Ocean River Sports & Adventures
Our Full Time Staff
Jamie Dawson
General Manager / Owner
Jamie is a true outdoor enthusiast with a deep passion for all things gear-related. With over 20 years of experience in the sporting goods industry, there’s little he hasn’t seen when it comes to outdoor equipment. Always on the lookout for the next best piece of kit or program offerings, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and excitement to everything he does. You’ll find him in the shop sharing his expertise, guiding day trips, and teaching Paddle Canada Level 1 courses at Ocean River Sports.
Outside of work, Jamie is an avid kayaker, stand-up paddleboarder, hiker, and golfer. He’s committed to supporting and growing the kayak and SUP community, constantly introducing new products, brands, and ideas to enhance the paddling experience. Whether he's out on the water or exploring the outdoors, Jamie's enthusiasm and dedication to adventure inspire everyone around him.
Bernard Rechico Moisan
Assistant Manager
Bernard first joined Ocean River in 2022 as a kayak guide with 7 years of multi-day canoe expedition guiding experience in Ontario, Quebec, and Northern Canada. although canoeing is his first love, he loves paddling of all kinds and is passionate about sharing his love for Victoria. You might hear him teasing the team with his favorite saying "Half the paddle, twice the paddler!"
After two years away from guiding, Bernard rejoined Ocean River as Assistant Manager. He has a background in youth programming, expedition guiding, retail and travel trade, and holds a Bachelor of Tourism Management from Thompson Rivers University. Bernard would be happy to help you in French or English!
Kim Dawson
Director of Instruction and Camps
Kim is one of Ocean River Sports’ most dynamic instructors and guides, known for her infectious passion for the outdoors and all of its wild, wonderful creatures. As the creative mind behind our Coastal Kids Kayak Program, Kim has inspired a new generation to explore and appreciate the ocean environment with curiosity and respect.
When she’s not out on the water leading kayak groups or teaching paddling skills, you’ll find Kim sharing her expertise and enthusiasm in the shop — helping customers find the perfect gear for their next adventure. She’s an integral part of the Ocean River team, known for her leadership, warmth, and her tireless efforts to keep everything (and everyone — especially Jamie!) running smoothly.
Vicky Schilling
Tourism Manager
Meet Vicky, our vibrant Tourism Manager, hailing from the southernmost city in the world—Ushuaia, Argentina. With a deep passion for tourism and a love for adventure, Vicky brings her extensive customer service experience to help ensure everything runs smoothly at Ocean River. She’s the go-to person for regular tours, tailor-made trips, and rentals, always ready to help you plan the perfect outdoor experience.
A true outdoor enthusiast, Vicky enjoys hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, and she is passionate about promoting sustainability. She plays a key role in advancing Ocean River's eco-friendly initiatives, always focusing on sustainable practices. Charismatic and cheerful, Vicky is dedicated to ensuring every guest has an unforgettable experience, whether you're paddling with her or exploring the adventure center.
Gwen Elmhirst
Community Engagement & Social Media Coordinator
Gwen brings a blend of creativity, outdoor experience, and community‑focused approach to her role at Ocean River. Originally from New Tecumseth, Ontario, she loves engaging with the local community, connecting with organizations across Victoria, and finding creative ways to share the Ocean River paddling experience through social media.
With a background in program planning, non-profit community outreach, and years of experience as a canoe tripping guide, Gwen brings strong communication skills and a deep comfort in outdoor environments. She has paddled extensively across Canada including expeditions in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, and Quebec. A kayaking highlight for her was paddling through the mangroves of Malaysia where she spotted a viper! Gwen loves meeting new people, all things artistic, and exploring van isle!
Instructors
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Fede
Lead Instructor/Guide
Fede is an experienced sea kayaking instructor and guide from Patagonia, Argentina, with a wealth of knowledge gained from paddling in diverse coastal environments. As a Level 2 Paddle Canada instructor and certified Level 2 SKGABC Guide, he specializes in teaching paddling techniques and safety, ensuring both beginners and seasoned paddlers feel confident and capable on the water.
In addition to his certifications, including Level 3 ACA Instructor and Level 4 ACA Skills, Fede has extensive experience leading kayaking expeditions in some of the world’s most remote and stunning locations. He has led thrilling kayaking adventures in both the Arctic and Antarctica, where he navigated the polar seas and shared his expertise with explorers from around the globe. Fede’s deep respect for the sea and commitment to skill development inspires others to explore and appreciate the beauty of the aquatic world through sea kayaking.
