The pool needs work, it looks like the pool walls have never been cleaned, the entire pool room needs so much work. They promise monthly skills checks that don't happen. And it is such a cookie cutter program that they only practice 3 skills in some levels. Better off going somewhere with red cross trained teachers in my opinion. read more

Just a word of warning, DO NOT use Bear Paddle in Mason for swim lessons. We bought a groupon for 16 lessons from Bear Paddle and with 5 lessons left they told us they were switching to their summer schedule and we could only continue if we paid an additional $300+ I declined the additional cost because we already paid quite a bit for the 16 lessons. They told me I could save them and use them when they went back to the regular lesson in the fall. I was just told my remaining lessons will not be honored unless I pay for at least 4 additional lessons or pay for their clinic. They told me it's not their fault, it is corporates change and they won't honor my lessons I paid for. They also refused to give me a phone number to this corporate office they are blaming. Don't lose your money going to Bear Paddle. That is not the way to run a business by stealing from your clients. read more

We had a great try out experience, but the swim lessons were a major fail. We will not return.

Our instructor, Jeffrey, was great. My almost three year old son improved immensely. My only complaint is that they don't seem to give very clear info about moving up a class. My son was by far the oldest in the Teddy Intro class and would have definitely fit in better in a higher level but they wouldn't move him up. I suspect it's a corporate problem in which they are only looking to make money by making it difficult for kids to move up so they will keep paying for lessons to try to improve. We may try again when he's older but won't be continuing our lessons this year. In response to the owner's comments--Jeffrey was great. He did a fine job helping my son improve and explaining the difference between intro teddy and teddy 1. I believe it was the assistant manager's job to decide who moves up. I think improvement in communication is key here. The criteria for moving up was confusing and poorly conveyed. All is well though-- we finished strong! Thank you! read more

I scheduled classes for my child on Thursday evenings for swim. I received a couple of different emails and read through them several times but I misunderstood based on a previous experience I had had at a different Bear Paddle facility. My issue was the rudeness of Emily at the front desk. When I told her my concerns, rather than show empathy and embody customer service, she told me "she wasn't going to argue with me." Might I add that this was my first visit to this location and this really didn't sit well with me, or reflect positively on the company. Not saying I didn't misunderstand but her attitude about it did not deescalate the situation, which is why I didn't reschedule and am going to their competitor now. Neither person at the front desk looked like they wanted to be there. read more

The facility is great, heated pool, lots of seating for parents to watch by the pool, and the changing / shower area is designed for family, makes it very convenient for families with young children. Teachers are friendly and make the lessons fun for kids! The issue I have are the following: 1. The teacher / pool manager doesn't pay attention to each student's progress. If you don't voice your concern, your child will likely stay at the same level for an extensive period. I'd suggest a real progress check/test every month for each kid to see if the individual is ready to move to the next level. 2. The front office is often rude. There is a lady who normally works on Sun, you get the feeling that she didn't want to be there... Her answers often ended with "I cannot help you" or "I cannot predict the future". We have decided to call for help during the week to seek help in order to avoid the lack of customer service... These are not major issues and should be an easy fix! I will start looking at other swim lesson facilities if no improvements made in the coming month. I have changed my review from 3 to 4 star as it has clearly improved on issue #1 since my review! Thanks for making the needed improvement! read more

Great instructors and I really like the way they teach. Very kid friendly and have helped my daughters learn how swim. I have had them take ymca lessons and it can't compare to Bear Paddle. read more

We love BP! The instructors are friendly, fun, and very well-trained with teaching kids to love being in the water. I gave it four-stars because, I don't agree with putting floatation devices on kids during swim schools. BP does that on some strokes. I also do not like the fact that kids have to switch class times when they move up levels. If there is a kid that if flying ahead of the rest, yes, move them to a fast-track, but for the most part, I think levels could be combined a little. read more

My husband and I decided to try this place out to see if we liked it better than our previous school. First off when I called I signed my 9 month old up for the first class. We got there they showed us what to do etc. First thing I didn't like was that only one parent in the water. Second this class we found out was for babies who has never been in water. Our daughter was way beyond that. So I called again to get her in the second class. Showed up and she was still put in the same class. I was angry. The place is loud , can't hear the teachers, they dunk the kids without warning, teachers are not experienced. Not impressed with their school. We are sticking to the one we are at now and knowing our daughter will make leaps and bounds in the water. Sorry bear paddle gave you two chances. Not ever coming back! read more

What a great swim school and perfectly tailored for kids. Clean, fun, supportive and encouraging. Salt water pool. Low student:teacher ratio. We especially love Coach Jacob. Our 3 yr old has made huge progress in 5 weeks. read more

