I am tweaking my layering system for hiking/backpacking and needed a couple of new jackets. I was told about this place by a friend, so I checked them out on FB. Turns out they had a sale going on on Patagonia. BOOM! I stopped by on a dreary Saturday afternoon and Lindsy helped me figure out and finalize my system/choices. She was extremely patient, knowledgeable and helpful. I am very happy with my choices, and am sure I will hold on to these pieces for a very long time. I even ended up buying a sweet daypack! I only dealt with Lindsy so I cannot speak for the others that work here, but if they are all at/close to her caliber, then you are in excellent shape for sure! It takes a LOT to get me to drive out of DC to buy something (traffic UGH!), but I will definitely make a trip out to Potomac again to see these guys. Thanks!
(5)
Chuck T.
I have taken whitewater kayaking lessons from Potomac Paddlesports, and have purchased equipment in the retail shop. Sunny Pitcher (the founder and CEO), has built a fantastic instructional program staffed with super cool people. I highly recommend all aspects of this organization. I have long wanted to learn how to whitewater kayak. Now that my kids are becoming excellent paddlers themselves, we decided to make this our new family activity. So, we jumped in with both feet this year: lessons; equipment; and lots of time on the water. My children have been learning in their camps and after-school programs, so I signed up for Potomac Paddlesports' beginner lesson package. It's a great deal, that you do at your own pace, that has taken me from total beginner to comfortably running rapids in just a few months. They use a simple, easy-to-use on-line lesson registration system that let's you plan out your entire summer schedule. Sunny himself teaches the classes, and leads all of the practice sessions. He often brings along additional instructors, who are all excellent, to break us up into small groups. Each lesson is well organized, logical, and methodical. Some people can do a sport, but not everyone can teach. Sunny and his team can definitely teach. They will demonstrate a technique, and not only explain how to do it, but also the logic behind it. When learning a new technique, it is not always inherently clear why they have you do it a certain way --- until you get into moving water. So, their explanations are very helpful. We have also purchased a lot of equipment from the retail shop. It is bright and clean, and well organized. Most importantly, it's staffed by paddlers who know what they're talking about, and have used the equipment themselves. They are good at helping you think about your needs, and how you'll use the equipment, so that you buy the correct items. And don't forget to leave enough time to hang out on the couch to watch the videos that are continually playing! What's been particularly fun for me has been to become part of the Potomac Paddlesports community. After lessons and after practice sessions, we often get together for meals, and lately some of us have started meeting up outside of class to go paddling on our own. I'm psyched to have a fun new group of friends! If you're thinking of learning how to kayak, or need any equipment, definitely check out Potomac Paddlesports.
(5)
Nicole M.
Just took my first SUP class, SUP 101 this past weekend and all I can say is I am a fan of not only SUP but Potomac Paddlesports. The instructors who were not only easy on the eyes but fantastic in terms of explaining everything in laymen's terms. I am going to sign up for a membership and get ready for my SUP 102 class, cannot wait. Thanks for such a great time!
(4)
ALEXandria H.
Disappointed in customer service. A friend booked a group of 8 of us to attend a Saturday afternoon class and as we realized we were lost yet close by as it's not the easiest to find we called stated the gps said we were 8mins away. We called 5 mins till start time. The woman on the phone said ok. As we pulled up and parked there was no signage stating Potomac Paddle Board but we noticed a group standing together so we parked and all 8 of us got out looking around and somewhat lost as what we later realized was the Sup yoga teacher and 4 students walk past us. When we realized we couldn't find a sign we called again now 10 mins past start time and they stated they left without us. A class of 12 people 8 missing they decided to leave even after calling! Had they informed us when we first called that they would leave without us I could understand, had the teacher who was missing 8 students bothered to ask us if we were here for paddle board spoke up it would have be nice. So we called back again asking if we could take a later class, since we drove 45 mins and their were 8 of us ...we were told no. We were also informed we couldn't be refunded and after emails , we were then lectured on leaving our house earlier. Needless to say communication and customer service is not their focus. They were able to keep the 260 bucks from our group as after being lectured and this poor experience a SUP Yoga class just wouldn't be the same. :( Sad 1st time SUP Yoga experience!
(1)
Alison M.
Great introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding today -- it was a small class, the instructor was knowledgable and very encouraging as we learned four different strokes in the Fundamentals course. He was tuned in the whole time and gave us helpful feedback all along the way. So excited to try a new sport!! We really enjoyed it and look forward to upcoming courses and other coached sessions. Thank you!!
(5)
Kate K.
Signed up for a paddle board yoga class for my friend's birthday. We were all very excited took time off to go. Several days prior my friend was notified that the class was cancelled due to a family emergency. I was never called about this cancellation. When I called to ask- they did confirm that yes the class was cancelled, but someone will call me to talk about my options. I have waited a day and called them again. Yet again I was told that a manager will be calling me. The following day I lost patience and called the company again. Finally I got to talk to the manager. I asked her for a refund since there probably would not be another opportunity for the 5 of us to get together for some time. The manager informed me that is it against their policy to offer refunds despite the fact that they were not able to provide the class. 1 star due to poor customer service!
(1)
Angela M.
When my kayak sprung an air leak, I was referred to Potomac Paddlesports to purchase a repair kit. I was directed to a kit in the store, and I was very excited that I thought I had found an excellent resource for my new paddling hobby. I would have liked to be a long time customer of theirs. Unfortunately, the repair kit they sold me ended up rendering my kayak unusable. After having dealt with them on the phone and gotten quite a runaround, I insisted on dealing with their owner, Sunny Pitcher. Mr. Pitcher was highly critical of my decision to purchase a repair kit from his store, for some reason. He also refused to even look at the boat, but yet blamed me for somehow causing the damage. And, last but not least, he accused me of "pissing him off" by writing a negative review based on my experience. Judging by his comment below, in which he attacks me as a bully, presumably because I gave him a negative review, he still has not let the matter go. These interactions were most unfortunate. I would have liked to be a long term customer. But the safety issue caused by the product they advised me to buy and the way they handled the situation mean that I will not return or refer others to them. Subsequent events have mooted the issue from my perspective, so I have no plans to pursue it further. But seldom have I been treated so poorly. I recommend avoiding them.
(1)
Carr J.
I can't say enough about this place. Don't let all the white water gear they have fool you ..... I Kayak fish and was able to get all my gear from this same location. Erin is the person you need to see. I was able to get all my Kokatat dry gear and Thule rack gear from her. Even if they don't have it ... Only takes a week or so and you have it. Erin even matched some prices on a few gear pieces. Great service... Knowledgable. Heck even fixing to sign my daughter up for the teen white water classes they offer. Finding a one stop resource is not easy but they made a happy camper out of me. Would recommend.
(5)
Michelle N.
