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 / 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, 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.

Fede Canzani

Lead Instructor and 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. Fede’s passion for adventure and nature shines through in his approach to instruction, helping participants build skills while fostering a love for the sport.

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. As an expedition guide for Quark Expeditions, 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 inspire others to explore and appreciate the beauty of the aquatic world through sea kayaking.

Vicky Schilling

Tourism Manager

Meet Vicky, our vibrant Adventure Center Operation 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.
    Contact us here!