"It was truly awesome how the two of you brought us experientially into what a guide must be able to do from a place of natural calmness and knowledge ingrained right into the core sense of being, a place to aspire to as assistant guides as we find our way into the guiding world.
You increased our knowledge of our ignorance, you helped us to move into an inner place of comfort with finding out more by asking professionals, those around us and our surroundings; you shared intimately your knowledge and experiences of guiding.
For all that you openly and honestly brought to us, I thank you. And I must show my appreciation for your willingness to share yourselves in such a tremendously personal and intimate way, as you do on these leadership training courses, because you are sharing your deepest experiences of your life’s passions with us. Hopefully we will encounter each other many times in the future. With gratitude and admiration..."
· Gary Ward - Evolution Guide School leadership course, April 2008
"I would recommend this course to anyone whose interests range from learning to kayak, to guiding kayaking trips. I liked the course’s progression from easy paddling, to working the exposed reefs on the outer coast. All lessons were handled in a professional manner that progressively stretched my comfort zone, yet made me feel very safe. The instructors, Gord and Bruce, are well known for their vast experience and their decades of dedication to the guiding industry.
The course was very complete as a leadership course - from guiding philosophy to working with actual decision making processes. The program also emphasized general leadership techniques, which effectively trained participants for working in any guiding field. All this occurred in a very friendly and approachable environment. Great program. Thank you."
· Dave Sarkany, ACMG Certified Mountain Guide - Evolution Guide School leadership course, June 2006
"The only way one can have a true influence on someone else is to be a role model in one's own life and work. The course offered by Evolution Guide School taught by Gord Pincock and Bruce Wilson is modeled in this way. As there are many methods to learning, these men accomplish the task of influencing their teachings by being incredible role models, by the way they act and how they deliver their lesson plans. Their influence covers the subtleties of subjective as well as the mentally literate and physically objective lessons, which daily offers a soft delivery for participants to become better at kayak leadership.
Their awareness of the human spirit is much more acute than any instructors I have experienced in the past. It appears their goal is to support and to encourage learning at a level that matches any skill level and maturity of all students. I came to this course open to learn, I have paddled over 30 years, I feel full from the course, wishing to learn more, passionate about the new ideas and concepts I have come away with. Thank you Gord and Bruce for the learning opportunities!"
· Cheri LePage - Evolution Guide School leadership course, June 2006
"Thanks again for a really great course. In many years of training in outdoor leadership, your course was one of the most holistic and well-instructed courses I've taken - thanks for the inspiration!"
· Curtis Pauls, Outdoor Leadership Instructor for Columbia Bible College - Evolution Guide School leadership course, October 2005
"Gord and Bruce are very inspirational people, more than willing to share their experiences. The depth of integrity in both their knowledge of guiding and the wisdom gained through years of practical application, creates a very rich learning environment for students. They both set exceptional examples and prove that one can live one's life at the highest level of commitment and integrity. I feel privileged to have been able to share in that."
· Garth Hobden - Evolution Guide School leadership course, May 2005
"Bruce and Gord's experience shows in every lesson - not only in their thorough technical knowledge, but also in the comprehensive and calm way the material is presented. They place an emphasis on the "people" aspect of guiding that is truly unique and often overlooked. An exceptionally well balanced course lead by two exceptional instructors!"
· Erin Shankie - Evolution Guide School leadership course, May 2005
"Evolution Guide School has raised the bar in outdoor education. Its' master teachers, Bruce Wilson and Gord Pincock, combine their many years of outdoor experience, wisdom and instructional expertise, to elevate their students to amazing levels. Their guide's course was simply the richest program I've experienced. I highly recommend it."
· Terry Berezan, Outdoor Instructor for Yukon College - Evolution Guide School leadership course, May 2005
"Evolution Guide School did more than help me evolve my leadership skills, it helped me to evolve as an individual. This course was a pivotal moment in history for me. Gord and Bruce recognized my strengths and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Now, I am focused on what I truly want from life, instead of what everyone else wants."
· Derek Jean - Evolution Guide School leadership course, May 2005
"I came to the course knowing I had black holes in my abilities and my understanding of guiding, but I couldn't articulate exactly where those holes were before starting the course. The program was intensive and thorough enough for me to realize that I don't have black holes; I have ditches that I can now see the bottom of and I know what I need to work on.
The style of instruction was effective both in terms of psychological impact and respect for human dignity. In other words; their style allows a student to "get it" without fearing retribution.
I've trained with the best of industry with regard to leadership training. Gord and Bruce exhibited the same discipline, ethics and integrity. If you can't learn from them, you might consider a different sport away from water, like bowling or something."