I checked out Potomac Paddlesports after a friend told me she got a student membership for stand up paddleboarding. Love! I took lessons years ago out at the beach but have never really found a place to do it regularly in the DC area. There's Jack's/Key Bridge Boathouse but for $20/hr, that's a pretty expensive hobby. I first checked out PPS when my friend told me about a SUP yoga deal. I'm down! The staff was super friendly and helpful in getting your gear set up and if you were new to paddling, they gave you a quick lesson. Yoga was hard, there's no question about trying to balance on the water, but it was so serene to be out on flat water in the summer, just taking in nature... when only a few miles away was the hustle and bustle of 495! After that class, I was hooked. I signed up for the full student package. It's expensive but you get SO much out of it: 4 classes that can be taken within 2 years, and in between free rentals for yourself and free weeknight classes to practice with an instructor and your peers. I thought not only is this a great way for me to finally paddle on a regular basis and learn some technique, but it's also an awesome way to meet people. The instructors really pay careful attention to your technique so they can offer advice and they really know their stuff. I've had class and practices with Buck, Suggs, Frank, and Jason so far and they are all great. Friendly, knowledgeable, and fun to hang out with. As for the store - they could do with more stock, but the staff, again, is super knowledgeable and helpful. Any time I have called the store, there's always an employee who can answer my questions or is happy to sign me up for a class. I also have to give a special shout out to Chris. When I went to rent a board and the store didn't have any more straps to buy so I could attach the board to my roof, Chris gave me his straps from his truck. He also made sure my board was correctly loaded and answered all of my questions. Now that is awesome customer service. The paddling community through PPS is so awesome. I'm really glad my friend talked me into joining and this has given me the opportunity to go out and paddle once or twice a week. I'm depressed that summer is coming to an end.
(5)
Stephanie P.
I went whitewater rafting for the first time & thanks to Rhett Colwell & the rest of his crew, I had an AWESOME time!! They were so patient & knowledgeable & really put me at ease, being as tho it was my 1st time in the river. So much fun, can't wait to go back!
(5)
Rick S.
We went as a family on 'Discover the Potomac' and had a great time. It was well worth the money, not too difficult, educational and really relaxing. The two leaders had a nice trip planned out and it was just the right amount of time and effort required. I you have never kayaked before, don't worry they do a nice job of teaching you what you need to know and keep a close watch on the beginners. Recommend it.
(4)
Johnny W.
Discover the Potomac was quiet and serene. The guides were nice and informative. The trip was too calm, just flat water not even a little Rapids. If you want relaxing do it otherwise find a more exciting one.
(4)
Claudia S.
We have taken two of their beginners trips and they are perfect for beginners but also for people with experience. They are friendly and the tours are quite nice and carefully planned
(5)
Maya G.
I went on the Mather George White Water Rafting trip and it was thoroughly disappointing from beginning to end. I have been on numerous guide-led water sports activities and this was by far the most disappointing Our guide, Brian, gave an interesting enough tour of the channel, but the experience was mostly boring. I would not even describe the experience as white water rafting. We hardly jostled in the raft. The guides mentioned over and over again how dangerous it was, but it did not seem dangerous, tiring, or extreme at all. No adrenaline was pumping from a slow cruise down a channel. It was also on a day that they said was an extreme time to go down the channel due to the high water levels. I understand that they have to keep it safe enough for all ages and experience levels to participate, but this was seriously inaccurately advertised as an extreme, fun, challenging, athletic activity. In addition to the disappointing rafting, we had a thoroughly disappointing and frustrating time getting onto a trip to begin with. Our trip was originally scheduled for September 2013, then we got an email saying we can't go anymore until May 2014. And they refused to give a refund! Then, we scheduled it for a day in June at 2 PM. Then it was rescheduled again to 9 AM. They send out changes all the time, basically, and so you never know if you will be able to go on the trip. Meanwhile, they refuse refunds. This is an absolute never again purchase. Thoroughly regret this. I would recommend against buying the Mather George White Water Rafting trip.
(1)
Roy S.
These guys are awesome!! This brand new store in Potomac is just what the area needed. Great selection of running and kayak gear as well as kayaks for sale. The store is fantastic looking and I know they will be around for years to come. They also provide outfitting tours and kayak school. Check them out!!
(5)
Emily P.
When I woke up on a rainy, dreary Saturday morning at 6:45 am, I was not looking forward to my Stand Up Paddleboard 1 class. But I'm so glad I showed up anyway! My friend and I had a great time. Plus I did not want my $59 voucher for the class to go to waste. Apparently, all but one person showed up to the 8 am class. The instructors, Greg and Shawna (sp?) were energetic and ecstatic. They informed us about the reputable organization and their credible qualifications. "Potomac Paddlesports was the first professional kayak school to have its entire program fully sanctioned by the American Canoe Association." (I actually quoted that directly from the website). They made sure we were fully equipped with a PFD (something P Floating Device), a top notch paddle, and a sturdy, yet inflatable, paddleboard. The rain actually worked in our favor; it was slightly cold, but the water was warm. An experience with 90 degree weather would not have been enjoyable! We learned how to paddle on our knees; fall and get back on the board (which was nice because it provided warmth ;) ); stand up and paddle efficiently. We even paddled near some white water rapids! Some cool scenes we saw: a bald eagle! Other random birds. A dog with a lifesuit on a paddle board!! How cool is that? He looked pretty happy just chililng; so if a dog had fun, and I had fun, I'm pretty sure you'll have a good time trying stand up paddle boarding!
(4)
Gina B.
I love Potomac Outfitters. Just like Roy S said, they're awesome. They're super nice, laid back cool but totally professional and they're experts about what they sell. When a kayak purchase fell through at REI because we couldn't transport it with the car rack they sold us (another story), we went online that same day in search of the same wonderful kayak. After numerous calls to stores around the DC metro area, Dave at Potomac Outfitters answered the phone. Yes, they had the gorgeous blue kayak I wanted in stock. And sure, they'd deliver it from suburban MD to Virginia at NO charge(!). The next day, I was kayaking : ))) Dave brought the beautiful kayak that morning, gave me some tips about carrying and storing it, and was just an all around amazing guy who loved the outdoors and is an experienced climber, kayaker and who knows what else. Potomac Outfitters is building their business, everyone, so if you're in the market for a boat or other outdoor goods, go to them first!
(5)
Stephanie H.
My boyfriend and I purchased the Groupon for the Discover the Potomac Kayak Tour. The trip was awesome! We had such a good group of people. Our guides, Tom & Sebastian were very friendly, helpful, and funny. The tour was for beginners, but there were a few people with some experience. I had no kayak experience, but did not find it very challenging (I've canoed and SUP before). The overall experience was great and I plan on taking another trip/course with Potomac Paddlesports again.
(5)
John D.
Wow what fun. The wife bought the groupon last year then promptly got sick. But no worries, they held our reservation for a full year at no extra cost. What a great organization. We went this weekend and had a blast in their SUP 101 course. If you go, don't pay much attention to their list of stuff to bring. Wear shorts. Barefoot seems best and I wish I had ditched my shoes. We had perfect weather so maybe it could have been cold but we were not. You will get wet and you will go for a swim. Prepare accordingly. Parking for the early AM class is not an issue but by the time we left I could see it would be an issue for the noon class. I am giving them a great rating because they are a great organization, the people are really friendly and into the sport, and they just believe in customer service. Give it a try it is a really great way to spend 3 hours.
(5)
Andy C.
I found Potomac Paddlesports while searching for DC area white water kayaking communities. First off, the website is really helpful. I signed up for lessons and used their calendar to schedule my first lesson, practice sessions, and follow-up lesson immediately. Also, they had a great .pdf that listed everything that you need for the lessons. I can confirm that everything on the list is good to have on you, especially the booties! Moving onto the retail store: I know very little about the equipment, which makes me feel vulnerable to sales people. I found that the sales people explain why every item was on the previously mention list of equipment. The sales person was also armed with the list of gear for the class (you don't need to bring it with you), was really careful in sizing, and listened to what I wanted out of the gear. For me, I wanted to use the gear for really long seasons, going into cold weather, so he made suggestions for good layering gear to help with that. It was a great experience. Lastly, the course: they've honed this course to the most efficient and enjoyable afternoon possible. Also, they seemed to be ready for anything. You don't have to over think your first lesson because they already have, whether it be not knowing how to put your gear on correctly, where to put your sandwich in your boat, how to de-spider a kayak (maybe I am the only one concerned with this), all of that. When you get in the water, you'll buddy up with another student with the instructors coming around with suggestions on technique. For the more difficult maneuvers, you get one on one instruction and help. I would suggest this site, store, membership to friends who enjoy the being active.