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Tracey
Instructor
Meet Tracey! With a lifelong connection to water, she feels fortunate to live on beautiful Vancouver Island. An outdoor enthusiast, she finds joy in kayaking, whether exploring local waters or organizing new adventures.
With a strong background in teaching and coaching, Tracey loves sharing her passion for kayaking with eager learners. She thrives in creating engaging programs and enjoys one-on-one coaching, keeping the experience fun.
Drawn to the intuitive nature of Greenland-style paddling, Tracey welcomes anyone interested in trying it. She is a certified Paddle Canada Level 1 instructor as well as a certified Rolling Instructor and is ready to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
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George
Instructor, Guide and Shop Guru
Hailing from the picturesque coastal town of Powell River and having grown up on Texada and Vancouver Island, George has always felt a natural connection to the ocean. His journey has included six years of living aboard a boat, crewing on the ecotourism sailing vessel Maple Leaf, earning his Dive Master certification, and ultimately discovering his passion for kayaking.
With more than a decade of paddling experience, George is a Paddle Canada Level Two Instructor, Rolling Instructor, and holds his Level Four Skills certification. Recently, he has also embraced traditional paddling techniques, drawn to their low-impact, quiet, and deeply mindful approach to exploring the water.
Known around Ocean River Sports as our very own “Inspector Gadget,” there isn’t a piece of gear George doesn’t own. You can find him in the shop sharing his knowledge or out on the water doing what he loves most.
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Jo
Instructor/Guide
Born and raised in Victoria, Jo has spent a lifetime on the water in just about every kind of craft you can imagine. She brings a deep well of experience to Ocean River, having guided since 2008 and coached since 2010.
Jo loves sharing her passion for paddling, spotting wildlife with guests, and spending her days on the water. Her background as an elementary school teacher shines through in her clear communication, supportive teaching style, and ability to help paddlers feel confident and capable.
She holds Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor, Paddle Canada Level 4 Skills, and Level 3 Guide certification with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC. Her paddling adventures have taken her all around Vancouver Island, the Central Coast down to Port Hardy, and the remote beauty of Haida Gwaii.
Guides
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Tlell
Guide
Growing up in the Comox Valley, Tlell has spent most of her life connected to the landscapes and waters of Vancouver Island. She values work that deepens her relationship with the natural world, especially the ocean and sky, and she loves sharing that sense of connection with others. Guiding gives her the chance to help people slow down, step away from daily distractions, and experience the restorative calm of being on the water. This is Tlell’s fifth season guiding.
Tlell’s background in education and social services has given her strong group management skills, thoughtful communication, and a grounded approach to risk management. In her spare time, Tlell practices yoga and meditation, gardening, and foraging. Paddling highlights for Tlell include a 10 day trip in the Clayoquot sound, island hopping in the Caribbean, and exploring the backwaters of Southern India through a network of lagoons and canals.
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Stu
Guide/Maintenance
Originally from Calgary, Stu loves that his office has the best view in the city and enjoys every chance to share that perspective with guests. Stu is a Greenland paddling enthusiast with a strong grasp of the history and biology connected to the coast. He holds Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Instructor Level 1, Sea Kayak Skills Level 2, and SUP Flatwater Level 1 certifications.
Stu has lived full time on the water since 2020 and spends much of his time immersed in paddle sports, including kayak polo and sailing. He values the people at Ocean River and the environment where everyone shares a passion for being on the water. Whether he is guiding, teaching, or keeping the fleet in top shape, Stu brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and a genuine love for coastal life to every part of his work.
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Yishai
Guide
Yishai brings a strong passion for coastal exploration to his work as a guide for Ocean River Adventures. Originally from Vancouver, he loves the ocean air, the wildlife, and the sunshine that come with spending time on the water. His experience includes numerous kayak camping trips throughout Vancouver Island, and he brings both skill and enthusiasm to helping guests feel confident on the coast.
Yishai has paddled in some of the region’s most iconic locations, including the Broken Group Islands, Clayoquot Sound, and the Sayward Canoe Route. He enjoys cold plunges and a wide range of water sports. He thrives in outdoor environments surrounded by people who share his love for paddling.
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AJ
Guide
Coming soon
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Karen
Guide
Karen brings over 20 years of paddling experience and a professional background in ecology to her role as a guide. She loves sharing her passion for the natural world and believes kayaking is one of the best ways to connect with the coast. Her calm leadership, deep environmental knowledge, and enthusiasm for exploration make her a trusted presence on the water.
