About Us.......
Our mission is to make Sea Kayaking an accessible recreational activity for all levels of paddler through innovative instruction & training programs with safety and enjoyment at the heart of everything we do.
The Blue Dog team are all experienced paddlers and coaches, we want to understand your needs and commit to getting it right and as a small business we strive to offer an individualized service to you, our customer. Our goal is to ensure that you will feel comfortable, confident and safe on the water.
A Little More About Us.......
Blue Dog Kayaking has two paddling centers located at Mill Bay and Port Sidney Marinas, here we offer guided tours for kayakers and paddle boarders (SUP) plus instruction and lessons. The intermediate and advanced sea kayak training takes place on the majestic West Coast of Vancouver Island.
The right equipment is essential in delivering confidence and safety on the water so our team can help you choose the right kayak and gear. We are the North American West Coast dealer and Expedition center for NDK Kayaks and Celtic Paddles, plus we carry a wide range of dry suits and safety gear that can be found at our online store.
Learn with Us
We offer the full range of Paddle Canada of courses for the beginner to advanced paddler. The 1 or 2 day Basic & Level 1 courses take place at Mill Bay & Sidney, every weekend.
Paddle Canada Level 2 is offered as a multi-day adventure in the West coast or a non-camping "FLEX" Level 2 from our paddling center at Sidney. Check out the information on Paddle Canada courses and Instructor training.
Instructional Expeditions - These trips are unique, as we combine the adventure of a kayak expedition to various unspoiled locations such as Clayoquot, Broken Group or Nuchatlitz on the West coast & combine the opportunity to learn. Paddle Canada certification is optional and customized coaching is always provided.
Passionate about paddling, making learning fun for all
David Nichols
Instructor/ Guide
David is the owner of Blue Dog Kayaking and senior Instructor and Instructor trainer with Paddle Canada.
After moving to BC with his partner Alison, David discovered kayaking (initially as a way to access difficult hiking routes) however, paddling soon became his passion.
David holds; Paddle Canada Level 3 Instructor Trainer, Level 4 Instructor and Level 4 skills certification. As a professional kayak instructor he has taught hundreds courses and as a result has been instrumental in the delivery of the Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Program on Vancouver Island"I feel very privileged to have worked with so many wonderful people helping them to achieve their individual goals in the quest to become confident, competent and safe paddlers"
Amber Champion
Sea Kayak IT/ SUP IT
Amber has been drawn to the water and outdoors from an early age. She loves discovering beautiful places and sharing that experience with others. Her passion and enthusiasm for kayaking & paddleboarding is evident when meeting her.
A graduate from Laurentian University in Outdoor Leadership Amber is the operations director and lead instructor for Blue Dog Kayaking the country’s number one provider of Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking programs.
She holds the following Paddle Canada certifications; Sea Kayaking - L2 Instructor Trainer, L4 Instructor and L4 Level skills. SUP - AFW Instructor Trainer and multi - day touring instructor, and SUP surf instructor.
Amber is a great inspiration for all female paddlers who want to progress in the world of Sea Kayaking & SUP Instruction
To contact Amber directly please email her at amber@bluedogkayaking.com
Alison Moorwood
Marketing & Advertising
Alison is a Paddle Canada SUP Flat Water Skills Instructor and also holds a Level 2 skills Kayak certification. I love all water sports but I'm particularly passionate about Stand Up Paddling. It really is a sport for everyone & I am enthusiastic to share this sport with you. Over the last few years my roll has changed, I spearhead all the meals that go on expeditions and tackle the world or advertising and marketing.
Alana Morrision
Kayak Instructor/ Guide
Coming from a Ontario, Alana began her paddling career in a canoe and only recently discovered a love for sea kayaking. With years of tripping experience under her belt, she enjoys sharing her passion for the outdoors and learning through instructing and guiding with the country's number one provider of Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking programs. Alana currently holds Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor trainer, Level 3 Skills and is a Level 2 Instructor, looking forward to continuing her Paddle Canada journey.
To email Alana directly please email alana@bluedogkayaking.com
Evan
Kayak & SUP Instructor/ Guide
Evan began paddle sports instruction by accident after taking a Level-1 Clinic with Blue Dog Kayaking and discovering his interest in the outdoor leadership industry. Upon completing his Level-2 Skills and Level-1 Instructor courses he went on to guide and teach for three years in Nanaimo. As he progresses his coaching career he looks forward to his new role as a member of the Blue Dog Kayaking Team.
Whether it is sea kayaking, canoe tripping, stand up paddling or backpacking, he lives all things adventure recreation and strives to share his passion and enjoyment of the outdoors with others. Evan is currently a Paddle Canada Level-2 Sea Kayak Instructor and SUP Advanced Flatwater Instructor. He holds his Level-3 Skills certificate and recently completed his Level 1 Instructor Trainer. He is excited to continue the Paddle Canada ladder.
Benny
Mascot
Trying to think of a name for our new kayaking business proved to be quite a challenge. we wanted something original and fresh but also a name that represented us in some way.
So, this where Benny our Boarder Collie/ Beagle rescue pup from The Victoria Humane Society gets involved in the story. He is full of energy and bounce as well as endless affection towards his other 'fury' brothers and sisters.
With a little poetic licence and imagination the Blue Dog logo came to life; based on this photo of Benny acrylic paints were used to gain the depth of colour and definition thus completing the Blue Dog Kayaking brand.