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
Kayak Instructor/ Guide
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 - L1 Instructor Trainer, L3 Instructor and L4 Level skills. SUP - AFW Instructor Trainer and multi - day touring instructor.
Amber is a great inspiration for all female paddlers who want to progress in the world of Sea Kayaking & SUP Instruction
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 3 Skills and is a Level 2 Instructor, looking forward to continuing her Paddle Canada journey.
Kevin Searle
Instructor/ Guide
Kevin has been kayaking for about four years now and holds Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor & Level 3 Skills certificates.
He has lived on Vancouver Island all his life; an avid outdoors man, he has a vast local knowledge of the vicinity's history, geography and wildlife. A bit of an adrenaline junky, Kevin's other hobbies include long distance running, water and snow skiing and hang gliding. He likes to jump into new sports with both feet and eyes wide open.
We know you will enjoy his off beat humor and carefree attitude when out on a tour with Kevin.
Alison Moorwood
SUP Instructor/ Guide
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.
Join Alison on one of our Instructional Sunset SUP Tour around Mill Bay or a Paddle Canada SUP Course.
Rebecca Moreland
Kayak & SUP Instructor/ Guide
Rebecca was introduced to the world of canoeing and kayaking at a very young age, and has participated in many kayak and canoe expeditions throughout Western Europe. She used to teach kayaking and windsurfing in the UK to youth and school groups, and then became more involved with sailing and skiing. Now, living in Canada, she has qualified as a Paddle Canada kayak instructor and stand-up-paddle board instructor. She is passionate about teaching and enthusing others to enjoy these sports safely.
Caoimhe Connor
Kayak Instructor/ Guide
A Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor & a Level 3 Skills Paddler. Caoimhe (pronounced Kee-va) is originally from Ireland. She almost completed a solo circumnavigation around Ireland to raise awareness for a mental health charity in Ireland. Prior to her move to Canada Caoimhe was an Outdoor Educator for Outward Bound in the UK, paddling in Wales & Scotland. From the UK she holds a BCU Level 2 coach & BCU 4* Sea kayak Leader certification.
Corene Gillis
SUP & Kayak Instructor
Corene is an active sporty person involved who teaches, coaches and watches all kinds of sports. She is a Basic Kayak and Flat water SUP who also instructor who also enjoys guiding at Mill Bay. Corene also speaks french
Cindy Searle
Kayak Instructor/ Guide
Hi, I'm Cindy. I've been paddling for 4 1/2 yrs now. When I first started kayaking I was with some girlfriends, learning a new, fun recreational activity that we could do together as a group.
I was quite nervous initially because I'm not a strong swimmer. I took courses to help build my confidence and practiced my new skills with my husband and other kayaking friends.
Now I have obtained a Paddle Canada Level 3 skills and Level 1 Instructor certifications. I encouraged my girlfriends to take the Level 1 course to ensure their safety. It is my hope to provide this same instruction to others who also want to have fun kayaking while playing safe.
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.
Kay Facedandy
SUP & Kayak Instructor/Guide
Kay is a free spirit with many strings to her bow. Her experience as a Swim Instructor/Lifeguard transfers well for Paddle sport Instruction. She has a love for travel & being around water