Patagonia Paddle Institute was birthed from our owner Jon’s one mission in life: to give personalized kayak instruction with the purpose of improving paddling technique and style. Jon has lived for over 11 years in Pucon, Chile immersing himself in the local culture and rivers. Keeping the business in the family he runs Patagonia Paddle institute with his Chilean wife Marta, and two children. Marta’s “Tios” also make up an important part of the experience sharing their mountain lodge accommodation and local Chilean knowledge.

Owner Jon (far left), with his two children (the mini shredders), and some other great ACA instructors during a instructors course in the South of Chile