(4)
Rick I.
We purchased a deal of the day coupon for Mather Gorge whitewater rafting last year. We finally redeemed it this April after multiple cancellations last year due to low water levels in the Potomac. Re-scheduling was easy and we were always kept informed last year when the river was too low for rafting. The guides for the rafting trip itself were good. The guide in our raft, Cedric, had the right mix of explaining how to raft safely, telling stories about the river, and not talking every single moment we were on the river. The food provided halfway through was much better than I expected - cheese, peppercorn salami, veggie tray, and chips and salsa. The only downside is that the end of the trip, we had to do quite a bit of paddling against a headwind to finish the trip. Overall, this is a fairly leisurely trip and a good intro for people who want to go into western MD or West Virginia to do serious whitewater rafting. It's also a great way to explore the Potomac. We saw a bald eagle and a dog on a paddleboat. Overall, a great day to be an American.
(4)
Kim C.
I did a white water rafting trip with Potomac Paddlesports last weekend at Great Falls. Admittedly, I went in with very low expectations. After rafting in Costa Rica and Iceland, as well as various locations in the US, I expected the trip to basically be a lazy float down the river. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had. The guides, and in particular, my guide Matt, really made the trip. There was several fun little rapids, a few games, and even a snack time. Plus the Mather Gorge is really quite stunning. I would highly recommend Potomac Paddlesports for their rafitng. They were so great that I am also considering taking their whitewater rafting classes.
(5)
Ben S.
I've lived in DC my entire life, I love the outdoors, but for whatever reason I never got into kayaking. One day while climbing at Great Falls in 90 degree heat I was watching the paddlers below me and I realized how much lovelier it would be to be in the water. So I got a lesson package for both my father and myself. It started with a trip into the store. There was a huge list of gear that we should want before the lesson, but when talking to the person in the store, I got a much better sense of what was actually necessary. I really appreciated that they didn't try to get us to buy all kinds of gear that we wouldn't need right away. So far we are partway through the lesson package and have really enjoyed it. The first lesson was really about getting comfortable in the water. I was convinced that I would be able to roll pretty much immediately, but it wasn't the case at all. I didn't get my roll down until the second class. The second class was a bit more centered on the roll and that was where I really was able to nail it down. The third class is intro to white water, the fourth is river running and the 5th is rescue and safety. The pros: It allows you to get into the water easily, the weekly practice sessions allow access to people who are at a similar stage of development and do help to foster a bit of a community. You don't have to buy gear before you are ready. We've taken out rental kayaks on our own a couple of times, as well as used the kayaks for the practice sessions. They don't try to oversell you on gear. You can go at your own pace. It's really a relatively cheap entry into the sport. Sunny is really friendly, and he does go out of his way to be available and accommodating. The cons: I got my roll relatively quickly and so the system has worked great for me, though my actual paddling needs work. My dad has struggled a little bit and probably needs more individual attention than they can provide. The same goes for people who are not very comfortable in the water. Most of the time in the boat is in group sessions without a lot of individual attention, for people who that works with, that's great, but I've seen it lead to frustration for others. This also works best for people who are aggressive about trying to get better and fight for the teacher's attention. If you are unsure of yourself or uncomfortable you can get left behind in the group lessons and not get as much out of the practice sessions as you might otherwise. For those of us without a car getting to and from lessons, practices or getting access to boats is difficult. Not sure there is really anything they could do about it, but it's just something people need to be aware of. Overall I think that this is a great way to get out on the water if the method works for you. It just isn't necessarily right for everyone and some people need more individual attention (which can of course be purchased but it is a much more expensive route).
(4)
Carolyn V.
Yay for Potomac Paddle Sports!!! I finally redeemed my Groupon for their "Discover the Potomac" kayaking trip on Saturday, June 25. What a great time!!!! Chris was our guide. He was funny and provided an outstanding kayak paddling lesson. We covered forward and reverse paddling strokes to navigate our flat water kayaks which are great for recreational kayaking. We departed from Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, MD and leisurely kayaked down the C&O Canal. We then proceeded to the Potomac River by carrying our kayaks over the towpath. Flotation vests, paddles, and kayaks were provided with our resident comedians, I mean, guides, Chris and Adam. Both were nice and funny guides who provided outstanding instructions. Since Pennyfield Lock is north of Great Falls, the Potomac River didn't have the heavy DC boating traffic which you experience below the falls towards the city. You can't believe you're anywhere near DC at this point. It was beautiful.
(5)
Kimberley P.
My boyfriend and I took SUP 101 with Shauna and Greg, and it was a great experience. The class was 14 students, but they split us up into two groups so we got more individualized attention. Aside from being fun and welcoming, the instructors were well qualified, very knowledgeable, and above all great teachers. No one wants to get up at 6:30am on a Saturday, but trust me, taking the 8am class in August was a much more enjoyable experience than taking it at 12pm would have been. We enjoy canoeing and kayaking, but SUP doesn't even compare. Three hours with Potomac Paddlesports and we were hooked. Next step: buying paddleboards, practicing our skills, then signing up for the next class with Shauna and/or Greg. Note: they have some good deals for groups if you're looking to put together a private team-building experience among colleagues or family/friends.
(5)
Tu-van L.
A hard to find warehouse that looks like a shack and is far from the road behind the merchant's tire. Look for the kayak sign to hint that this place is around. What looks like a run-down warehouse inside is a well kept and well organized storefront with all that is needed to promote the paddle sports. Lounge area to the side with paddling magazines and colorful lounge chairs and area rugs. An outdoor deck with various kayaks. They didn't have the Vibram FiveFingers shoes my friend was looking for, but for any paddle sport needs definitely include this place as an invaluable resource.
(4)
Lynn H.
Stopped at the retail store because of the good reviews & convenient location, right off Rt270 and I'm glad I did. I was very happy with the friendly knowledgeable staff that helped me select a paddle. Didn't try to upsell me. Plus they are dog friendly - my dog Charlie was welcome.
(4)
Ningxi X.
