OUR STORY
Comox Valley Kayaks and Canoes has been in operation in Courtenay since 1991. We have been under the same family ownership for 33 years, and we pride ourselves on being the Comox Valley's local specialty paddling shop. Over the years we have evolved to become one of the premier kayaking shops on the West Coast. Our staff of paddlers, instructors, and guides can offer first-hand advice on kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding. Whether you are a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, we have the expertise to help you get on the water - with a lesson, a boat rental, or a boat purchase. We are proud to carry a variety of quality brands of kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and gear. Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes is passionate about paddling, and it shows!
CVK in community
For many years, we have successfully run programs for local schools and organizations. We help organize large community events such as the MOMAR and Royal LePage Snow to Surf races.
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We are proud to name ourselves partners and friends to local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Our goal is always to make our customers happy and to contribute to enriching our community.
Meet The Team
Don
President & Owner
Don has owned Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes since 1991. He is a kayaker and paddleboarder - and an instructor for both. He is also an expert in boat transport, and can stack 6 kayaks on a Mini (don't try that at home!).
Viki
Shop Manager
These days Viki spends most of her time thinking all things CVKC. She has a deep passion for leadership and environmental stewardship. She believes it is our collective responsibility to advocate for leadership that aligns with our values, supports our planet, and uplifts our communities. Our choices truly matter. Viki is a committed manager and a wonderful addition to the Comox Valley paddling community.
Adam
E-Commerce Specialist, Senior Retail Assistant, Marketing Lead, Guide & Instructor
Adam is an SKGABC L2 sea kayak guide and Paddle Canada L1 instructor. Prior to working in the adventure tourism industry, Adam was an operations professional at several rapid growth tech start-ups, and has recently returned to his roots in the digital world by taking over the retail and eCommerce businesses at CVKC. When he's not in the shop, you can find Adam surfing the wave at Surge Narrows, exploring the mountains of Vancouver Island, or chefing up a gourmet meal at his home in Campbell River with his wife, son, and 2 cats.
Dylan
Rental Assistant & Guide
Dylan is an SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide with a love for anything outdoors. Whether it be paddling, rock climbing or any other way to get outside, he’s always ready for an adventure. Growing up on Vancouver Island, Dylan developed a love for paddling as a kid and loves to share his excitement for it with anyone he can.
Jess
Administrator of Lessons & Tours​
With a passion for kayaking and the great outdoors, I bring both my love for adventure and my knack for organization to my role at Comox Valley Kayaks. Whether it's keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes or helping customers plan their perfect paddling experience, I thrive on making things efficient and enjoyable.
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Beyond the office, you'll often find me on the water, honing my wilderness skills, or getting creative with sewing and crafts. I believe that adventure and creativity go hand in hand, and I love being part of a team that helps people connect with nature.
Brenda
Guide & Instructor
Brenda is a professional musician with a kind and creative paddler's heart! She is a researcher and storyteller so you will definitely learn a lot during tours with her.
Brian
Guide & Instructor
When Brian isn’t busy in his woodworking shop or trying to keep up with his teenage daughters, he’s looking for any excuse to get out on the water. As a Paddle Canada L1 certified kayak instructor, and SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide, he’s an excellent resource for your kayak lessons or day tour.
Juliane
Admin of Lessons, Guide & Instructor
The first time Juliane went paddling was on a rafting day trip with her Grade 11 biology class in Northern Alberta. She had so much fun that the next weekend she bought an inflatable raft at Canadian Tire and floated down the same river (much to her parents’ horror). Since then, Juliane has become a SKGABC Level 1 Guide, a Paddle Canada sea kayak instructor, and Paddle Canada lake canoe instructor. In addition to teaching and guiding, Juliane is CVK’s lessons administrator. Outside of work, Juliane loves spending time outdoors and active with her two rescue dogs.
Doug
Sales Representative & Instructor
Doug is a retired teacher, lifelong adventurer, and passionate sea kayaker. As a certified Paddle Canada instructor, he loves sharing the skills and joy of paddling with others. When he’s not on the water, you’ll often find him hiking, skiing, scuba diving, or mountain biking—always exploring this amazing Vancouver Island environment.
Michelle
Sales Representative & Instructor
Michelle started paddling in the tropical waters of northern Australia. Here she paddled barefoot in boardshorts with crocodiles, sharks, turtles and Dugong. She was self taught and developed many bad habits. After emigrating to Canada, it was time to learn how to paddle in the frigid waters around Vancouver Island with a little more style and skill.
Michelle wears a lot of different hats in her life, but they all seem to come back to teaching others. She is a certified Paddle Canada instructor, and teaching others how to paddle has greatly improved her own paddling skills. She has years of experience teaching people of all abilities on and off the water, and can help improve your paddling skills too.
Denise
Sales Representative
Denise is a lifelong Vancouver Islander. She has been involved in outdoor adventuring all her life. The last five years have been much more focused on kayaking and improving paddling skills after retiring from working with people who have diverse abilities. She now has Level 3 and works at the store one day a week. She also loves to dabble in art if not out adventuring somewhere.
Mark
Sales Representative
If you want to have the most positive day, just talk to Mark! He is also a super experienced kayaker, who paddled all over Europe. Having 4 kayaks at home, he knows everything about the kayak industry!
Kathy
Sales Representative & Guide
Kathy loves adventures and when combined with kayaking on BC's coastlines she's thrilled and contented at the same time. When at home she is a gardener, an e-biker and has a long history of dedicated volunteerism in the community.
Ian
Sales Representative
Ian has enjoyed many kayak trips along the west coast of Vancouver Island over the years, spurred on by his love for kayaking, wilderness travel, intertidal creatures and nature photography. He can offer tales of travel to west coast destinations from a time before they were popular, and perhaps suggest some special places to visit. Ian is a new addition here at CVK where he’ll fill a variety of roles, from repairing kayaks to helping with sales. His height makes him a natural for loading kayaks.
Emi
Bookkeeper/Payroll
Coming soon!
Grace
Rental Assistant & Instructor
Kia Ora, this is Grace – born and raised in the beautiful region of Taranaki, New Zealand.
With a deep passion for teaching sustainability and outdoor education, she has spent the past five years working as a multi-pursuits instructor across Aotearoa. Grace thrives in whitewater kayaking and leading extended journey programs, where she brings energy, skill, and a love for the natural world. When she's not instructing, you'll find her planning her next adventure – whether it's a sea kayaking or bike-packing expedition, or simply enjoying a cup of tea with friends.
Griffin
Rental Assistant
My name is Griffin Martens and I am currently enrolled in the Explore program. I love the outdoors, especially being on the water or in the mountains. I plan to go to post secondary for ecotourism after I complete grade 12!
Skyler
Rental Assistant & Guide
Skyler is an avid kayak fisherman with a passion for exploring the west coast while in pursuit of his next catch. Skyler is also a certified SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide and Paddle Canada L3.
Skyler has developed a deep connection to the ocean and its inhabitants over the years and is always eager to share stories while helping you get on the water.
