some programming.
William Koloski, Comox, BC, 2010
JF and Rowan, I really appreciated the professionalism that you both showed during the course. I learned an awful lot. The course was well worth the money and time spent.
Ken Bueckert, Courtenay, BC, 2010
Hi JF, I meant to email you earlier. I wanted to say a big thank you for all your help with me in the AOG course in May, last year. After...I went North to Skagway, Alaska. I spent the summer as a kayak guide there. It was the time of my life. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you.
Sandy Bradley, United Kingdom, 2010
The courses that you provide are top notch and we feel very comfortable with the level of training that our staff receives from you.
Scott Friesens, Alpha Dive and Kayak, Powell River, BC, 2010
Just a quick note to say thank you again for a great course. As always it was a pleasure paddling and being instructed by you.
N.F., Duncan, BC, 2010
The course was a lot of fun, as you said it would be, and it is always fun to learn how others do things. Learning the PC background, process and structure sure helps.
R.G., Edmonton, Alberta, 2010
Thank you again for your outstanding work over the past two trips. It truly is a pleasure to work with you.
P. M., St Michael’s University School, Victoria, 2009
JF: I just wanted to drop you a note thanking both you and Michael for all the hard work you put into making the AOG course in May such a success. I have been wracking my brain to come up with ways to improve what you offer and I can't. The more I paddle the more I remember things you passed on.
J. P., Fort St-John, 2009
Thanks JF. Laura often recounts stories and games from your trip together - she had a really awesome experience, thanks again for doing this for these kids! The impact runs deep.
B.S., Ucluelet, 2009
I feel much more confident now that I have some skills. :-) Thank-you very much for your instuctions, you are a great teacher. Cheers,
 M. S., Cowichan Bay, 2009
Just a quick note to say that was a trip of a lifetime with Jean-Francois. A total class act - professional - safe - fascinating - fun - and a challenge!!! Thank-you so much,
S. Q., Seattle, 2009
After taking the Day Guide course with SKILS- PRIA I was so inspired I went on to take their Assistant Overnight Guide course the same season. Not only was the instruction superb in all respects, but the instructors were delightful to learn from because of their passion for sharing all that is so wonderful about kayaking, the outdoors, and guiding itself. The courses were tremendously fun because the instructors had a wonderful sense of humour, and the other participants were very like-minded individuals. On the guide courses with SKILS-PRIA you learn an incredible amount in a short period of time, that leaves you feeling confident that you have all the critical knowledge and skills a guide needs, and in the process you get to have a wonderful adventure on the west coast.
Juniper LeBaron, Courtenay, BC, 2007
I thoroughly enjoyed the Day Guide course. The instruction from JF and Chris was top notch. I would definitely recommend your training programs to anyone.
Scott Friesens, Alpha Dive Services, Powell River, BC, 2008
A thousandth times thank-you for the Day Guide course you offered to our staff. They learned so much and had so much fun! You are a great instructor.
Michel Thibeault, Le Clan, Powell River, BC, 2008
I wanted to thank you again for the kayaking course. Succeeding at this mental and physical challenge has given me more confidence and exhilaration than I ever would have thought possible in 4 days!
Anita Georgy, Vancouver, BC, 2008
Hello, We just wanted to say thank-you for a great kayak session last Wednesday. It was really fun and we learned so much! (We were all walking a bit funny the next day though!!) Now we can go out in our kayaks and not worry so much about falling out! The ninja wetsuits were a bonus! You were a great teacher and your kayaking enthusiasm was obvious. Thanks JF. .
Kate Burns, Ucluelet, BC, 200
Once again me and Bernard would like to thank you for the wonderful weekend
and the course which is a great start to our education and career in
guiding. Already we're looking to the next courses and some wilderness first
aid.
Kathryn Kromka, North Vancouver, BC, 2007
Thank-you JF for the great training, your leadership and your knowledge.
Jean-François Labre , MEC Montréal, QC, 2007
What a great experience that week was for me, you guys are incredible teachers!
Virginia Green, Lund, BC, 2007
JF, A special thanks for the energy and effort you put into our Level 1 guide course over
the past few days. You put on an excellent course and managed to teach an old
mariner a few useful new tricks and helped to instill a further level of confidence to
enable dealing with potential emergencies whilst kayaking. It was fun to be able to
share a few gems of knowledge with you fellows as you are obviously very keen about your chosen work in the sport of kayaking and I certainly hope that your season goes well and your clients listen closely to your good advice and at the same time enjoy your sharp sense of humour.
Peter Vivian, Victoria, BC 2007
Dear JF, Thank-you for an incredible week - you made the week an experience to remember for a life-time. Your efficiency, patience, skill and knowledge were the key to a fantastic time. Thank-you again.
Nancy, Great Fall, MT, 2005
Dear JF, My wife and I did a day trip with you at the end of June to the Broken Group Islands. I just wanted to let you know that you sparked a love affair with kayaking in us.
We have since taken lessons and fell in love with the sport. We now own two
single kayaks and paddle every weekend. We love it. Thanks for turning us on to this great sport.
