While attending college in Southern California he enjoyed surfing and body surfing whenever possible interacting with dynamic water. Jim started avidly sea kayaking 8 years ago and paddling nearly every weekend around the Bay Area, Half Moon Bay, Mendocino and taking annual multi-day trips back home in the San Juan Islands island hopping and camping. He was introduced to whitewater kayaking in 2019 and has been an avid river whitewater kayaker in addition to sea kayaking ever since.
raised on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, jim has spent time on the ocean since the age of 4.
Jim completed his ACA L-3 Coastal Kayak Skills Assessment in 2020 and since then has completed his L-3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification, L-3 River Kayaking Instructor Certification, River Rescue Certification, Wilderness Medicine First Responder and holds ACA endorsements to teach Kayak Rolling and Coastal Kayak Trip Leader. Jim is also a certified instructor with the California State Fire Marshal.
One of Jim's passions and hobbies is teaching and coaching. He began coaching youth soccer in 2002 and coached competitive soccer for 9 years and then varsity golf for 5 years and for the past 25 years Jim instructed and led firefighting, rope rescue, emergency medical care + incident management both as a trainer and first responder. Through Instructor Trainer mentors in the outdoor industry, Jim has sought to learn new and effective ways of presenting information to students and seeking to develop techniques to maximize their individual learning experience and enjoyment of kayaking and dynamic water.
CERTIFICATIONS AND PREVIOUS INSTRUCTION & LEADERSHIP
FAQ
what is our cancellation policy?
30 or more days in advance cancellations are accepted minus a $50 administrative fee.
14 days in advance 50% refund or allow rebooking of the class.
Less than 14 days in advance - no refund however, 50% can be applied to a future class or workshop.