Leadership
![Guide Damon, walking on a beach with a kayak](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Damon-1-1-300x200.jpg)
Damon (He/Him)
Owner & Expedition Manager
Damon (He/Him)
Damon is a graduate of Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure Program and as Expedition Manager he ensures everything about your trip is ready to go once you arrive. He manages our awesome team of sea kayak guides.
Damon’s love of the great outdoors means that each trip is based on his detailed knowledge of the area and the favourite spots only a resident local expert knows how to find.
![Stephen in front of a map](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stephen-1.jpg)
Stephen (He/Him)
Owner & Operator
Stephen (He/Him)
Stephen has had a passion for the water since moving from Alberta in 1992. He is a avid fisherman and outdoorsman. Stephen lives in Campbell River and loves spending time with his family. His two daughters are 5 and 12. They have enjoyed spending more time on the water and share his passion for the outdoors.
His business background as an entrepreneur has grown a company from 30 employees to 75. Stephen has a Bcom in Entrepreneurial Management from Royal Roads University. He is a trained naturalist, Commercial Bear Viewing Association Level 1 bear viewing guide and is Transport Canada Certified for small commercial vessel operations. Stephen also holds a Multi Engine IFR Pilots License, and a Class 1 Commercial Drivers License.
He also currently serves as President of the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association, member of the City of Campbell River Tourism Advisory Committee, and member of the Discovery Islands Tourism and Forestry Working Group.
![Tyler with a paddle in his hand and kayaks in the background](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WhatsApp-Image-2024-07-16-at-3-2-300x254.jpg)
Tyler (He/Him)
Owner & Operator
Tyler (He/Him)
Tyler has grown up on the water. His early years were spent down in the Gulf Islands, before moving north and exploring Nootka Sound, Discovery Passage, and the Johnstone Strait.
He’s been involved in the commercial sportfishing and ski industry since 2001. He was the Assistant Slope Supervisor at Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort, and was tasked with supervising a crew of 20 in day-to-day operations. He is also a commercial sports fisherman in Nootka Sounds Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait.
Tyler has a Leadership and Safety Excellence certificate from ACSA, MED 3A- Marine Emergency Duties, Marine First Aid CPR/AED Level C, VHF Radio Operators License, and Small Vessel Operators Proficiency from Transport Canada.
![Maddie in a red kayak](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WhatsApp-Image-2024-07-23-at-1-225x300.jpg)
Maddie (She/Her)
Marketing, Sales, & Social Media Manager
Maddie (She/Her)
Originally from southern Germany, Maddie's childhood camping trips to European seaside destinations ignited her passion for the ocean and marine life, despite growing up inland. Her kayaking journey began in 2016 in New Zealand, where she explored Abel Tasman National Park's coastline for three unforgettable days.
With bachelor’s and master's degrees in tourism management, Maddie joined our team in 2023, finding her dream job in ecotourism. She thrives on continuous learning about marine environments and integrates her passions for creativity and sustainable development into her work.
Outside of work, Maddie enjoys an active lifestyle—mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, and relaxing with a good book on the beach. She also enjoys being creative with activities like painting and baking sourdough bread.
![Robin on a whale watching boat](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Robin-1-1-300x200.jpg)
Robin (He/Him)
Admin & Operations
Robin (He/Him)
Robin was born and raised in the Campbell River area and grew up on the water. His passion for being on the ocean and sharing his experiences is what drew him to becoming involved with the marine-based ecotourism industry.
Having been involved in various facets of this industry, Robin has contributed significantly to Orca Camp, where he helped build infrastructure including the beloved wood-fired sauna. He also coordinates remote kayaking drop-offs for Whales, Wildlife and Wilderness Expeditions, in addition to managing guest communications.
For the past six years, Robin has additionally been guiding tours with our sister company, Campbell River Whale Watching. He brings extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to every excursion, believing in the transformative power of experiencing the rugged beauty of the Discovery Islands.
Robin believes it is crucial that we all do our part in keeping this stunning part of the world as pristine as possible so that future generations get to explore and witness what he gets to see on his tours.
When he's not working, he can be found at his family cabin, on the golf course, at the softball diamond, or out for an evening fish.
