Testimonials
We had a fabulous private lesson with Robert Nissenbaum in late September, 2025. We discussed our objectives with Robert when we set the lesson up; we are seniors and wish to improve our paddling efficiency and energy economy on long paddles with loaded boats. We have found, on club kayak camping trips, that we tend to be at the tail end of the pack. While we’ve been doing this for a decade, we needed help with paddling efficiency and energy economy.
We met Robert at Saltwater State Park, on Puget Sound. The setting was terrific. We were able to unload our boats and equipment close to the beach, where there is a picnic table. At the table, Robert took us through the details of what we should be doing to achieve our objectives. Robert is an expert kayaker and an exceptional instructor. My wife paddles with a Euroblade, and I use a Greenland paddle. Robert was able to describe the differences between the two paddle types, as well as the similarities in technique. After our dryland session, Robert assessed our skills on the water, and helped us to improve. His critiques are pleasantly direct. His suggestions, in our experience, help one to maximize what works and then direct attention to changes that improve performance.
We scheduled a three-hour session for the two of us, and Robert effectively gave us at least eight hours of instruction content. It was the most valuable three hours of instruction, about half directed to each of our needs, we have had for sea kayaking. We will certainly engage Robert in the future to help us age gracefully in our sea kayaking, so we can continue to do what we love.
Robert is a true kayaking nerd, available to students and eager to geek out on the nuances of Greenland paddling techniques. I left the weekend with a better sense of what I prefer in a Greenland paddle and an internalized understanding of how paddle length and shape, boat dimensions, and paddler size influence paddle selection.
I have taken many classes with Robert Nissenbaum. At the beginning I was paddling a Euro blade and Robert was utilizing his Gearlab Greenland. I was working on improving my strokes and developing my own teaching style.
As Robert taught and coached me with my strokes, I learned more about the Greenland blade. I have since converted to paddling mostly Greenland and have four Gearlab paddles. I attribute the conversion to Robert and his demonstration of the Greenland strokes.
Robert takes the time to observe how his students are paddling and gives precise feedback. He trickles in the feedback so that I can understand and apply the feedback without being overwhelmed. He recognizes the improvement and then expands on the next suggestion and steps up the learning.
The waters in the Pacific Northwest are more adventurous than the US Southeast where I generally paddle. I have confidence that Robert will help me push myself outside of my comfort zone and if I go too far, he will be right there to help.
Robert is one of the few kayak instructors who I will travel across the states to take lessons from.
I am a Sea Kayak and Rolling Instructor who up until recently only used a Euro Blade. I decided to try a Greenland paddle to expand my rolls and quickly developed a liking for it. It became my go to paddle despite never learning how to properly use it.
I had the opportunity to attend a clinic with Robert this summer and all of that changed.
I’ve not met anyone with a passion for the Greenland paddle stroke like him.
He breaks the stroke down scientifically and in a technical way that is easy to understand and efficient.
Additionally, each stroke has purpose and blends in to the next, whether it’s the next forward stroke, draw, brace or setup to roll. The way Robert teaches you are always in the correct setup position for whatever may come your way.
I left the clinic with a greater understanding and connection with my Greenland paddle, and lots of skills to practice on my own, so that I can continue to improve.
I highly recommend Robert for anyone looking to improve or have a greater understanding of the Greenland paddling techniques.
I very much look forward to continuing learning with him.
Robert has been my instructor for both Kayaking and SUP for few years as I continue to explore coastal touring in new ways. I am not a natural or intuitive athlete. From his coaching and time on the water, I am entering into a stage where I am integrating and tuning the kayak, paddle stroke, body kinematics and developing a sense of what the water is doing, moving away from fighting to finesse and confidence. I appreciate his coaching style for the patience and attention to detail, as I work through questions, confidence and skills on my own timeline with the priority on my own safety for and those I paddle with. There is not a session where I have not progressed or unlocked new challenges.
From being a reluctant kayaker/all in SUP coastal touring, I now can’t stop talking about my passion for exploring my waters from my kayak and continue to look forward my next coaching session with Robert. I love to recommend his coaching to my friends for his ability to create and generate sessions and/or classes based on individual needs. He takes the time to listen and draft sessions around your individual and/or groups goals, assess where you are at in your paddle journey and weaves together his sessions. I had asked him about how do I assist a kayaker in need of re-entry from my SUP and he was able to set up a training session that I was able to put into practice and have shared with others.
I look forward to continue to learn and up-level my skills and confidence from his instruction.
Robert, I always appreciate your insight and experience! You will always be a friend and someone I hold in high regard. I have shared some wonderful learning time on the water with you. (Tacoma Narrows, Canoe Pass at Deception, a few times!) You are really good at what you do, as well as making your students feel SAFE in their space of taking risks to further their skills as kayakers.
I’ve taken several lessons from Robert and my skill and confidence in kayaking have greatly improved over the last year. Robert emphasizes practicality and adaptation in fundamental technique in his lessons for accessible kayaking. Becoming really proficient in core technique and adapting to situation, safety and current ability is a game changer for me, while continuing to build further skill in specialized areas is something I really appreciate.
I highly recommend his lessons to friends and throughout the local kayaking community.
“Thanks so much for class yesterday! So many little details clicked for me, from understanding the hows and whys of the support the paddle delivers (like from your lecture, especially about the differences between the euro blade and Greenland…) and then getting to feel it on the water. Just perfect!”
Kathy A
Olympic Peninsula Paddlers Intro Greenland Paddling, 3-18-2023
Yesterday was fantastic. Besides being thrilled about being on the water – the class was amazing. The “save your shoulder” explanation on a rescue was incredible.
“Robert is an enthusiastic and kind teacher who is uniquely effective at helping paddlers discover and develop foundational paddling and safety skills. His kayaking knowledge is encyclopedic, his teaching style is patient and supportive, and his good humor is a delight. Those who know him at all know that I’m not exaggerating.”
Graton G
Private session, 6-12-2022
I learned a great deal in a short period of time with one of Robert’s pool sessions. He has boosted my ability and my confidence. From a safety standpoint, I would highly recommend his classes.
“Thank you for the fantastic class, guidance and patience. Your passion and care that your students learn safety properly shows. I learned a ton.”
Cassandra E-G
Small group pool session, 3-13-2022
The class was exactly what I needed. Worth it just to find out that my arms shouldn’t hurt after paddling! Robert was able to expertly teach two of us at once, adapting to our different learning styles and needs.
“If you haven’t taken a rescue class, I can’t express to you enough how empowering taking a rescue class is. Robert is truly an amazing instructor and I highly recommend him!!
Let me add, this is NOT easy. We were raising our arms in victory because we all successfully did a heel hook (which I adamantly said I couldn’t do). We are all SO appreciative of Robert’s coaching and support”
Dnitra A
Private group recovery class, 6-25-2021
I really appreciate your teaching style and you gave me lots to work on without making it feel overwhelming. I am even more excited about kayaking than when I first got my boat!
