Discipline: Mountain Adventure Skills Training
In 1995, I began teaching several MAST program courses, including whitewater rafting and canoeing. I coordinated the MAST program from 1997 – 2020, guiding the program through several updates and extensive program restructuring. I also co-founded the Fernie Mountain Film Festival with the MAST class of 2007, and continue to work annually with each class to deliver this highly anticipated event.
I graduated from Lakehead University in 1987 with a dual degree in Outdoor Recreation and Geography and have been designing and delivering outdoor adventure courses ever since. I’ve has taught and guided expeditions on rivers all over Canada and spent several seasons guiding sea kayak expeditions in Belize. I am a Master Canoe Instructor with RCABC (Recreational Canoeing Assoc. of British Columbia), a Swiftwater Instructor as well as a Level 2 Canada Ski Guide. Recently retired from Coordinating MAST, I keep busy guiding and teaching select river expeditions and river rescue courses in the summer while teaching Avalanche Skills Training courses and Cat Ski guiding part time in the winters.
I believe that patience, humility and laidback professionalism go a long way in outdoor education. Read your audience, take in the big picture, have a plan B and a plan C. Managing risk is an ever present and ongoing process that needs to involve everyone.