Wilderness Experiences Unlimited

I don’t know why this place doesn’t have more reviews. I guess it’s true that bad news travels faster and maybe that’s why there aren’t more reviews because this place and the people that run it are just great!
I purchased a PADI Open Water Certification course. I had a few questions and every time I called the person answering the phone was helpful and courteous and I never felt like I was being rushed off the phone.
I stopped in to get my books and info packet required for the course and needed to buy a new pair of dive boots. I was waited on by Matt, the store manager, and again he was patient, answered questions and really was concerned about making sure I was happy with my purchase.
Then, it was time to take the PADI Fast Track course. It is basically condensing what would be a week to two week course into 2.5 days. You really do nothing but eat, sleep and drink SCUBA for those days. It is intense, but fun, and they have one of the best PADI teachers running the classes. Jim Kane is an educator first (school principal) and that really makes a difference in the amount of information you are learning and retaining. Jim makes the class fun and educational and makes it not feel so overwhelming since you are learning a lot of technical information as the days go on.
The confined water section of the course is done right on site in a heated indoor pool that WWS runs. As an aside, this pool is also available to test drive equipment you might be buying in the store. Just while I was there, I saw someone try out a canoe, mask/​fin set and a full wet suit before they bought it. THAT is an amazing convenience and allows you to KNOW you bought the correct size or item BEFORE you take it on your vacation or trip.
Scott, the owner of WWS, stopped in during one of our classroom times to make sure we had everything we needed, answer any questions and just let us know he was available for anything we might need. You can tell he really cares about you and wants to make sure you are happy with the service/​education there, not just sell you equipment and tours.
If you have ever thought about getting your SCUBA certification, do it here! You will not be disappointed!

I took their Introduction to Kayaking course last Saturday with our instructor, Nick.
We were a group of about 8 people in the class. It lasted for three hours. The first hour was a talk in the shop about the different types of kayaks, paddles and safety.
Then we all got into a large van with a trailer full of kayaks over to Congamond Lake.
When we got to the lake, Nick took down a bunch of different kayaks for us to try: sit-​upon, recreational and touring kayaks.
We were able to try any of the kayaks on the trailer, we just had to let Nick know.
I had never tried the sit-​upon so I tried that first and then tried the recreational kayak. I have to say I liked the recreational kayak much better.
Nick was out with us the entire time and he showed us 6 – 8 different types of paddling techniques. We were able to practice a bit, and he left us to putter around as much as we wanted to in the water.
I really liked the relaxed vibe of the class. You could practice your paddling, try different kayaks, just sit back and relax and take in some sun, or go for a swim.
Nick demonstrated two different types of rescues if you or a kayaking partner ever get out of the kayak. Those were informational.
As an instructor, Nick was professional, capable, friendly and most of all calm. When you get people new to a sport in the water, they are bound to get a bit nervous (read: me). I usually feel trepidatious in a kayak, but by the end of the class, I was sitting in a kayak, rolling around on some big wakes from boats and jet skis and trying to paddle into them and over them. I felt like a duck in water. It was great.
I had a very nice time out on the water. I feel that I can better handle and enjoy a kayak thanks to this class. Good job, Nick and Westfield Water Sports! I cannot recommend them highly enough. I would have no hesitation in going back for another class with Nick.