Coach/Guide Profile

“With a quirky and often infectious personality, Kate has been moulded by the unpredictable nature of the ocean, in all the best ways possible!”

My days on the water take me across seas and down rivers.  I love to paddle a diverse range of crafts; from surf kayaks, sea kayaks, surf skis and river boats in search of adventure. I grew up on Vancouver Island, BC in and amongst the moss covered forests and rocky coastal playgrounds dotted with sandy surf beaches of western BC. I have enjoyed the camaraderie of my team mates in The Hurricane Riders who are always inspiring to play on the water with.  My adventurous spirt often takes me on fantastic journeys which serve my desire to learn and grow. I have explored from coast to coast of my own Canadian wilderness, paddled in Patagonia, Chile, Malaysia, Tasmania, North Wales and Scotland – I feel incredibly lucky and grateful have seen such beautiful places!

With experience in white water environments, commercial sea kayak guiding, rough water coaching and expedition kayaking, my experience is well rounded . I am a coach and instructor with ‘SKILS’ (www.skils.ca) based on Vancouver Island and also work as a freelance guide and coach. Below are a list of my current certifications and qualifications:

• Level 4 Sea Kayak Guide –  Sea Kayak Guide’s Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC)
• Guide Trainer and Examiner – SKGABC
• ISKGA Registered Guide
• Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Coach (Level 3 Coach aspirant) & Rolling Instructor
• BCU 5 Star Sea Kayak Leader
• CKC River Leader2/Instructor 2

With over 15 years of experience in outdoor education and coaching, combined with solid technical boating, white water skills & safety and seamanship skills, I am a passionate teacher and love to spend time exploring ocean environments with others. My programs have their own unique style while working to ensure students and clients are safe, happy and continuing to learn.

Photography – From a young age I remember spending time outside with a camera in my hand, experimenting with light and pinholes. I now love to spend time behind the lens as both a photographer and film maker. It is most certainly a balance between capturing the moment and being in it, but I find excitement in both of those roles! I love that I can live in a beautiful coastal environment, navigate its natural ocean playgrounds and at the same time, capture a slice of it’s beauty as seen though one person’s lens.

If you’d like to get in contact with me, please feel free to drop me a line below!!! I’d love to hear from you!

Testimonials:

•  Kate Hives is the most exceptional wild woman I have ever had the honor to meet.
   Kate really made this trip for me. She was so inspiring! This whole trip was far outside my comfort zone, but Kate always made me feel safe and able to do anything! ~Wild Woman Expeditions Participant