As a graduate of the program in 2005, I found the program to be of great value both personally and professionally. I have always had a love for the outdoors and growing up in Northwestern Ontario, I spent a large portion of my time in the wilderness. The reason why I chose this program over all the others was for the variety of courses offered and the amount of certificates you earned on completion. I have always worked seasonally, whether it be dog sledding in the Rockies or skippering tour boats in Jasper. I found the program helped me wrap up all my interests and give me the advantage over other people as I now have certifications to back up my experience. I also learned a lot about Risk Management, Group Leadership and Trip Planning. Completing this program also allowed me to obtain the job I have now.
For the last 5 years, I have been a member of the Pacific Northwest Whale-watching Association and have been employed in the Whale Watching Industry as both a Zodiac Skipper and 60 Tonne Captain. I currently work for Orca Spirit Adventures and am responsible for the safe operation of our 2 large covered vessel of up to 70 passengers and our 2 zodiacs.
I spend the majority of my winters traveling and have had wonderful adventures in South and Central America. Completing the Level II Adventure Tourism Program through Westcoast Adventure College has allowed me to do the things that I want and has changed the way I view the world. It’s not just a job but a lifestyle.
I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the WAC team as an instructor and using my experience both on and off the water to help train future ocean enthusiasts
Our Other Instructors:
* Scot Taylor
* Phil Foster
* Bryan Crockford
* Glenn Milbury
BC Parks and Recreation
Ecotourism Canada
Ecotourism Vancouver Island
