1.
Tell me a bit about the history of SKILS? What sets SKILS apart from
other outfitters?
SKILS was founded in 2003 with the
goal of providing courses for intermediate and advanced kayakers as well for
professional guides and instructors. Despite skepticism that our model would
work, we have had 12 successful years and are still going strong. Our efforts
have impacted the paddling community across the country, increasing the level
of skill and knowledge of Canada’s sea kayaking industry. What sets us apart is
that we try to work with, rather than compete with, all the paddling
organizations across Canada. We act as a catch all of sorts for upper level
training. There are often too few students at each school to effectively run
upper level training, so we pull those individuals together into one group,
creating opportunities to advance these upper level students. The hope is that
these individuals then take that knowledge and skill back with them and raise
the level of skill in their community. Eventually this creates more demand for
higher training at the individual schools. We also like to travel to our
students where possible, rather than have them travel to us. It gives us a
chance to meet paddlers across the country, and paddle in a variety of
fantastic places.
2.
Tell me something about your staff, anything that makes them stand out?
Our team is composed of many of the
premier guide and instructor trainers in Canada. Each of them has exceptional
skill, knowledge and talent, as well as a strong desire to keep learning and
growing their skills. We put a lot of time and energy into creating unique and
interesting opportunities for professional development for each staff member;
our goal is to help each of them grow thereby developing the skill set of our team
as a whole. It has taken time to grow our team, as we don’t hire through the
traditional means of gathering resumes and applications, but rather through
approaching exceptional people whenever and wherever they are identified.
3.
What do students have to look forward to in 2014?
We have numerous new sea kayaking courses being
developed for the 2014 paddling season. Programs such as an Instructional Tour
where you learn while underway on an expedition, and Advanced Expeditions which
offers training for the seasoned kayaker who wants to undertake more
challenging trips. We are also in the process of developing advanced kayak
surfing courses along with an introductory course in Skookumchuck tidal rapids.
More information can be found soon on our website.
Our kayak fishing department is getting bigger
and bigger and is currently the fastest growing part of our business. In 2014,
we will offer more guided kayak fishing day trips and a deluxe 5-day kayak
fishing expedition. The 5-day expedition is being run in partnership with our
friends at West Coast Expedition on Spring Island in Kyuquot Sound, which is an
exceptional location for salmon fishing, especially large Chinook. (An insider
tip, the best time for guided kayak fishing day trips is from September 10 to
October 20.)
Last but not least, in 2014 we will run a 3-day
SUP camp in Clayoquot Sound. The group will travel by water taxi to a remote
beach and set up a base camp. Once on site, participants will develop their
flatwater SUP skills and SUP surfing skills. When not playing on the water,
there will be opportunities to hike and take in the wonders of Clayoquot Sound.
Once again, check out or website for more details.
One of the most exciting elements of our
business model is that most of our courses are private and custom developed for
the groups we are working with. (If the dates of our open enrollment courses
are not suitable for you, we encourage you to contact us.) This means that we
never really know at the beginning of a season where our programs will take us
and who we will end up paddling with.
4.
Can anyone participate in a SKILS course?
Most of our courses target
intermediate to advanced paddlers as well as professional guides and
instructors, but we do have courses for all skills levels. Be sure to check out
the prerequisites of any program that you are interested in joining us on, as
most programs do require you to have a little bit of pre training. If you have
a gap in your skill set, get in touch with us; there are always options for
gaining missing skills. If you have never paddled before don’t fret, we do run
programs for absolute beginners as well.
5.
How is SKILS involved in
their local community?
One of the fundamental goals
of SKILS is to support the community we are so passionate about. To this end,
we pursue various avenues including: volunteering at paddling community events,
conducting presentations and clinics for paddling clubs, taking part in beach
clean ups, playing key roles in provincial and national paddling bodies and
through equipment and instructional donations to our local high school outdoor
education programs. In addition, since our inception over a decade ago, we have
supported the development of Paddle Canada instructors nationally and SKGABC
guide trainers provincially. This is a responsibility we have always taken very
seriously. As in years past, in 2013 we have had the pleasure of coordinating
10 apprenticeship positions, 5 of which have been filled by non SKILS staff. We
invite candidates that would like to explore possible future apprenticeship
opportunities to contact us by email.
Trevor shared with me his plan to raise funds and awareness for Wounded Warriors Canada, and encourage fellow injured soldiers to become active and part of the SUP community. 
