The ORS Crew

Ocean River Sports & Adventures

Located in Victoria, British Columbia on beautiful Vancouver Island, Ocean River is one of the premier speciality kayak and adventure companies in North America. Brian Henry, the founder & current owner, has been running Ocean River since 1981, and Ocean River continues to be recognized as one of the most significant outdoor/paddlesports instructional & tours provider in North America.

Our unique location just north of the Johnson St. Bridge allows us the opportunity to kayak from our own docks and explore the wondrous Victoria Inner Harbour. If it’s windy or marine traffic is too busy, the upper harbour & the Gorge Waterway are also excellent destinations.

Ocean River Adventures employs Paddle Canada/Sea Kayak Guide Alliance of British Columbia trained instructors and guides in order to give you the safest and highest quality tours possible. Our responsible tourism policy acts as a guideline to ourselves, our crew and our clients in dictating how we behave in regards to the environment, our social responsibility and our economic health.

Our Full Time Staff

Brian Henry

Founder

Brian is one of the original pioneers of the sea kayak industry, an expert kayaker, a kayak designer and also the owner and operator of Ocean River Sports in downtown Victoria, BC. Brian was born and grew up on Vancouver Island, and started kayaking at about the age of 5. With a passion for being on the water, Brian led trips to the wild west coast of Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands (presently called Haida Gwaii) in the late 1970’s—when modern day kayaking was just starting. Brian continues to be an active paddler, certified guide, and overall advocate for the environment and the activity of kayaking.

Jamie Dawson

Retail and Operations Manager

Jamie is a lover of everything outdoors. Especially the gear! With over 20 years in the sporting goods industry there isn't much he hasn't seen. Always looking for the next best piece of kit. You'll catch him in the shop, day guiding, and teaching Paddle Canada level 1's for ORS. In his free time you will find him in a kayak, on a board, hiking mountains, or playing golf.

Lee Phillips

Manager of Instruction and Programming

Lee has a passion for teaching and loves to see the “Aha! Moment”. Lee’s approach to coaching paddle sports addresses not only the physical movements and techniques, but the mental game as well. He takes great pride in addressing the diverse learning styles of all his clients. A true West Coast guy, Lee has been paddling the dynamic waters of Vancouver Island for over 20 years.

Lee is an instructor and guide for Ocean River Sports. He is a certified Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor and a SKGABC Level 2 guide.

Vicky

Tourism Manager

Vicky, with a passion for tourism and a love for adventure, hails from Ushuaia, Argentina. Transitioning from an internship in tourism to overseeing our tourism business, she is the go-to person for Tours and Rentals at Ocean River.