Stonker Kiting and Stand Up Paddle Torquay reviews

1547503544

Angus Booker

google

1

Impressive range of gear, but to be honest, arrogant unhelpful staff. I get the distinct feeling that if you aren't opening your wallet on the spot for a $2000 purchase or a member of some Torquay inner circle, they would barely have the energy to give you the time. I was driving by and went in for a SUP repair kit and some advice (admittedly for a SUP they didn't supply) and you would think i'd asked them for their first born. They were dismissive, rude and frankly quite arrogant with the only advice being to try a shop across the road (that I think had closed down some time ago). In search of this mystical competitor who might be able to help me with my inferior request, I popped into Patagonia. Stonker could take a lesson in customer service and visit this store. Staff are pleasant, informed and prepared to help without sizing you up first. In the end, a bit of YouTube and a visit to a hardware store and I managed to resolve my issue. It is retailers like this that will likely be whinging about the internet cutting their lunch.... I couldn't have felt less welcome. I've been eyeing off a new Red Paddle SUP but thankfully there are other Red Paddle dealers in the region which will save me the hassle of going back.

1483509714

Dana Hall

google

Our website clearly states that "Kiteboarding is a highly weather dependent sport. With this in mind, lessons will only be conducted in suitable conditions, left to the instructors discretion, depending on your ability. It is important to notify us several weeks in advance of your intention to have lessons. If you arrive in Torquay and hope to get a lesson on the day, it may be impossible and you may therefore be a little disappointed. This is because there is most likely someone who booked in weeks before you waiting for their lesson. So, to avoid disappointment, please book early." We do our best to accommodate people who try to get in for lessons without prior notice, but to be fair to the people who have booked in several months in advance, we have to give them priority. We are a much smaller kite surf school than the major schools in Melbourne and as such we have limited spaces available for students. Please call to enrol for lessons in November if possible, for lessons to be held WHEN THE WIND PERMITS over the summer period.

1493862082

1

The man I spoke with about kitesurfing lessons was very rude. He made me call back three times just to tell me they were booked up. When I called him out for not just being up front with me he said he prioritized locals over visitors. In the end he took my number and name down, said he would give me a call back about lessons but I have not received one. I would not recommend this place to anyone. The kitesurfing shops close to downtown Melbourne are way nicer and way more helpful. Go see them instead.

1524032980

Shane Hearps

google

Glad it's going well Shane!

1524033979

5

These guys know their stuff about SUP boards. V happy with my upgrade surfing board.

1525865541

Stuart Cruickshank

google

Thanks Stuart.

1525866303

5

Very friendly staff who provide fantastic advice and are very knowledgeable about everything surf related in the local area. They sell fine paddleboards too!

1493070234

Sacha Vlamynck

google

Well, it's very unsafe to do windsurf lessons in offshore winds which is what predominates this time of year. You're most welcome to come back when the wind is blowing in the right direction, which is in summer. And yes, windsurfing is a dying sport but we are still happy to teach people. But kitesurfing has HUGE advantages and we are doing what we can to help people have the best time possible in the water.

1493072814

1

Disappointing customer service. I went there the other day to ask for windsurfing lessons available as advertised on the shop front and the website. The guy looked at me like if I was a Martian because I asked for windsurfing lessons. When I asked why he was so surprised he said first because now people do kitesurfing, not windsurfing ( so basically I am a weirdo because I want to windsurf), and secondly because there is no wind before next summer which is not true and is not really his problem but mine) so he advised me to come back in 8 months and moved on to the next customer. Very poor customer service. Couldn't be bother arguing with him and left. I was excited to find this place but no would prefer to drive 100 Ks to st Kilda than spending my money there.