Guides
![Rachel on a kayaking expedition](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Rachel-1-300x225.jpg)
Rachel (She/Her)
Kayak Guide
Rachel (She/Her)
Meet Rachel, our adventurous sea kayak guide originally from London, UK, whose journey to Wildcoast Adventures has been as dynamic as her background. With a diverse career spanning from London’s bustling pub scene to the fast-paced world of financial services, Rachel found her true calling in outdoor instructing and guiding across the globe. Drawn to Wildcoast for its unparalleled whale-watching opportunities and thrilling paddling expeditions, Rachel brings her passion for kayaking and sustainability to every trip. Her love for kayaking stems from its unique ability to foster a deep respect for environmental conservation. Joining Wildcoast for her first season, Rachel loves the opportunity to share the outdoors with enthusiastic groups, making each expedition unforgettable. Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring even more natural wonders or planning her upcoming thru-hike.
![Vincent standing infront of the ocean](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Vincent-1-285x300.jpeg)
Vincent (He/Him)
Kayak Guide
Vincent (He/Him)
Vincent's passion for the outdoors ignited at 13 with a canoe tripping camp in Quebec, sparking a lifelong love for exploration. Guiding backcountry skiing and patrolling in Quebec winters, Vincent also holds certifications from Cégep de Saint-Laurent's adventure tourism guide program and carpentry school.
Joining Wildcoast Adventures for his second season, Vincent thrives on guiding multi-day tours, fostering deep connections with guests and sharing his expertise in kayaking, a sport he admires for its continuous learning opportunities and being immersed in the beautiful nature.
Beyond kayaking, Vincent finds joy in white-water canoeing, telemark skiing, and bicycle touring. His favorite adventure memory involves cycling through Canada with one of his friends.
![Diana in a red kayak](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Diana-1-1.jpg)
Diana (She/Her)
Kayak Guide
Diana (She/Her)
Meet Diana from Patagonia, Chile, whose passion for ecotourism led her to become a kayak assistant and guide in Torres del Paine National Park. For three summers, she paddled amidst icebergs and glaciers, captivated by nature's grandeur.
Transitioning to Canada for a new adventure with Wildcoast Adventures, Diana is excited to continue her journey in kayaking, a sport that has quickly become her passion. She values its ability to connect her deeply with nature and educate others on environmental conservation. Diana enjoys sharing her love for the outdoors with people from all over the world, showcasing the beauty of nature while fostering a respect for the environment.
Outside of work, she keeps active with exercise and enjoys occasional climbing and going out with friends.
![](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Josh-1-256x300.jpg)
Josh (He/Him)
Kayak Guide
Josh (He/Him)
Meet Josh, one of our enthusiastic kayaking guides at Wildcoast Adventures. Originally from Labrador, Josh graduated with a diploma in Geomatics Engineering Technology and has since explored Canada through various outdoor pursuits like kayaking, snowboarding, climbing, snowmobiling, fishing and camping. This summer marks his introduction to Vancouver Island, drawn by Wildcoast's reputation and the island's beauty. With prior guiding experience on Georgian Bay, Josh thrives on guiding kayak expeditions that range from leisurely paddles to adventurous multi-day trips. He's passionate about pushing boundaries, introducing others to outdoor experiences, and spends his free time practicing Jiu Jitsu, rock climbing, and exploring BC in his Jeep-home.
![Brady in front of the ocean](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Brady-1-300x200.jpg)
Brady (He/Him)
Kayak Guide
Brady (He/Him)
Brady hails from the picturesque island of Grand Manan in the Bay of Fundy, where his family established a kayaking company back in 1989. With a lifelong immersion in kayaks and ocean adventures, Brady's passion for marine environments runs deep. His journey into guiding began in 2015 with his family's company, spanning seven seasons on Grand Manan before venturing to New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds for two seasons and guiding around Australia's Whitsunday Islands for one season. Brady joined Wildcoast Adventures in May 2024, enticed by the opportunity to kayak alongside the diverse marine life of the west coast.
What Brady loves most about his role is the chance to connect with people from all walks of life, sharing stories and showcasing the natural wonders of the area. Outside of guiding, Brady is an avid traveler, exploring new countries and cultures whenever possible, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Brady summited Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in the summer of 2019, followed by an epic road trip across South Africa.
![Laura standing on a beach](https://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Laura-225x300.jpeg)
Laura (She/Her)
Kayak Guide
Laura (She/Her)
Laura grew up in North Vancouver and has a diploma in outdoor leadership. Now in her second season with Wildcoast, she previously spent several summers working with youth at a summer camp on the Sunshine Coast. The wide variety of marine life in the Johnstone Strait and Discovery Islands is what brought her to Wildcoast and her favourite part of guiding is sharing that with guests from all over the world.
When she’s not paddling, Laura can be found enjoying the slower moments spent with her dog, Bentley, and channeling her creativity through art. In the winter she can be found downhill skiing and working as a ski patroller.