Odysea Odysea Sea Kayaking: Testimonials

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Ulises E. Sosa, Argentina

The company I work for appointed me and two other colleagues to undertake a kayak course so we could provide a new kayak tour in the Norwegian fjords. From the very first contact we had with George, his commitment to make a success out of this course became clear to us. We were given detailed information of the goals of the course, what the syllabus was, how we would be examined. The equipment that Odysea provided was top class, brand new and on the best conditions of cleanliness. Not only that, but also the teaching materials were excellent and helped to deliver the best quality of instructions. George, our teacher was incredibly well prepared, the theory lessons were clear, in depth and useful. While in the water, all the technics were demonstrated and corrected in a very friendly manner. He coached every single student and took his time to observe all of us. He keept a high morale of the group, encouraged every student to participate in the activities and in the reviews of the technics learnt. As a leader, George took as highest priority the safety of the group, as well as giving us the space to practice in a realistic environment the technics learnt. He promoted the idea of group awareness, cooperation, and role play among the students.
During the five days of the course I could see a dramatic improvement of my skills, and in the last day, during the assessment I felt quite self confident in a choppy sea with winds force 3 and gusts reaching force 4. That gives me the confidence to work as a paddler in the fjords, and I feel that with what I have learnt so far we will make of our tours a complete success.
I could truly feel George’s passion for this sport and how he managed to pass it on to us. I absolutely recommend this school and me myself look forward to coming back to keep on working on my paddling skills.

Vadim Verbickij, Lithuania

Just finished the BCU 3* kayak course with George (01/04 – 10/04/2016)
KISS – Keep it Simple Safe (or “Kayak is Super Strange” by author version) – that was the last part of the theory that George has taught us, and that was maintained by him throughout the whole duration of this course.

If you haven’t paddled before, but you love cooking, for example (or anything else you love) – be sure – George will make you feel like you are in the kitchen making something really special, while paddling out there, in the sea!

… and “the surf zone” …
Vadim

Yiannis Hatzifrantzeskos, Athens, Greece

Dear Mr Gazetas, my friend George,

It has been a great honor to be your student. As a coach, you gave me all that freedom and space to develop as no one else aiming to teach me any skill has ever dared to do so in the past: and I am totally thankful for this. The physical experience trough out the course has been exceptional. The mental experience in order to develop skills has been outstanding. The spiritual elements i have been delivered those days…. took me off to a new level. Thank you, from my heart.

Doug Cooper, Aviemore, Scotland

I have been lucky enough to be involved in helping George progress through the BCU UKCC coaching scheme, which he has been successfully doing with trips to Scotland. In this period I have spent time on the water with George and always enjoyed watching, being part of and helping develop his relaxed, fun yet professional style of coaching. His technical knowledge and ability in a sea kayak has always stood out as a real asset in his coaching and helps him support others in their learning. In addition to this I have been lucky enough to paddle with George in Greece, where his passion for his country and his sport really shines through. My time on the water with George has always been enjoyable with plenty of learning.

Anat Harel, Tel Aviv, Israel

I would like to thank so much Giorgos and Odysea for this wonderful paddling trip that have organized for us last May. We arrived just in time for a big storm, but Giorgos arranged for us an alternative route, so we could start our trip. We flew the first day with a back wind, continued with fighting it from the side, and enjoyed a relaxed paddling for the last 3 days with the best clear turquoise water and the amazing rocks of west Lefkada. He is a great guide, and tour organizer! I was impressed with his vast knowledge and familiarity with every corner of these Islands, as well as his ability to connect with all of us on a personal level! Giorgos is surely a gifted leader, and we would like him to start planning our next trip!

Anthi Anagnostou, Arta, Greece

Some years ago strolling through a rather boring exhibition I came across a very interesting question printed on a mirror. “When you look at the water do you recognize the water in you?” Ever since, whenever I am close to water, I ask myself this question. The only time I got a positive answer was kayaking in the Ambracian Gulf with odysea.gr. George has the gift of teaching, very effectively, the basic techniques needed, so even from the very first times in the water you can enjoy the trip. Moreover, the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. When I started kayaking I wanted to face the fear of me in the water, I wasn’t expecting to face the water in me! Thank you is not enough.

Hagai Matzner, Tel Aviv, Israel

It was a wonderful and exciting experience paddling for 7 days with George around Lefkada and some nearby islands. ‘Odysea’ and George are professionals in all manners – using excellent kayaks and high quality equipment. George is an expert and skilled kayak instructor, familiar with all the factors and details, blessed with never ending patience (and an excellent photographer and a very talented cook…).

Ros & Jonathan D., Norfolk, UK

George Gazetas has everything it takes to be an outstanding kayak instructor and guide. Patience, encouragement, respect for his fellow paddlers and a brilliant sense of humour makes each excursion special. George has a great ability to be able to put you at ease from the moment you meet him. His passion for kayaking, the sea and enjoyment of the outdoors is extremely evident….and infectious!
BCU qualified, George demonstrates that not only is he a brilliantly technical paddler, but is also really enthusiastic about those who wish to learn or improve their technique – like us! Whatever you want from a sea-kayaking experience, George makes it happen. Will we paddle with George again? Absolutely!