Rob Funk, Los Angeles, CA, 2007
JF: We cannot THANK-YOU enough for the experience that you shared with us in the BGI. We didn’t have any preconceived expectations for the trip. We rarely ever do group tours…Because of your knowledge and experience - your love and passion -, we had one of the most memorable and special experience of our life!...every day was new, different, challenging and filled with information. You are blessed with a great sense of humour… We laughed a lot. Your skills as a camp cook did not go unnoticed – thanks for all of it –
Mark and “The Rowing Machine” Debbie Emery, Glen Ellen,CA, 2006
Dear JF, We can’t express enough what a wonderful time we have experienced these last 4 days. You opened our eyes to the marvels and wonders of each bird’s song, every tree top and even the mysteries of sex in the animal kingdom. Than-you for sharing your passion, your many skills and your wonderful sense of humour. Official report from 2 Fraser Valley teachers: Cleanliness A+, Knowledge of subject A++, Accommodating every little complaint A+++, Patience and sensitivity A++++.
Collin and Wendy, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, 2008
Dear JF, I feel so very fortunate to have met you and had you as our guide on the Nootka trip. Your cooking skills are marvelous, your knowledge of the area is totally amazing. And always you have such enthusiasm, a wonderful smile and great secrets to share with your clients. I look forward to a kayak trip with you as the guide - the sooner the better – you have so much talent and so much to offer. Thank-you
Diana Wiebe, Edmonton, AB, 2004
Bonjour JF, I can’t tell how much Ingrid & I enjoyed kayaking with you and Andrew! You’ve created two new kayaking monsters. We’re already talking about taking another trip & customizing it to incorporate navigation and Paddle Canada level 1, with you as guide-instructor of course.
Brian Wing and Ingrid Becker, Calgary, AB, 2004
Hi Rhonda, I’m back home in Edmonton following my Nootka Sound trip with JF. I think it was the best trip I’ve been on. Nootka Sound is a beautiful and fascinating place and one that I’ll definitely visit again. The best feature of the trip was JF who is the best kayak guide and cook I’ve encountered. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about kayaking while being very safety oriented. He’s also able to share a lot of knowledge about the area and its history and wildlife. The combination made for a great trip. So, first class all the way. I’m sure we’ll talk before next year!!!!
Grant Sommerfeld, Edmonton, AB, 2004
Hello Jean-Francois, I just wanted to thank you again for guiding us through a beautiful and enjoyable kayak trip. As I said before, you and Juniper were wonderful and truly made our experience amazing, and so much fun.
Cindy Hamman, Seattle, WA, 2007
Dear Tracy & the Staff at Majestic Ocean Kayaking, My wife and I were on your 4-day Broken Group Islands trip from July 13-16. It was FANTASTIC in so many ways. I've attached some pictures for your enjoyment. JF was a really terrific guide. His paddling skills, knowledge of sea life, knowledge of history, sea navigation abilities, Great cooking, and immense patience all contributed to a very high quality, memorable trip. The Broken Group area itself is magnificent. The island we were camped on (Willis) had stunning views from the beach that dramatically changed during different times of day. We had a really fantastic time paddling every day, whether it was doing long crossings or navigating near island shores. My wife and I have become passionate about kayaking
Luke Sutton & Liza Bennett, Seattle, WA, 2007
JF, Thank-you for an awesome kayaking trip. We had a fantastic time. I really appreciate your expertise & knowledge of the area. It made the trip more special.
Ingrid Becker and Brian Wing, Calgary, AB, 2006
JF; Many thanks for a wonderful trip. Absolutely amazing!
Dan Friedmann & Marilyn Cox, Vancouver, BC, 2005
Hi Jean -Francois, First of all, thank you very much for your fantastic kayaking instruction last summer out of Ucluelet. I really enjoyed it and would like to do more with you this summer. I hope you are having a great kayaking season so far. I have just re-read your book and wanted to say it is very well done. I plan on coming out to Ucluelet from this coming July 15 to August 5. I would like to book personal instruction with you for at least two to three sessions if possible. Please let me know the best times.
Ian, Guelph, Ontario, 2007
Thank-you for a wonderful kayaking experience in the Broken Group Islands…And our entire group was impressed with the level of expertise and knowledge found in our guide JF Marleau. As a former guide, I know how difficult it is to fulfill expectations clients may have. JF and everyone we interacted with did a wonderful job of not just meeting expectations, but surpassing them. Because of this positive experience, there is a talk within our group of making this an annual affair. We all agreed it was the best kayaking trip we’ve experienced.
Frankie Wong, Kirkland, WA, 2006
Hi JF! Awesome to see you again, you made the trip memorable. I learned so much from you, great information about nature to pass on to my friends. Brian and I had a great time and we are talking about our next trip.
Ingrid Becker, Calgary, AB, 2005
Glenna and I would just like to thank-you all again for a wonderful trip and a perfectly executed introduction to kayaking on the west coast. Ever since we got back, we have been telling and re-telling all our stories to our friends and family. We enjoyed everything –even the rain made it a REAL west coast experience –noting artificial or staged about that!!...We cannot say enough about Liz and Jean-Francois –knowledgeable, diligent, attentive, fun, hardworking, professional—they demonstrated all these attributes. And as much as the kayaking is fun and the scenery spectacular, it is the people that make any experience special. Thanks again to you all.
John Geddes, Vancouver, BC, 2004.
Dear Jean-Francois, Thank-you so very much for all you did to make our kayaking adventure so special. We really enjoyed ourselves, and certainly plan to do more kayaking.
Lyle and Maggie, Port Alice, BC, 2003.
Hello JF! Thank-you for a wonderful trip! Our entire group was so pleased with you and Jen. We appreciated your knowledge, skills, professionalism and attitude. I also appreciate the additional time you spent teaching Dan. He learned a ton!
Claudia, Michigan, 2003
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