Dave has been a member of Paddle Canada since 2009 when he transferred in from British Columbia. In 2010, he was invited to the Canoe Program Development Committee to help develop a national Big Canoe program. He has contributed to that committee many times over the last decade. Dave has traveled across Canada delivering Big Canoe courses to certify instructors and instructor trainers He was the first to offer Paddle Canada Lake Canoe, Stand Up Paddle Board, and Camping in China. Dave’s latest role is the Chair of the Camping Committee Program.
Dave was introduced to paddling at a young age. At 16 he competed at the western Canada level in canoe and kayak racing: K1, K2, and K4, C1 and C2. Dave instructed and guided in and around British Columbia as well as worked for Western Canoe and Kayaking. At the age of 24, he bought a fleet of voyageur canoes and established a guiding and instruction company. Since then Dave has introduced thousands of school children and adults to the wonders of big canoe travel.
Dave is also a Red Cross Wilderness Responder Instructor Trainer and has helped develop some of their programs. Teaching and sharing his love for the outdoors has always been a passion. Dave now resides on “the Island” and continues to instruct and guide through his company, Ridge Wilderness Adventures.
