Leadership on the Water
Tofino Sea Kayaking advocates for and upholds vigorous industry standards for guide training and leadership practices. Our professional guides and instructors are highly trained as sea kayaking wilderness leaders.
They come from a variety of backgrounds and each brings skills in their fields of interest: biology, botany, ornithology, geology, cultural studies, photography, music and the healing arts.
As instructors they are effective in imparting their technical knowledge of safe paddling skills. Tofino Sea Kayaking encourages and supports the continuous upgrading of guides' and instructors' skills to ensure a successful outcome to your paddling experience with us.
All guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Andy Murray
Andy brings his extensive personal kayaking experience, from rivers in Ontario to the isolation of the Canadian Arctic, to his role as our lead instructor at Tofino Sea Kayaking. Andy delights in sharing his passion and expertise on our tours and guests tell us again and again how much they enjoy Andy's knowledge of natural history. Andy is a dedicated birder and watches the ebb and flow of nature as a year-round resident of Tofino.
mat Valade
Whether it is kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, bicycling, surfing, skiing or snowboarding, in the right season, you will find Matt fully enjoying a range of outdoor activities either recreationally or professionally. In 2001 he was enrolled in the rigorous Adventure Travel Guide Program at Thompson Rivers University and began working with us as a day tour guide during summer break. Upon graduation he brought his considerable skills to our overnight tour program as well. Matt is an avid reader and loves working with people in the outdoors. We are pleased that he is now also a resident and homeowner in Tofino.
Candice Stevens
Candice was born in Tofino and is connected to Clayoqout Sound to her core. She has worked with Tofino Sea Kayaking for 8 years while raising her three year old son Kohen. The following quote sums up our Candice . "Hi, I just wanted to let you know how awesome your guide Candice is! I was part of the youth trip with Salt Spring Island Adventure Company, as an assistant guide and I wanted to thank your company and Candice for the awesome kayaking day trips. Cnadice was full of great interpretive info, especially on our tour of Meares Island. She was so positive, friendly and full of energy. As well Candice was very patient and understanding of our large and somewhat unorganized group of kids. Candice was very inspiring to me personally as I am a new guide this season. Thank you Candice! Have a great season. Emily Jenkins "
Derek de Gannes
Derek arrived on the West Coast from his homeland in Nova Scotia. He came to us from the Coastal Adventure Tourism Program at North Island College and brought with him a positive attitude to personal and professional development, strong technical and observational skills, and the highest recommendations from his instructors. Derek has worked as a harvester, deckhand, landscaper and tree planter, all requiring skills in the outdoors. He has been a valued member of our guide team since 2004.
Dominique Zapart
An avid outdoor adventurer, since the age of twelve Dominique has been an accomplished horse rider and trainer. Now she rides waves in Clayoquot Sound and is an accomplished paddler and guide with great communication skills which she brings from her former career in commercial radio. In addition to wintering in the mountains for skiing and coming back to the coast for ocean kayaking, Dominique spends time in Europe teaching outdoor education to children in international schools. She is passionate about old growth rainforests, the richness and diversity of Clayoqout and returns each season to share her enthusiasm with our guests.
Martin Temple
This is one person with stories to tell and Martin thrives on sharing tales of his many outdoor and travel adventures. In addition to being a very skilled paddler, he also is an avid snowboarder and dive instructor. His calm and easy manner can disguise the degree of attention he pays to the details that make a kayaking tour safe, fun and loaded with fascinating detail.
"Martin, Thank you for the best kayaking trip in the Clayoquot that I have ever had."
Clayoquot Wild, Sept. 2006, Aman Abdulla
Paddle with locals!
All of our guides are avid paddlers with a passion and love for the outdoors. They are enthusiastic, fun and highly attentive to your needs and satisfaction. They are also eager to share fully, their extensive knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the area to enhance the quality of your trip experience.