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Pilgrim Paddles tries its best to discover and accommodate client needs in order to provide the most effective instruction and enjoyable activities.  Pilgrim Paddles will not share your contact information with any other organization without your explicit permission. ​

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Congratulations on your business success. You are a great instructor, with adapability to meet your students where they are. You come across as non-judgmental and supportive. It was your kind instruction that kept me from quitting.

Pilgrim Paddles is the only business in SE MN whose instructors are certified by the ACA to instruct paddling. Also current in CPR and First Aid. 

You are a focused and skilled instructor. I am deeply appreciative of your patience and encouragement. You kept me paddling!

Each class I've taken seems to be specialized for the attendees and well thought out.

Appreciated the flexibility in rescheduling due to bad weather.

Very clear instructions. He did a good job at having one on one time with each of the students.

Very good at on the water instruction for beginners.

Good at both describing and demonstrating.

Very organized, very knowledgeable, provided actual gear to learn with, and a great sense of humor provided a balanced experience

Interaction with the kids. Planned games that highlighted the lessons being taught. Started on time and ended on time.

Very experienced, proficient, and safety-conscious. Doesn't push students beyond their capabilities; works within their limitations.

My husband and I want to take the River Course class, which says a lot because he usually doesn't like to take classes. :)

My wife and I attended a paddling class with Pilgrim Paddles to learn techniques needed to paddle a solo canoe and be better at paddling together in a tandem canoe. We had basic experience paddling a tandem canoe but after taking this class and receiving great instruction on so many paddle strokes and techniques, we understood the nuances necessary to control a canoe in ways I never thought were possible. The instructor, Jeff, is incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished and has amazing patience working with new students. He also has a very strong safety ethic and ensures his students not only learn how to be a better paddler but also confident with safety protocols essential to manage conditions that increase risks when paddling a canoe. I highly recommend taking paddling instruction from Jeff and Pilgrim Paddles.

Jeff is very knowledgeable and experienced. Whatever your level, he can work with you. If it's powered by a paddle, Jeff knows his stuff. 

A couple of years ago I wanted(thought I wanted)to learn to paddle board. I knew Jeff from a group kayak class some years previous. He attempted to teach me paddle board skills. He was successful teaching me the rules and safety protocol. He was patient and had a sense of humor with me because it simply was not going to be something I would accomplish. I have said to a friend that if I had to be lost in the wilderness, I would want to be with Jeff because he is experienced and level headed. Jeff is a thoughtful and masterful expert in his field. 

I have taken numerous paddling instruction courses over several years from Jeff Pilgrim including kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. Jeff has decades of experience and was very helpful in teaching all aspects of paddling, including strokes, safety, rescue, and appropriate equipment and craft. Instruction included both flat and whitewater paddling. I would highly recommend using Jeff's services. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced paddler, you will surely learn new skills and have fun while doing so. Jeff has a way of making everyone feel more comfortable and safer while out enjoying the water.

I was lucky enough to take one on one canoeing instruction with Jeff Pilgrim of Pilgrim Paddles this summer.My goal was to achieve a level 3 assessment in canoeing. Over the course of a few days, Jeff covered all the essential paddling strokes for solo, tandem and some whitewater canoeing. He took time to demonstrate each stroke, then provided opportunity for me to work on each skill. He was patient and clear in his instruction. Additionally, I benefited from his 40+ years of experience as he discussed numerous aspects of wilderness tripping, canoeing in flatwater and moving water, gear, and rescue. Ask him about some of his trips - he has great stories that you'll enjoy.