Karen holds Assistant Overnight Guide certification, Paddle Canada Level 3, and is a member of the Sea Kayak Guide Alliance of BC. She’s an avid expedition paddler with experience self‑leading trips on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Belize, and multiple regions of Baja California, Mexico. At Ocean River, she values working with a diverse, skilled team who all share a commitment to connection through kayaking.
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Sam
Guide and Instructor (SUP and Water Bikes)
Born and raised in Comox, Sam brings a deep connection to the coast and a strong foundation in paddleboarding to his role as a guide and instructor. With five years of SUP teaching experience and fourteen years competing at a high level, he approaches every lesson with confidence, clarity, and a genuine commitment to building a strong culture of safety on the water. Sam loves introducing people to paddleboarding and helping them develop skills that make the sport both fun and empowering.
Outside of guiding, Sam is a Field Leader Instructor with the Outdoor Council of Canada and has a passion for caving and exploring the outdoors in all its forms. He holds Paddle Canada Flatwater Level 2 SUP Instructor certification and his OCC Field Leader Instructor. He has enjoyed his paddles all around Vancouver Island, including the surf breaks in Tofino.
Coastal Kids Camp Staff
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Ethanial
Kids Camp Staff, Instructor and Shop Guru
Originally from Williams Lake, Ethan has always been drawn to the outdoors, but kayaking is where he found his true stride, both in dynamic whitewater and the rhythm of sea kayaking. He’ll tell you that kayaking is “fun as hell,” but behind that is a genuine appreciation for the connection, perspective, and community it brings. With two and a half years in the paddling industry, starting out at Western Canoe & Kayak, Ethan brings a strong mix of gear knowledge, customer support experience, and on‑water skill to the Ocean River team. He holds Paddle Canada Level 2 and Level 1 Instructor certifications, and he’s always pushing himself to grow — whether that’s refining technique, exploring new waterways, or chasing the next stretch of whitewater. In 2025, he completed a 24‑hour paddle to raise money for Movember in support of men’s mental health, a challenge that blended endurance, purpose, and his love for being on the water. When he’s not on the water, Ethan enjoys running, camping, and doing yoga. Ethan is excited to be part of the crew helping to shape the next generation of Victoria's paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Anika
Kids Camp Staff
Growing up in Victoria, Anika has always felt connected to the ocean, and working at Ocean River lets her share that love every day. Her favourite part of her role as a Kids Camp Leader is getting kids excited about the environment around them — teaching paddling skills, watching their confidence grow on the water, and helping them discover how fun kayaking can be. With five years of experience working with children, much of it in outdoor programs like surfing and camping, she brings patience, energy, and a natural ability to make young paddlers feel supported and capable. Outside of camp, Anika spends most of her time outdoors, especially surfing whenever the waves are at their best. She holds Paddle Canada Level 2.
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Emma
Kids Camp Staff
Emma is part of the Kids Camp team and grew up in Victoria, where her love for being outdoors naturally led her to kayaking. She enjoys spending her days on the water, soaking up the sunshine, and hanging out with the awesome kids she gets to teach. With years of experience working with children and a path toward becoming an elementary school teacher, she brings patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine knack for helping young paddlers feel confident and excited on the water. Emma is passionate about all things outdoors — from hiking and camping to climbing, surfing, and of course, kayaking. At Ocean River, she loves the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the supportive team she gets to work alongside.
Dock Staff
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Hayley
Hayley is part of the dock staff team, bringing an easygoing and friendly energy to Ocean River. Originally from Medicine Hat, Alberta, she loves how kayaking makes it so simple to get out into nature and explore. She’s all about the community and the good vibes on the dock. Hayley is also studying Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria, which fits perfectly with her love for being on the water. Whether she’s helping guests get set up, chatting on the dock, or keeping things running smoothly, Hayley brings a relaxed confidence and a fun, welcoming presence to every shift.
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Kye
Born in Prince George, Kye has always felt a strong pull toward the ocean. With a background in Environmental Studies and Geography, he brings a thoughtful and experienced approach to his work. In his spare time, Kye enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time outdoors. His calm energy and genuine enthusiasm make the dock feel welcoming and easy for guests moving between land and water.
One of Kye’s favourite places to paddle is Tree Island, where quiet beaches and open water meet. For him, the best part of working at Ocean River is spending full days outside in the sun, right by the water.