Our 5 and 7 y/o boys began swim lessons here when they first opened, and both have been making steady gains. Younger one was extremely fearful. His previous attempts at swim lessons at two different location lasting several months each did not show much improvement. He couldn't even put his head under water. Here at Bear Paddle, they really seem to know how to work with young kids and motivate them to get to the next level. Coaches are well-organized and run things smoothly enough that we haven't felt like our children were not getting the most of their sessions. Small class sizes also help with this as well. I am amazed each week at the noticeable progress each one is making. Our 7 y/o who could barely float is doing butterfly stroke in just over 2 months! I highly recommend this school to anyone with young children. read more

Love Bear Paddle. The staff is great and facility is clean. One staff member, Jacob, was absolutely incredible with my son who was initially scared to get into water. I've already recommended Bear Paddle to my friends. Both my boys can't wait to go to their swim lessons. read more

Our 9-year-old son has Down Syndrome, but the BP folks were up to the task. He's had some swimming before but it will take time for him to get comfortable in the water. Josh and Jacob have worked with him so far with a great combination of fun and firmness. These people obviously have experience in teaching both willing and unwilling kids to swim - and they have a free assessment in the water to let you know what they think beforehand. The setup is thought-out and the facility is GREAT. Clean, light and airy. I watched each coach prepping for the sessions by reading up. Well-prepared, they are, and you can't say that about just anywhere. They are in this business to teach kids to swim and be successful at it. Looks like they are. I gave it four stars not because there is something missing but because I think four stars is really good. These folks are really good. read more

My almost 5 year old loves swim class here. She was a very fearful swimmer and she is getting more and more comfortable each class. They cater to all different levels (mine is in the lowest level right now). Coach Josh is GREAT with the kids. He makes them laugh, makes them comfortable and the kids are happy to see him each week. Changing/lockers rooms are huge and clean. Swimsuit dryers, showers, etc there. read more

I don't write reviews often but felt it was necessary to recognize this establishment. First of all whoever is in charge of this operation has done a remarkable job. Concept is great and execution is even better. We walked in on a Saturday when they were packed. As it turned out my wife had booked the class in Oakley. They could have easily turned is away with a sorry no luck, as this was obviously our mistake. Instead Alyssa at the front went out of her way to figure out how to make it work. This included helping me as I'm juggling trying to get my one year old dressed stuff in a locker and myself dressed in time for the class. Sam our instructor was outstanding. She remembered every kid's name in the class and had a magnetic personality my child was drawn to. We as consumers are exposed to multiple businesses both big and small on a regular basis and when you walk into one that just does everything right it needs to be recognized. Congrats to everyone involved. We will definitely be back and you should be proud of yourselves for what you have accomplished. read more

New Review: We've been attending for nearly 2 years now and I see this place starting to go downhill. We originally raved about this place and gave it 5 stars, but things have changed. Instructors are not as well trained as they used to be. My son had just switched to a new level and the teacher treated him immediately like the other 3 advanced swimmers in the class and my son just couldn't keep up. He needed extra attention and kept going under water. Problem was, the instructor had 3 other students to pay attention to and wouldn't always get to my son immediately to help him. This went on for 5 weeks. With him teaching and explaining very little to my son, finally I told the instructor that my son can't swim and stay above water like he expects him to and needs more help on how to stay above water. The instructor just rolled his eyes at me! So I complained up front and switched my son to a different class where I was told he would be put in a class with only 2 students and that it would be locked so he could have a little more instruction. That lasted all of but 2 weeks and he was back to struggling again because 2 more students were plugged in again! He kept going under and again, the instructor wouldn't take the time to explain to him how to stay above water. She would rescue him and just send him forward. Recalling how my daughter was taught in that level, there was a lot more explaining going on. Explaining how to use your hands and your feet in a certain way. He's now in yet another new class, but this instructor is completely distracted by her surroundings. She spends a lot of time looking up at people and not paying attention to what the swimmers are doing and how they are doing it. Another parent next to me commented on the same thing to me and we agreed that I would complain and if there wasn't any improvement, then she would complain too. I found out that the instructor was new. Another new instructor! Since I expressed my concerns, I have seen improvement...but again, it's as if these instructors expect the swimmers to already know what they are supposed to be teaching at that level when they get in that class. Now, concerning the stalls. It seems that the changing stalls always smell like urine anymore. I don't think they desanitize as much as they used to. What's worse is there is a lot of standing water in the stalls and you just don't know what your kids are stepping into. It seems like the floor isn't designed to drain all the stalls properly of water. Only some stalls get drained and those are the ones that always get occupied so you have to wait to get your kids changed. With this all said, my daughter is in a much higher level and has been trained under the old instructors. She's doing very well and loves swimming and her instructor. She says her instructor is very nice and makes her laugh. read more