· Peggy Ferderer - Evolution Guide School leadership course, May 2005
"This trip was a truly extraordinary experience. I learned more about kayak guiding than I ever imagined was available to learn and that was only half of the experience. The personal growth that we each experienced and shared with each other and the sense of community that formed between the instructors and students was wonderful. The instructors take their job to the highest level possible and create a fantastic learning environment. I felt privileged just to sit and listen to all the inspiring ideas and philosophies that people shared. The rhythm of living in a small community on the beautiful wild coast of Vancouver Island was hard to leave behind and will always have a draw on me."
· Lindsay Robinson - Evolution Guide School leadership course, May 2005
“Participating in this assistant guide course has been an excellent learning experience for me. It definitely moved me outside my comfort zone and I learned some interesting and valuable things about myself. I would like to thank Bruce and Gord for their very professional approach to their teaching.
Teachers with higher expectations achieve higher results! I would like to thank you for your care with all aspects of this course; the safety, respect and enjoyment during the course were wonderful. The food was fantastic!
Both Bruce and Gord will accompany me on all of my future paddling trips. Not physically, but through all they have taught me.
Thank you guys!”
· Nici Baughman - Evolution Guide School leadership course, 2004
“Gord and Bruce’s teaching styles thoroughly compliment each other. Every day is filled with learning and developing skills necessary to guide, with lessons dictated by the dynamics of the ever-changing conditions of the outer west coast. An attitude of “maximum flexibility” is maintained throughout the course, allowing a relaxed, safe and enjoyable learning experience. It’s one of those courses that you can't stop talking about for days after it’s ended!
Thanks again.”
· Ian Jacobs - Evolution Guide School leadership course, 2004
“Thanks to the whole team at Evolution Guides School; Gord, Bruce, Michelle and Josh (our cooks). I learned tons from you guys and ate better than I do at home! The course was very informative and made me love kayaking even more... can't wait to get on the water and practice everything that I've learned.
I am very thankful to have had Bruce and Gord as my first sea kayak mentors. You two have got me started on the "right foot." Hope to run into you somewhere along the west coast waters.
Have a great summer!”
· Genevieve Camire - Evolution Guide School leadership course, 2004
“This course blew my mind! Not only the best learning environment but a course full of memories I will hold with me forever! It's instructors: the technical, technological brain of Gord with the kicked back “Tao of Leadership” aspects of Bruce make this team like Scooby-Doo and Shaggy! The students became a family, the instructors, our Guru's and the knowledge obtained is priceless!
Thanks to my new family and friends!”
· Michael Quarress - Evolution Guide School leadership course, 2004
“I thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking course with Bruce and Gord. I have recommended it to many of my guiding friends; those who have experience and those who are just getting into the industry. That is the beauty of this course. It is course that you can give as a gift to yourself. Six days out there on the west coast with two incredible instructors. A chance to learn from Gord and Bruce's wisdom, to stretch your limits and to explore new avenues in the sea kayaking industry. I highly recommend this course!
Thank you very much.”
· Tierney Crickmay - Evolution Guide School leadership course, 2004
"This is the quintessential guiding and leadership course. The skill and cleverness in the planning is in balance with the precision and boldness of the presentation. I found that the information and experience was delivered sequentially, like waves sets building upon one another. These two men are able to instruct and bond a group with purpose.
Synergism at its best!”
· Timothy Crickmay - Evolution Guide School leadership course, 2004
"Certain days of our lives are so well-lived, so full of lessons and growth that their impact extends far into the future and shapes who we are and how we make our way through life. For me, the six days in Clayoquot Sound with Bruce and Gord live on in me, as the experience opened a path to a deeply rewarding career in guiding.
The combination of place, people and passion fused into a vibrant whole during the leadership-training course. The setting of Vancouver Island’s west coast is both challenging and inspiring, as ancient forests meet the rocky and rugged edge of the dynamically powerful Pacific. The wildness of the place intensifies the bonds that unite teachers and students into a nomadic tribe of kayakers, traveling and learning in harmony with each other and with the seascape that serves as both classroom and home.
This fusion of people and place is deepened by the passion that both Bruce and Gord possess for sharing their knowledge and experience with others. To be a great guide is one thing, but to be a great teacher of guides is an even higher order of accomplishment. Bruce and Gord have refined their skills as guides and teachers, and I am ever thankful for the good fortune of crossing paths with them. The Evolution experience has certainly evolved my own career as a sea kayak guide and instilled in me a growing sense of wonder for the amazing learning opportunity that arises when a group of eager students and excellent educators come together in a place of wild beauty."
· Joshua Benoliel - Evolution Guide School leadership course, 2003
