Tell us about your experience with Paddle With Style:
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I have had Holly work with me three different times and I have benefited each time. The first was a lesson my partner and I had just prior to the 2011 Texas Water Safari. Trust me when I say that this absolutely saved us because we were so out of sync with each other we were on the verge of a serious fracture in our friendship. Holly quickly realized and corrected our differing strokes and then taught us how to work together to get the boat do what we wanted. That made all the difference in the world as we went on to finish the Safari that year and really enjoyed our experience. She is currently working with me in my attempt to solo in The Texas Water Safari for 2012. Her lessons on how to “RACE” a marathon instead of how to just “FINISH” a marathon are making a huge difference in my training and racing in preparation for the 2012 Texas Water Safari. I highly recommend spending some time with Holly and you WILL notice a difference.
#2112 Team N.A.D.S.
I have raced with two of my kids in several races. They are 10 and 12.
The 12 year old and I raced in one of the Town Lake Race Series, the Colorado River Ramble, and the Cuero Turkeyfest (when he was 11).
My 10 year old raced in one of the Town Lake Race Series and the Howell’s canoe livery race (when he was 9).
They also have been taking canoe lessons with Holly Orr
(paddlewithstyle.com) for about 6 months and it has really helped them.
We are moving to Copenhagen for 3 years (like the moving truck comes tomorrow), so we had to stop lessons, but we got lucky and found a house on a lake that is connected to other lakes with some rivers, so I’ll be continuing to paddle with them. I had Ken Startz build me a custom C-4 so I can paddle with all three of my kids. We’ll be a lean mean paddling machine when we return (I hope).
You should really contact Holly if you are serious about getting the kids into the sport. She does a great job and is really good with the kids.
Anyone considering entering the Safari for the first time, lessons with Holly should be ranked number 1 on the list. Her knowledge of race prep and paddling technique proved invaluable to our success.
2010 Inglorious Bastards
Holly,
Just wanted to stop by and say thank you for todays lesson. Although we do have experience on the water, the whole paddling a canoe will take some time to perfect. However, after your lesson today I’m sure that time will now be greatly reduced. To anyone considering a lesson, dont consider,…..think Nike and just DO IT!!! very well worth the money. Again, thanks.
Jay-Are
After finishing the Tx Water Safari this past week I have to come on and say AGAIN how much Holly has helped us!!! It did not stop with the lessons: She not only helped us with our strokes, but helped us with our food, outfitting our canoe and general support. She was there at almost EVERY check point cheering us on- and with 2 BABIES in tow!!!! I cannot say enough about this lovely, spirited, generous woman. ANYONE with the opportunity to work with her should ABSOLUTELY do so!!!!! I am at a loss for words!!!! Thank you Holly!
First time TWS finish: 2nd place Women’s
Team: Hot Sweaty Blondes #746
Whether you are looking for recreational paddling to elite canoe/kayak racing instruction, Holly is an invaluable resource. If you have never touched a paddle before or are looking to brush up on your technique for a race, she can assist you on your way to “paddling with style”. She can also give training suggestions, gear recommendations, nutrition information, and other advice that will definitely come in handy, no matter what your goals are.
A note to beginner paddlers for recreation: Paddling can bring a lot of fun to a weekend adventure, however, it can also bring a lot of frustration if your group does not know the basics for going straight, turning the canoe, etc. I guided river trips for 7 years; it is essential to equip your group with the basic understanding for canoeing technique no matter what age they are. Even very young children can grasp the fundamental concepts of steering a canoe properly. Before heading out on your group adventure, Holly can teach those essential techniques and turn a potentially frustrating and negative experience into something that will be positive, fun, and not soon forgotten.
A note to canoe/kayak racers:
Whether you are just starting out, or have been in racing for a while, there are always things that we can learn to improve our technique and speed. By taking a lesson with Holly, it is a very inexpensive way to solidify your skills. Reading on the paddle24seven forum will only get you so far — you need hands on experience in order to learn. What better way than a one on one instructor?
9 safari finishes – multiple class wins
Whether you’re a beginner or already have some experience under you belt, Holly will help you become a better paddler. Not only was she able to improve our technique, but she has given us great advice on every aspect of canoeing. She is knowledgeable about it all, and can provide helpful hints about the various rivers around Texas.
First Texas Water Safari finish: 2010 Second place women’s
Hot Sweaty Blondes #746
I highly recommend Holly as an instructor. She is very patient and enthusiastic about her teaching. She is currently teaching me to single blade and I feel I am learning so much from her.
First Texas Water Safari finish: 2010 First place women’s
Hippie Chick #1969
I learned so much from training and racing with Holly last year! I would highly recommend Holly as a canoe instructor.
First place women’s in Texas Water Safari
2009 Chick Boat # 279
2010 Hippie Chick #1969