My boyfriend and I had purchased two Groupons for a DC monument kayak tour last September, and were finally able to use them on May 8 for a morning tour that started at 9. Our guide, whose name I believe was Chris, was very friendly and made sure everyone was having a good time. We were a little late (and I still do feel bad for that fact) partially because we left home maybe just a few minutes later than we were supposed to, but mainly because the directions provided to us were a bit confusing (at least according to the driver -- my boyfriend, since that's what he said and I wasn't really following the route). When we finally made it to the marina and met up with the instructor and two other couples, they didn't blame us or make us feel worse (though I think we were a good 45 minutes late). Chris gave some instructions on paddling, and then we had to take the kayaks and paddles to the water, which was a bit of a long walk with such heavy gear (at least for me who was panting the entire way and had to take multiple breaks). Once in water, we did some prep and then started to cruise along without much further instruction or guidance. We were able to snatch a few photos (Chris also took a group photo of us, but we never got to see or receive it -- that just reminded me) when we got to an area where we could see the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. It was nice, albeit a bit too sunny (that was probably just me though, as I'm not a huge outdoors person and have a low tolerance for UV rays). Overall the trip was easy, with few hurdles to surmount. I was happy that we got to see ducks and turtles (quite a bunch of them) along the way. The only thing is I wish the trip had lasted longer. The advertised length of kayaking was four hours, and we definitely didn't even have half of that time on the water. Pre-departure prep and post-completion follow-up included, I think we left around 1. We were most likely kayaking for about 1.5 hours. That aside, we didn't get very close to the monuments, although the tour was titled a monument tour. We paid $49 each for the Groupon deal, and that was already half off (would've been $98 for the tour normally), but I don't really see why the tour would cost that much money, since we pretty much just rented the kayaks and paddles, and had a guide -- although he was very nice and approachable -- who wasn't really a huge help since the paddling was pretty easy. I had kayaked on the Potomac twice before in Georgetown waterfront, and although didn't get to see that many monuments, only paid $10 for an hour of kayak and paddle rental and still got to enjoy an amazing view with the Kennedy Center and the bustling waterfront area. Granted, we got to see way more wildlife being in the less touristy Virginia part of the river, but I still think the price could be adjusted to be more reasonable.
(3)
Terra B.
We purchased 12 tickets on Groupon to go Whitewater Rafting with this company and after 4 attempts to secure a date, we gave up and called Groupon for a refund which was about $800.00. Each time we called we got a different answer as to why our group could not be accommodating. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE, and I would not recommend this company to anyone. Especially disappointing after reading such good reviews, so we are taking our money and going Whitewater Rafting in Harper's Ferry instead.
(1)
Raymond M.
I did a kayaking class and a SUP class with Potomac Paddlesports, and I'm very pleased with their instructors. I'm waiting for more groupon deals with them so I can sign up for more lessons.
(5)
Cory B.
I read the negative reviews and just. don't. get. it. There has been NO ASPECT of my experience with potomac paddlesports that hasn't been 110% helpful, honest, fun, or professional. All the staff I've interacted with, from my first day in the shop to redeem the Groupon I was then so scared of (whitewater membership package. Do it. Do it NOW. You wont regret it!) to every Thursday night practice clinic (and Darren D is right, Thursdays group IS the best. Sorry Weds people) its all been a wonderful experience. The instructors are absolutely top notch, the gear, even though used regularly and by a lot of people, is in great condition and everyone goes out of their way to be helpful. The whole thing is an excellent operation and i couldn't be happier that i chose them to learn with. I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with them and learn. Keep up the great work!!
(5)
Danielle S.
Had a groupon for their discovery course. It was fantastic. Chris and Adam were our instructors and they were knowledgeable, fun, approachable and relaxed. Being my first time kayaking, starting up on the canal was great....but hitting the Potomac was great. The route we took was easy and made all of our group want to come back for more. The instruction built confidence and I never felt unsafe. Chris took us out on the river, gave us a great history of the C&O Canal and surrounding landmarks and was a pleasure to have as a guide. Great experience and I'm planning to sign up for their kayak instruction series. Thanks for the great time!!!
(5)
Kelly v.
I just recently experienced the Mather Gorge white water rafting trip after purchasing a Groupon for it with three of my friends. It was a fantastic trip and I am so glad my friends and I went. Great introduction for a person like me who has never rafted before. Wonderful, knowledgable guides that were very approachable and helpful with answering questions and clearly love what they do. Customer service was fantastic all around. I have already recommended it to some family members. My friends and I were already talking about doing another excursion with Potomac Paddlesports while we were still on the raft.
(5)
Nancy D.
Very surly customer service.
(1)
emmy f.
For the DC/VA/MD area, Potomac Paddle Sports is most likely a kayakers first exposure to Potomac Paddling. Sunny Pitcher, having started his kayaking school, has moved his way up to become the founding father of commercial paddling on the Potomac. However, he is a conservationist and his effects on the river have been nothing but positive. He regularly organizes clean-ups and repairs, and he and his instructors are always sure to teach kayaker-etiquette to all their students. And if Sunny meets you once, he will always remember your name. It's kinda crazy. The retail store which was opened about a year ago has a great feel to it, with comfortable couches and a great selection of the top gear for paddlers. The boats are lined up outside so that you can sit in them to try them on for size, and you can take demos out onto the river for 24 hours to see how it handles in the water. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and are all dedicated paddlers. By entering into a course through this business you enter into a very lovely community, with daily activities that give you a plethora of opportunities to get to know the rest of the helmet-wearing faces. Between the Irish Pub, Angler's Inn, Sushi, Pizza, and excursions into foreign territories, you are sure to make some good friends and make some good connections. Plus, you'll get a good workout and be happier.
(5)
Dom C.
If you are seriously thinking about getting into whitewater kayaking, and in willing to put in some work, the student package deal is for you! The combination of classes, great instructors, a Mr. Miagi type of leader, and unlimited practice sessions and equipment rentals have gotten me on the moving water, having a blast with what is becoming an obsession for me. In a relatively short period of time, I have gained the skills to actually get out on some really fun water with confidence and experienced the joy of watching my "classmates", who are becoming fast friends do the same.
(5)
Shawn F.
After Googling the options for stand-up paddleboarding lessons in the DC area, I chose Potomac Paddlesports' SUP 101 class this past weekend and I'm so glad I did. The four instructors (for a great student:instructor ratio of about 4:1) were natural teachers who clearly enjoyed sharing their considerable knowledge of technique, safety, and responsible paddling. They taught the skills incrementally, starting with a shore-based orientation to the equipment, followed by paddling in a kneeling position and basic self-rescue, and in no time everyone in the class was up and SUP'ing. By the end of the class I felt like I had a solid grasp of the basics and a desire to take some advanced classes. It was a great experience and I'd recommend Potomac Paddlesports to anyone who's interested in getting started with SUP.
(5)
Bernhard F.
Been in Washington and noticed that river on its south side? Want to try running its rapids in a tiny kayak? Sometimes upside down. There is no better school to teach you how to do that than Potomac Paddlesports. Sunny Pitcher, the owner, is personally responsible for about 75% of all the kayakers that fill up the Potomac rapids on weekday evenings or weekends. Oh, on second thought, please do not go kayaking: It is addictive and you just add to the traffic jam at the Angler's Inn parking lot and on the river.
(4)
song s.
This place is the greatest, more than just a dog-friendly store, they are devoted to promoting paddling culture, and all three staff I have spoken with were helpful and informative in every way. They have a great selection of gear in the shop at prices comparable to the best online deals you can find, plus they are keeping alive a local paddling community, so I'd rather spend it here. I bought a great Astral life jacket, Yakima boat lock and Werner paddle and actually felt good about parting with the money because Scott was such a knowledgeable and friendly guy. They also sell used gear right after Labor Day, so check that out. I've been flatwater river touring all around the country but now I can't wait to sign up for their whitewater classes.
(5)
gina s.
This is a great, GREAT place to learn to Kayak, they are smart, patient, "cool", kind and very flexible. If you are at all timid about learning, please do contact Potomac Paddlesports. Otther than that I agree with the accolades here
(5)
Lauren R.
I really loved the sea kayaking classes I took with Potomac Paddlesports. I found their instructors to be patient, caring and informed. I specifically went for the safety class but took the series on sea kayaking and loved all of it. How fun it was last Saturday to try the advanced strokes and glide along on my new favorite stroke... Excellent.
