About West Marine
Based on the provided reviews, West Marine is described as a retail store specializing in marine merchandise and supplies, noted for its high-quality products and, in most instances, exceptional customer service regarding product selection, exchanges, and issue resolution (e.g., shipping errors). The reviews do not describe a 'Kayaking for Kids' activity or venue, focusing instead on a retail shopping experience for marine products.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Individuals or families needing to purchase high-quality marine products, boating supplies, or components for 'boat projects'.Customers who prioritize excellent in-person or phone customer service for product inquiries, stock checks, or issue resolution.Not described as ideal for children's entertainment or kayaking activities based on these reviews.No details available in reviews regarding activities or suitability for specific age groups, as the reviews describe a marine retail store selling products, not a children's activity venue.
Why families love it
- Exceptional customer service for problem resolution, such as fixing incorrect shipping addresses and processing item exchanges easily and cheerfully.
- Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff when interacted with in-store and over the phone, readily checking stock for customers.
- Offers a decent selection of high-quality marine merchandise.
- Provided free COVID facemasks during one visit (a specific customer appreciation gesture).
- Highly responsive and problem-solving customer service for shipping errors or product issues.
- Ease and simplicity of the item exchange process.
Insider tips
- For product purchases, especially if traveling a distance, call ahead to West Marine to confirm stock availability, as staff are noted to be helpful and knowledgeable on the phone.
- If planning purchases, be aware that prices may be higher than alternatives, and the website experience is generally reported as poor.
- No specific tips for 'Kayaking for Kids' activities are available from these reviews, as they do not describe such services.
Good to know before you go
- Using their website for purchases due to widespread complaints about its poor user experience.
- Shopping if you are strictly seeking the lowest prices, as many consider them 'not the cheapest'.
- Visiting with the expectation of a 'Kayaking for Kids' activity, as the reviews indicate it's a retail store.
- Inconsistent employee interaction; some employees failed to acknowledge customers upon entering or leaving the store.
- Website experience is described as 'terrible' and difficult to use, leading to frustration and avoidance of online purchases.
- Value
- High-quality products are available, but prices are noted as 'not the cheapest place in the world' by one reviewer and 'terrible' by another. This suggests a premium cost, which some customers may find justified by quality or service, while others perceive it as poor value, particularly online.
What parents say
"Some of the best customer service ihave experienced in a long time the world needs more customer service like they have provided they were helpful and sent my package at no charge even tho I accidentally sent it to their store instead of my address thanks again guys I will definitely use u guys for all of my future boat project Matthew fotsch with envision painting plus!"
a month ago
"Decent selection of marine merchandise… Not the cheapest place in the world but very high-quality. They were giving out free COVID facemasks which I appreciated… My only real surprise was the employee interaction (or lack of), the employees didn’t acknowledge when I entered or when I left the store."
4 years ago
"West Marine is way past their prime, 20 years ago they were awesome. Its 2024 and i cant stand them. They are the next sears. I hate using their website, It's terrible and so does their prices. They need to improve there Web experience big time or they are doomed. I won't buy from them again. There is way better options out there. Good luck if you shop at westmarine. I'm done."
10 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More kayaking for kids in Spokane
Kayaking for Kids Riverside State Park - Bowl and Pitcher Area
4.7(1,624)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1624 reviews4427 N Aubrey L White Pkwy, Spokane
Kayaking for Kids Riverside State Park
4.7(1,417)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1417 reviews9711 W Charles Rd, Nine Mile Falls
Kayaking for Kids Sportsman's Warehouse
4.2(1,335)4.2 out of 5 stars, 1335 reviews6720 N Division St, Spokane
Kayaking for Kids Boulder Beach
4.4(917)4.4 out of 5 stars, 917 reviewsE Upriver Dr, Spokane