Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

The Kayak School definitely found me. I had done many outdoor types of jobs and taught other sports such as scuba diving, but kayaking captured me – heart and soul. I started out kayak surfing in the ocean, and within six months I was a certified instructor running a kayak program in Santa Cruz.

How are you involved with both the community and your customer?

I took over the River Store to keep it available to the community, and to expand on that tradition. We host, support and participate in many local community events. Free ice cream socials, barbecues, kids’ events, and the American River Festival are a few of the events that we do. We are working on a community-based shuttle service, utilizing grant funding and providing service for paddlers, in order to reduce traffic and emissions, ease some parking issues, and help get folks around between local communities in the Coloma-Lotus region as well as to and from the river.

Why is your staff the best in the business?

Passion! My staff really is the best! Every one of my employees does their job because they get tremendous gratification from helping folks get into and experience the sport of kayaking in a safe and educated manner.

What life accomplishments are you most proud of?

A diverse life; building a big custom home for my folks; and my reputation with my friends.

What’s your favorite place to eat out locally?

Dignity Dragon in Georgetown.

What’s your favorite local event that you go to?

American River Festival.

What’s your favorite local business other than your own?

Golden Gecko Nursery and Sierra Rizing Bakery.

And finally, customer service is…?

Making friends while doing our best to understand the customer’s needs and then finding the best information or solution for them. Having them go away feeling great about our help and wanting to refer our services to others!

Do you know that our editorial is not paid for, nor can it be purchased? In fact, our Introducing and Dine reviews are not paid advertisements. If you’d like your business profiled, please email Wendy Sipple at [email protected]. Once we determine when your business will be featured, we will contact you to schedule a time to come out and take a photograph. Thank you!