Zain S.
I am tweaking my layering system for hiking/backpacking and needed a couple of new jackets. I was told about this place by a friend, so I checked them out on FB. Turns out they had a sale going on on Patagonia. BOOM! I stopped by on a dreary Saturday afternoon and Lindsy helped me figure out and finalize my system/choices. She was extremely patient, knowledgeable and helpful. I am very happy with my choices, and am sure I will hold on to these pieces for a very long time. I even ended up buying a sweet daypack! I only dealt with Lindsy so I cannot speak for the others that work here, but if they are all at/close to her caliber, then you are in excellent shape for sure! It takes a LOT to get me to drive out of DC to buy something (traffic UGH!), but I will definitely make a trip out to Potomac again to see these guys. Thanks!
(5)Chuck T.
I have taken whitewater kayaking lessons from Potomac Paddlesports, and have purchased equipment in the retail shop. Sunny Pitcher (the founder and CEO), has built a fantastic instructional program staffed with super cool people. I highly recommend all aspects of this organization. I have long wanted to learn how to whitewater kayak. Now that my kids are becoming excellent paddlers themselves, we decided to make this our new family activity. So, we jumped in with both feet this year: lessons; equipment; and lots of time on the water. My children have been learning in their camps and after-school programs, so I signed up for Potomac Paddlesports' beginner lesson package. It's a great deal, that you do at your own pace, that has taken me from total beginner to comfortably running rapids in just a few months. They use a simple, easy-to-use on-line lesson registration system that let's you plan out your entire summer schedule. Sunny himself teaches the classes, and leads all of the practice sessions. He often brings along additional instructors, who are all excellent, to break us up into small groups. Each lesson is well organized, logical, and methodical. Some people can do a sport, but not everyone can teach. Sunny and his team can definitely teach. They will demonstrate a technique, and not only explain how to do it, but also the logic behind it. When learning a new technique, it is not always inherently clear why they have you do it a certain way --- until you get into moving water. So, their explanations are very helpful. We have also purchased a lot of equipment from the retail shop. It is bright and clean, and well organized. Most importantly, it's staffed by paddlers who know what they're talking about, and have used the equipment themselves. They are good at helping you think about your needs, and how you'll use the equipment, so that you buy the correct items. And don't forget to leave enough time to hang out on the couch to watch the videos that are continually playing! What's been particularly fun for me has been to become part of the Potomac Paddlesports community. After lessons and after practice sessions, we often get together for meals, and lately some of us have started meeting up outside of class to go paddling on our own. I'm psyched to have a fun new group of friends! If you're thinking of learning how to kayak, or need any equipment, definitely check out Potomac Paddlesports.
(5)Nicole M.
Just took my first SUP class, SUP 101 this past weekend and all I can say is I am a fan of not only SUP but Potomac Paddlesports. The instructors who were not only easy on the eyes but fantastic in terms of explaining everything in laymen's terms. I am going to sign up for a membership and get ready for my SUP 102 class, cannot wait. Thanks for such a great time!
(4)ALEXandria H.
Disappointed in customer service. A friend booked a group of 8 of us to attend a Saturday afternoon class and as we realized we were lost yet close by as it's not the easiest to find we called stated the gps said we were 8mins away. We called 5 mins till start time. The woman on the phone said ok. As we pulled up and parked there was no signage stating Potomac Paddle Board but we noticed a group standing together so we parked and all 8 of us got out looking around and somewhat lost as what we later realized was the Sup yoga teacher and 4 students walk past us. When we realized we couldn't find a sign we called again now 10 mins past start time and they stated they left without us. A class of 12 people 8 missing they decided to leave even after calling! Had they informed us when we first called that they would leave without us I could understand, had the teacher who was missing 8 students bothered to ask us if we were here for paddle board spoke up it would have be nice. So we called back again asking if we could take a later class, since we drove 45 mins and their were 8 of us ...we were told no. We were also informed we couldn't be refunded and after emails , we were then lectured on leaving our house earlier. Needless to say communication and customer service is not their focus. They were able to keep the 260 bucks from our group as after being lectured and this poor experience a SUP Yoga class just wouldn't be the same. :( Sad 1st time SUP Yoga experience!
(1)Alison M.
Great introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding today -- it was a small class, the instructor was knowledgable and very encouraging as we learned four different strokes in the Fundamentals course. He was tuned in the whole time and gave us helpful feedback all along the way. So excited to try a new sport!! We really enjoyed it and look forward to upcoming courses and other coached sessions. Thank you!!
(5)Kate K.
Signed up for a paddle board yoga class for my friend's birthday. We were all very excited took time off to go. Several days prior my friend was notified that the class was cancelled due to a family emergency. I was never called about this cancellation. When I called to ask- they did confirm that yes the class was cancelled, but someone will call me to talk about my options. I have waited a day and called them again. Yet again I was told that a manager will be calling me. The following day I lost patience and called the company again. Finally I got to talk to the manager. I asked her for a refund since there probably would not be another opportunity for the 5 of us to get together for some time. The manager informed me that is it against their policy to offer refunds despite the fact that they were not able to provide the class. 1 star due to poor customer service!
(1)Angela M.
When my kayak sprung an air leak, I was referred to Potomac Paddlesports to purchase a repair kit. I was directed to a kit in the store, and I was very excited that I thought I had found an excellent resource for my new paddling hobby. I would have liked to be a long time customer of theirs. Unfortunately, the repair kit they sold me ended up rendering my kayak unusable. After having dealt with them on the phone and gotten quite a runaround, I insisted on dealing with their owner, Sunny Pitcher. Mr. Pitcher was highly critical of my decision to purchase a repair kit from his store, for some reason. He also refused to even look at the boat, but yet blamed me for somehow causing the damage. And, last but not least, he accused me of "pissing him off" by writing a negative review based on my experience. Judging by his comment below, in which he attacks me as a bully, presumably because I gave him a negative review, he still has not let the matter go. These interactions were most unfortunate. I would have liked to be a long term customer. But the safety issue caused by the product they advised me to buy and the way they handled the situation mean that I will not return or refer others to them. Subsequent events have mooted the issue from my perspective, so I have no plans to pursue it further. But seldom have I been treated so poorly. I recommend avoiding them.
(1)Carr J.
I can't say enough about this place. Don't let all the white water gear they have fool you ..... I Kayak fish and was able to get all my gear from this same location. Erin is the person you need to see. I was able to get all my Kokatat dry gear and Thule rack gear from her. Even if they don't have it ... Only takes a week or so and you have it. Erin even matched some prices on a few gear pieces. Great service... Knowledgable. Heck even fixing to sign my daughter up for the teen white water classes they offer. Finding a one stop resource is not easy but they made a happy camper out of me. Would recommend.
(5)Michelle N.
