Catching Up with the Co-ops: Kando Day!

“Kando” (感動), the deep satisfaction and excitement you get when you experience something of exceptional value, quality, and performance."

At Yamaha the word Kando is everywhere. On the walls, on the stickers and posters, everywhere you could possibly imagine. Despite seeing it all around me as I’ve walked through the corridors of Yamaha during my summer Co-op term, I couldn’t say I knew what Kando truly felt like. That was until I experienced the Yamaha Kando Day in the Dirt. A day dedicated to not just riding Yamaha products but learning what Kando really is. Fear, excitement, thrill and adrenaline accompanied me through the entirety of Kando Day, from the moment I stepped onto the track, until I took off my riding gear.

A gaggle of both seasoned and unexperienced motor vehicle riders with sparkling eyes, nervous smiles and hearts filled with determination, me cheesing amongst them. Suddenly a wave of nervous silence sweeps over the group as we are passed over into the incredibly capable hands of the SMART Adventures instructors.

This experience would not have been the same without their guidance, endless support, patience, understanding, warm stories, and cramp inducing jokes. Whether it was riding the motorbikes, ATVs or Side-by-Sides, the SMART Adventures instructors were phenomenal in handling the Yamaha team. A special mention to Mackenzie, Aidan, Paul, Kevin, Steve, and Ollie who were some of my instructors and the people who helped me throughout the day. They made sure the smile on my face only grew as the day went along.

The biggest round of applause goes to Clinton Smout the owner and founder of SMART Adventures. His commitment to teaching and spreading joy to everyone who steps through his doors at SMART Adventures is to be deeply admired. As he told us the story of his entrepreneurial endeavours selling salamanders to his classmates to buy his first bike, as well as the history behind some of the bikes he owns, I could feel his passion. Dare I say he has gone beyond simply experiencing Kando, and now he embodies it. This set the tone for our Kando Day experience.

We were split into groups based on our skill level, then sent off to the vehicle we would be riding first. I was vibrating with excitement because my group was starting with the motorbikes. I would like to call myself a motorbike enthusiast, an admirer if you will, however before Kando Day I had never taken the plunge. It was everything I had dreamed of and more. The wind in my face, the dirt that hits you from all angles as you ride, and the canon event of almost crashing into a tree (a story for another time), it was all perfect.

As we moved on to the ATVs and Side-by-Sides, I found they each had their own thrills and charms that allowed for different types of riders to enjoy them. A motorbike for the thrill seekers. An ATV for riders who like comfort and stability with their excitement. Finally, a Side-by-Side for when you want to relax while getting down and dirty with your friends right by your side.

I was fortunate to have been able to share my Kando day experience with my fellow summer Co-ops, it was a transformative experience for every single one of us. Here were some of their feelings, post Kando Day:

“Kando Day in the Dirt was an unforgettable mix of adrenaline and learning for me” – Shaurya Sharma

"It was an unforgettably fun day that sparked a new love and interest for something I thought I'd be too nervous or shy to take part in 😎" – Dean Almira

“Ride like a pro was an incredible experience I'll never forget! It was so fun getting to use the Yamaha products and a great way to bond with the team.” – Erika Maskobi 

“Exhilarating, thrilling, and electrifying”- Norbert Kristof

Every year in the summertime Yamaha Canada provides an experience for their employees to go out into the fields of SMART Adventures to ride Yamaha products. It is more than just a day off, it’s an opportunity for bonding, discovering new passions, and most importantly creating Kando filled memories. Being able to experience Kando is truly something special, and I’m honoured to say that I have.