Ben is a Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Instructor with L3 Skills, Advanced SUP Instructor and is a Coastal Skipper.  He was born and raised on Vancouver Island and has a Master’s degree in marine conservation.  His early paddling days are thanks to his uncle who taught him how to wield a canoe paddle from the age of 6.  From there, sea kayaking was the next logical step as his early summers were spent paddling and camping around Denman, Hornby and Quadra Islands and the lakes of Strathcona Park. Ben is especially passionate about working with youth in the outdoors as he has been both a tutor and youth camp leader. In his free time, he enjoys kayaking (of course), surfing, fishing, reading and cooking.