I checked out Potomac Paddlesports after a friend told me she got a student membership for stand up paddleboarding. Love! I took lessons years ago out at the beach but have never really found a place to do it regularly in the DC area. There's Jack's/Key Bridge Boathouse but for $20/hr, that's a pretty expensive hobby. I first checked out PPS when my friend told me about a SUP yoga deal. I'm down! The staff was super friendly and helpful in getting your gear set up and if you were new to paddling, they gave you a quick lesson. Yoga was hard, there's no question about trying to balance on the water, but it was so serene to be out on flat water in the summer, just taking in nature... when only a few miles away was the hustle and bustle of 495! After that class, I was hooked. I signed up for the full student package. It's expensive but you get SO much out of it: 4 classes that can be taken within 2 years, and in between free rentals for yourself and free weeknight classes to practice with an instructor and your peers. I thought not only is this a great way for me to finally paddle on a regular basis and learn some technique, but it's also an awesome way to meet people. The instructors really pay careful attention to your technique so they can offer advice and they really know their stuff. I've had class and practices with Buck, Suggs, Frank, and Jason so far and they are all great. Friendly, knowledgeable, and fun to hang out with. As for the store - they could do with more stock, but the staff, again, is super knowledgeable and helpful. Any time I have called the store, there's always an employee who can answer my questions or is happy to sign me up for a class. I also have to give a special shout out to Chris. When I went to rent a board and the store didn't have any more straps to buy so I could attach the board to my roof, Chris gave me his straps from his truck. He also made sure my board was correctly loaded and answered all of my questions. Now that is awesome customer service. The paddling community through PPS is so awesome. I'm really glad my friend talked me into joining and this has given me the opportunity to go out and paddle once or twice a week. I'm depressed that summer is coming to an end.
(5)Stephanie P.
I went whitewater rafting for the first time & thanks to Rhett Colwell & the rest of his crew, I had an AWESOME time!! They were so patient & knowledgeable & really put me at ease, being as tho it was my 1st time in the river. So much fun, can't wait to go back!
(5)Rick S.
We went as a family on 'Discover the Potomac' and had a great time. It was well worth the money, not too difficult, educational and really relaxing. The two leaders had a nice trip planned out and it was just the right amount of time and effort required. I you have never kayaked before, don't worry they do a nice job of teaching you what you need to know and keep a close watch on the beginners. Recommend it.
(4)Johnny W.
Discover the Potomac was quiet and serene. The guides were nice and informative. The trip was too calm, just flat water not even a little Rapids. If you want relaxing do it otherwise find a more exciting one.
(4)Claudia S.
We have taken two of their beginners trips and they are perfect for beginners but also for people with experience. They are friendly and the tours are quite nice and carefully planned
(5)Maya G.
I went on the Mather George White Water Rafting trip and it was thoroughly disappointing from beginning to end. I have been on numerous guide-led water sports activities and this was by far the most disappointing Our guide, Brian, gave an interesting enough tour of the channel, but the experience was mostly boring. I would not even describe the experience as white water rafting. We hardly jostled in the raft. The guides mentioned over and over again how dangerous it was, but it did not seem dangerous, tiring, or extreme at all. No adrenaline was pumping from a slow cruise down a channel. It was also on a day that they said was an extreme time to go down the channel due to the high water levels. I understand that they have to keep it safe enough for all ages and experience levels to participate, but this was seriously inaccurately advertised as an extreme, fun, challenging, athletic activity. In addition to the disappointing rafting, we had a thoroughly disappointing and frustrating time getting onto a trip to begin with. Our trip was originally scheduled for September 2013, then we got an email saying we can't go anymore until May 2014. And they refused to give a refund! Then, we scheduled it for a day in June at 2 PM. Then it was rescheduled again to 9 AM. They send out changes all the time, basically, and so you never know if you will be able to go on the trip. Meanwhile, they refuse refunds. This is an absolute never again purchase. Thoroughly regret this. I would recommend against buying the Mather George White Water Rafting trip.
(1)Roy S.
These guys are awesome!! This brand new store in Potomac is just what the area needed. Great selection of running and kayak gear as well as kayaks for sale. The store is fantastic looking and I know they will be around for years to come. They also provide outfitting tours and kayak school. Check them out!!
(5)Emily P.
When I woke up on a rainy, dreary Saturday morning at 6:45 am, I was not looking forward to my Stand Up Paddleboard 1 class. But I'm so glad I showed up anyway! My friend and I had a great time. Plus I did not want my $59 voucher for the class to go to waste. Apparently, all but one person showed up to the 8 am class. The instructors, Greg and Shawna (sp?) were energetic and ecstatic. They informed us about the reputable organization and their credible qualifications. "Potomac Paddlesports was the first professional kayak school to have its entire program fully sanctioned by the American Canoe Association." (I actually quoted that directly from the website). They made sure we were fully equipped with a PFD (something P Floating Device), a top notch paddle, and a sturdy, yet inflatable, paddleboard. The rain actually worked in our favor; it was slightly cold, but the water was warm. An experience with 90 degree weather would not have been enjoyable! We learned how to paddle on our knees; fall and get back on the board (which was nice because it provided warmth ;) ); stand up and paddle efficiently. We even paddled near some white water rapids! Some cool scenes we saw: a bald eagle! Other random birds. A dog with a lifesuit on a paddle board!! How cool is that? He looked pretty happy just chililng; so if a dog had fun, and I had fun, I'm pretty sure you'll have a good time trying stand up paddle boarding!
(4)Gina B.
I love Potomac Outfitters. Just like Roy S said, they're awesome. They're super nice, laid back cool but totally professional and they're experts about what they sell. When a kayak purchase fell through at REI because we couldn't transport it with the car rack they sold us (another story), we went online that same day in search of the same wonderful kayak. After numerous calls to stores around the DC metro area, Dave at Potomac Outfitters answered the phone. Yes, they had the gorgeous blue kayak I wanted in stock. And sure, they'd deliver it from suburban MD to Virginia at NO charge(!). The next day, I was kayaking : ))) Dave brought the beautiful kayak that morning, gave me some tips about carrying and storing it, and was just an all around amazing guy who loved the outdoors and is an experienced climber, kayaker and who knows what else. Potomac Outfitters is building their business, everyone, so if you're in the market for a boat or other outdoor goods, go to them first!
(5)Stephanie H.
My boyfriend and I purchased the Groupon for the Discover the Potomac Kayak Tour. The trip was awesome! We had such a good group of people. Our guides, Tom & Sebastian were very friendly, helpful, and funny. The tour was for beginners, but there were a few people with some experience. I had no kayak experience, but did not find it very challenging (I've canoed and SUP before). The overall experience was great and I plan on taking another trip/course with Potomac Paddlesports again.
(5)John D.
Wow what fun. The wife bought the groupon last year then promptly got sick. But no worries, they held our reservation for a full year at no extra cost. What a great organization. We went this weekend and had a blast in their SUP 101 course. If you go, don't pay much attention to their list of stuff to bring. Wear shorts. Barefoot seems best and I wish I had ditched my shoes. We had perfect weather so maybe it could have been cold but we were not. You will get wet and you will go for a swim. Prepare accordingly. Parking for the early AM class is not an issue but by the time we left I could see it would be an issue for the noon class. I am giving them a great rating because they are a great organization, the people are really friendly and into the sport, and they just believe in customer service. Give it a try it is a really great way to spend 3 hours.
(5)Andy C.
I found Potomac Paddlesports while searching for DC area white water kayaking communities. First off, the website is really helpful. I signed up for lessons and used their calendar to schedule my first lesson, practice sessions, and follow-up lesson immediately. Also, they had a great .pdf that listed everything that you need for the lessons. I can confirm that everything on the list is good to have on you, especially the booties! Moving onto the retail store: I know very little about the equipment, which makes me feel vulnerable to sales people. I found that the sales people explain why every item was on the previously mention list of equipment. The sales person was also armed with the list of gear for the class (you don't need to bring it with you), was really careful in sizing, and listened to what I wanted out of the gear. For me, I wanted to use the gear for really long seasons, going into cold weather, so he made suggestions for good layering gear to help with that. It was a great experience. Lastly, the course: they've honed this course to the most efficient and enjoyable afternoon possible. Also, they seemed to be ready for anything. You don't have to over think your first lesson because they already have, whether it be not knowing how to put your gear on correctly, where to put your sandwich in your boat, how to de-spider a kayak (maybe I am the only one concerned with this), all of that. When you get in the water, you'll buddy up with another student with the instructors coming around with suggestions on technique. For the more difficult maneuvers, you get one on one instruction and help. I would suggest this site, store, membership to friends who enjoy the being active.
(4)Rick I.
We purchased a deal of the day coupon for Mather Gorge whitewater rafting last year. We finally redeemed it this April after multiple cancellations last year due to low water levels in the Potomac. Re-scheduling was easy and we were always kept informed last year when the river was too low for rafting. The guides for the rafting trip itself were good. The guide in our raft, Cedric, had the right mix of explaining how to raft safely, telling stories about the river, and not talking every single moment we were on the river. The food provided halfway through was much better than I expected - cheese, peppercorn salami, veggie tray, and chips and salsa. The only downside is that the end of the trip, we had to do quite a bit of paddling against a headwind to finish the trip. Overall, this is a fairly leisurely trip and a good intro for people who want to go into western MD or West Virginia to do serious whitewater rafting. It's also a great way to explore the Potomac. We saw a bald eagle and a dog on a paddleboat. Overall, a great day to be an American.
(4)Kim C.
I did a white water rafting trip with Potomac Paddlesports last weekend at Great Falls. Admittedly, I went in with very low expectations. After rafting in Costa Rica and Iceland, as well as various locations in the US, I expected the trip to basically be a lazy float down the river. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had. The guides, and in particular, my guide Matt, really made the trip. There was several fun little rapids, a few games, and even a snack time. Plus the Mather Gorge is really quite stunning. I would highly recommend Potomac Paddlesports for their rafitng. They were so great that I am also considering taking their whitewater rafting classes.
(5)Ben S.
I've lived in DC my entire life, I love the outdoors, but for whatever reason I never got into kayaking. One day while climbing at Great Falls in 90 degree heat I was watching the paddlers below me and I realized how much lovelier it would be to be in the water. So I got a lesson package for both my father and myself. It started with a trip into the store. There was a huge list of gear that we should want before the lesson, but when talking to the person in the store, I got a much better sense of what was actually necessary. I really appreciated that they didn't try to get us to buy all kinds of gear that we wouldn't need right away. So far we are partway through the lesson package and have really enjoyed it. The first lesson was really about getting comfortable in the water. I was convinced that I would be able to roll pretty much immediately, but it wasn't the case at all. I didn't get my roll down until the second class. The second class was a bit more centered on the roll and that was where I really was able to nail it down. The third class is intro to white water, the fourth is river running and the 5th is rescue and safety. The pros: It allows you to get into the water easily, the weekly practice sessions allow access to people who are at a similar stage of development and do help to foster a bit of a community. You don't have to buy gear before you are ready. We've taken out rental kayaks on our own a couple of times, as well as used the kayaks for the practice sessions. They don't try to oversell you on gear. You can go at your own pace. It's really a relatively cheap entry into the sport. Sunny is really friendly, and he does go out of his way to be available and accommodating. The cons: I got my roll relatively quickly and so the system has worked great for me, though my actual paddling needs work. My dad has struggled a little bit and probably needs more individual attention than they can provide. The same goes for people who are not very comfortable in the water. Most of the time in the boat is in group sessions without a lot of individual attention, for people who that works with, that's great, but I've seen it lead to frustration for others. This also works best for people who are aggressive about trying to get better and fight for the teacher's attention. If you are unsure of yourself or uncomfortable you can get left behind in the group lessons and not get as much out of the practice sessions as you might otherwise. For those of us without a car getting to and from lessons, practices or getting access to boats is difficult. Not sure there is really anything they could do about it, but it's just something people need to be aware of. Overall I think that this is a great way to get out on the water if the method works for you. It just isn't necessarily right for everyone and some people need more individual attention (which can of course be purchased but it is a much more expensive route).
(4)Carolyn V.
Yay for Potomac Paddle Sports!!! I finally redeemed my Groupon for their "Discover the Potomac" kayaking trip on Saturday, June 25. What a great time!!!! Chris was our guide. He was funny and provided an outstanding kayak paddling lesson. We covered forward and reverse paddling strokes to navigate our flat water kayaks which are great for recreational kayaking. We departed from Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, MD and leisurely kayaked down the C&O Canal. We then proceeded to the Potomac River by carrying our kayaks over the towpath. Flotation vests, paddles, and kayaks were provided with our resident comedians, I mean, guides, Chris and Adam. Both were nice and funny guides who provided outstanding instructions. Since Pennyfield Lock is north of Great Falls, the Potomac River didn't have the heavy DC boating traffic which you experience below the falls towards the city. You can't believe you're anywhere near DC at this point. It was beautiful.
(5)Kimberley P.
My boyfriend and I took SUP 101 with Shauna and Greg, and it was a great experience. The class was 14 students, but they split us up into two groups so we got more individualized attention. Aside from being fun and welcoming, the instructors were well qualified, very knowledgeable, and above all great teachers. No one wants to get up at 6:30am on a Saturday, but trust me, taking the 8am class in August was a much more enjoyable experience than taking it at 12pm would have been. We enjoy canoeing and kayaking, but SUP doesn't even compare. Three hours with Potomac Paddlesports and we were hooked. Next step: buying paddleboards, practicing our skills, then signing up for the next class with Shauna and/or Greg. Note: they have some good deals for groups if you're looking to put together a private team-building experience among colleagues or family/friends.
(5)Tu-van L.
A hard to find warehouse that looks like a shack and is far from the road behind the merchant's tire. Look for the kayak sign to hint that this place is around. What looks like a run-down warehouse inside is a well kept and well organized storefront with all that is needed to promote the paddle sports. Lounge area to the side with paddling magazines and colorful lounge chairs and area rugs. An outdoor deck with various kayaks. They didn't have the Vibram FiveFingers shoes my friend was looking for, but for any paddle sport needs definitely include this place as an invaluable resource.
(4)Lynn H.
Stopped at the retail store because of the good reviews & convenient location, right off Rt270 and I'm glad I did. I was very happy with the friendly knowledgeable staff that helped me select a paddle. Didn't try to upsell me. Plus they are dog friendly - my dog Charlie was welcome.
(4)Ningxi X.
My boyfriend and I had purchased two Groupons for a DC monument kayak tour last September, and were finally able to use them on May 8 for a morning tour that started at 9. Our guide, whose name I believe was Chris, was very friendly and made sure everyone was having a good time. We were a little late (and I still do feel bad for that fact) partially because we left home maybe just a few minutes later than we were supposed to, but mainly because the directions provided to us were a bit confusing (at least according to the driver -- my boyfriend, since that's what he said and I wasn't really following the route). When we finally made it to the marina and met up with the instructor and two other couples, they didn't blame us or make us feel worse (though I think we were a good 45 minutes late). Chris gave some instructions on paddling, and then we had to take the kayaks and paddles to the water, which was a bit of a long walk with such heavy gear (at least for me who was panting the entire way and had to take multiple breaks). Once in water, we did some prep and then started to cruise along without much further instruction or guidance. We were able to snatch a few photos (Chris also took a group photo of us, but we never got to see or receive it -- that just reminded me) when we got to an area where we could see the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. It was nice, albeit a bit too sunny (that was probably just me though, as I'm not a huge outdoors person and have a low tolerance for UV rays). Overall the trip was easy, with few hurdles to surmount. I was happy that we got to see ducks and turtles (quite a bunch of them) along the way. The only thing is I wish the trip had lasted longer. The advertised length of kayaking was four hours, and we definitely didn't even have half of that time on the water. Pre-departure prep and post-completion follow-up included, I think we left around 1. We were most likely kayaking for about 1.5 hours. That aside, we didn't get very close to the monuments, although the tour was titled a monument tour. We paid $49 each for the Groupon deal, and that was already half off (would've been $98 for the tour normally), but I don't really see why the tour would cost that much money, since we pretty much just rented the kayaks and paddles, and had a guide -- although he was very nice and approachable -- who wasn't really a huge help since the paddling was pretty easy. I had kayaked on the Potomac twice before in Georgetown waterfront, and although didn't get to see that many monuments, only paid $10 for an hour of kayak and paddle rental and still got to enjoy an amazing view with the Kennedy Center and the bustling waterfront area. Granted, we got to see way more wildlife being in the less touristy Virginia part of the river, but I still think the price could be adjusted to be more reasonable.
(3)Terra B.
We purchased 12 tickets on Groupon to go Whitewater Rafting with this company and after 4 attempts to secure a date, we gave up and called Groupon for a refund which was about $800.00. Each time we called we got a different answer as to why our group could not be accommodating. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE, and I would not recommend this company to anyone. Especially disappointing after reading such good reviews, so we are taking our money and going Whitewater Rafting in Harper's Ferry instead.
(1)Raymond M.
I did a kayaking class and a SUP class with Potomac Paddlesports, and I'm very pleased with their instructors. I'm waiting for more groupon deals with them so I can sign up for more lessons.
(5)Cory B.
I read the negative reviews and just. don't. get. it. There has been NO ASPECT of my experience with potomac paddlesports that hasn't been 110% helpful, honest, fun, or professional. All the staff I've interacted with, from my first day in the shop to redeem the Groupon I was then so scared of (whitewater membership package. Do it. Do it NOW. You wont regret it!) to every Thursday night practice clinic (and Darren D is right, Thursdays group IS the best. Sorry Weds people) its all been a wonderful experience. The instructors are absolutely top notch, the gear, even though used regularly and by a lot of people, is in great condition and everyone goes out of their way to be helpful. The whole thing is an excellent operation and i couldn't be happier that i chose them to learn with. I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with them and learn. Keep up the great work!!
(5)Danielle S.
Had a groupon for their discovery course. It was fantastic. Chris and Adam were our instructors and they were knowledgeable, fun, approachable and relaxed. Being my first time kayaking, starting up on the canal was great....but hitting the Potomac was great. The route we took was easy and made all of our group want to come back for more. The instruction built confidence and I never felt unsafe. Chris took us out on the river, gave us a great history of the C&O Canal and surrounding landmarks and was a pleasure to have as a guide. Great experience and I'm planning to sign up for their kayak instruction series. Thanks for the great time!!!
(5)Kelly v.
I just recently experienced the Mather Gorge white water rafting trip after purchasing a Groupon for it with three of my friends. It was a fantastic trip and I am so glad my friends and I went. Great introduction for a person like me who has never rafted before. Wonderful, knowledgable guides that were very approachable and helpful with answering questions and clearly love what they do. Customer service was fantastic all around. I have already recommended it to some family members. My friends and I were already talking about doing another excursion with Potomac Paddlesports while we were still on the raft.
(5)Nancy D.
Very surly customer service.
(1)emmy f.
For the DC/VA/MD area, Potomac Paddle Sports is most likely a kayakers first exposure to Potomac Paddling. Sunny Pitcher, having started his kayaking school, has moved his way up to become the founding father of commercial paddling on the Potomac. However, he is a conservationist and his effects on the river have been nothing but positive. He regularly organizes clean-ups and repairs, and he and his instructors are always sure to teach kayaker-etiquette to all their students. And if Sunny meets you once, he will always remember your name. It's kinda crazy. The retail store which was opened about a year ago has a great feel to it, with comfortable couches and a great selection of the top gear for paddlers. The boats are lined up outside so that you can sit in them to try them on for size, and you can take demos out onto the river for 24 hours to see how it handles in the water. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and are all dedicated paddlers. By entering into a course through this business you enter into a very lovely community, with daily activities that give you a plethora of opportunities to get to know the rest of the helmet-wearing faces. Between the Irish Pub, Angler's Inn, Sushi, Pizza, and excursions into foreign territories, you are sure to make some good friends and make some good connections. Plus, you'll get a good workout and be happier.
(5)Dom C.
If you are seriously thinking about getting into whitewater kayaking, and in willing to put in some work, the student package deal is for you! The combination of classes, great instructors, a Mr. Miagi type of leader, and unlimited practice sessions and equipment rentals have gotten me on the moving water, having a blast with what is becoming an obsession for me. In a relatively short period of time, I have gained the skills to actually get out on some really fun water with confidence and experienced the joy of watching my "classmates", who are becoming fast friends do the same.
(5)Shawn F.
After Googling the options for stand-up paddleboarding lessons in the DC area, I chose Potomac Paddlesports' SUP 101 class this past weekend and I'm so glad I did. The four instructors (for a great student:instructor ratio of about 4:1) were natural teachers who clearly enjoyed sharing their considerable knowledge of technique, safety, and responsible paddling. They taught the skills incrementally, starting with a shore-based orientation to the equipment, followed by paddling in a kneeling position and basic self-rescue, and in no time everyone in the class was up and SUP'ing. By the end of the class I felt like I had a solid grasp of the basics and a desire to take some advanced classes. It was a great experience and I'd recommend Potomac Paddlesports to anyone who's interested in getting started with SUP.
(5)Bernhard F.
Been in Washington and noticed that river on its south side? Want to try running its rapids in a tiny kayak? Sometimes upside down. There is no better school to teach you how to do that than Potomac Paddlesports. Sunny Pitcher, the owner, is personally responsible for about 75% of all the kayakers that fill up the Potomac rapids on weekday evenings or weekends. Oh, on second thought, please do not go kayaking: It is addictive and you just add to the traffic jam at the Angler's Inn parking lot and on the river.
(4)song s.
This place is the greatest, more than just a dog-friendly store, they are devoted to promoting paddling culture, and all three staff I have spoken with were helpful and informative in every way. They have a great selection of gear in the shop at prices comparable to the best online deals you can find, plus they are keeping alive a local paddling community, so I'd rather spend it here. I bought a great Astral life jacket, Yakima boat lock and Werner paddle and actually felt good about parting with the money because Scott was such a knowledgeable and friendly guy. They also sell used gear right after Labor Day, so check that out. I've been flatwater river touring all around the country but now I can't wait to sign up for their whitewater classes.
(5)gina s.
This is a great, GREAT place to learn to Kayak, they are smart, patient, "cool", kind and very flexible. If you are at all timid about learning, please do contact Potomac Paddlesports. Otther than that I agree with the accolades here
(5)Lauren R.
I really loved the sea kayaking classes I took with Potomac Paddlesports. I found their instructors to be patient, caring and informed. I specifically went for the safety class but took the series on sea kayaking and loved all of it. How fun it was last Saturday to try the advanced strokes and glide along on my new favorite stroke... Excellent.
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