OUR STORY
Comox Valley Kayaks and Canoes has been in operation in Courtenay since 1991. We have been under the same family ownership for over 30 years, and we pride ourselves on being the Comox Valley's local specialty paddling shop. Our team consist of instructors, guides and shop staff. They 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 . Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes is passionate about paddling, and it shows!
CVKC in Community
For many years we have donated rentals to non-profit groups. We help organize large community events such as the MOMAR and Royal LePage Snow to Surf races.​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.
Don
Owner
Don has owned Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes since 1991. He is a kayaker and paddleboarder - and an instructor for both. Don works behind the scenes to keep CVK running smoothly. He still creates some items by hand such as foam and straps for roof racks. Don is also an expert in boat transport, and can stack 6 kayaks on a Mini (don't try that at home!).
Viki
Shop Manager & Instructor
Although Viki oversees CVK, she always has the time to help customers and the community. She has a deep passion for leadership and environmental stewardship. Viki 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 Paddle Canada Level 2 instructor, SUP instructor and a passionate kayak surfer.
Jess
Assistant-Manager
Guide & Instructor
​Jess is a SKGABC guide and a Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor. She brings her love for adventure and her knack for organization to CVK. Jess loves teaching people new skills.
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In her personal time you'll often find her honing wilderness skills, sewing clothing or crafting.
Skyler
Retail & Guide/ Instructor
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.
Meet The Team
Juliane
Guide & Instructor
The first time Juliane went paddling was in grade 11. She had so much fun that 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. Outside of work, Juliane loves spending time outdoors and active with her two rescue dogs.
Michelle
​Kayak & SUP Instructor​
Michelle started paddling barefoot in the tropical waters of northern Australia with crocodile, shark, turtle and Dugong.
Originally she was self taught with many bad habits. Teaching others how to paddle has greatly improved her own paddling skills.
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Michelle has years of experience working with people of all abilities on and off the water, and loves to watch people grow in their abilities and confidence. She is a certified Paddle Canada kayak and SUP instructor.
William
Yard Staff
William is our yard tidier, rental assistant and greeter. Photo coming soon
Doug
Retail & 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.
Graham
Instructor
Graham is a Paddle Canada Level 1 instructor with 25 years of kayaking experience. He volunteers with Soldier On (a program for veterans) teaching basic kayaking skills and wet exits. Graham and is in charge of the water safety crew for the Snow to Surf race.
Sarah
Guide/Retail
The daughter of former sea kayak guides, Sarah spent many early years exploring the coastline of Vancouver Island while “paddling” (read: lilly-dipping) in the bow of her mom’s tandem kayak. She decided to formalize her experience through SGKABC guiding certifications in 2021 and beyond, and has since led 600+ clients on 65+ day trips and expeditions in the Southern Gulf Islands, Discovery Islands, and Johnstone Strait.
Sarah is joining CVK this year in both a retail and guiding/instructing role, and is so excited to help humans stay human by getting out and moving their bodies in nature. Outside of work, you can find her taking coach & facilitator trainings, learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, crafting, and starting her first garden!
Kathy
Kayak Guide & Retail
Kathy is a SKGABC Level 1 kayak guide. She loves adventures. When 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.
Brenda
Kayak Guide & Instructor
Brenda is a SKGABC Level 2 guide, Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor and has completed the Level 3 Paddle Canada Skills course. She has spent many summers guiding in the Broughton Archipelago.
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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.
Justin
Kayak Instructor
Justin is a Level 1 Paddle Canada Instructor.
Justin grew up paddling here and there with his family. He got into canoeing when his wife Juliane (who also works at CVK) dragged him to an introductory workshop. They made it through the weekend in their "divorce boats" and barely cried at all. He’s been hooked on paddling ever since! Justin loves canoeing and kayaking (in that order) and is excited to join the shop as a kayak instructor.
Angela
Guide & Rental Assistant
Angela is a SKGABC Level 1 guide. When she's working at the shop, she helps wash rental/tour gear and keeps the yard looking great.
Griffin
Rental Assistant
Griffin loves the outdoors, especially being on the water or in the mountains. He plans to go to post secondary for soccer and international relations out East.
Griffin delivers kayaks locally, washing boats and keeping the yard looking great.
Ian
Retail & Boat Repair
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 has a variety of roles, from repairing kayaks to helping with gear. His height makes him a natural for loading kayaks.
Aleta
Guide/Retail Staff
Aleta grew up exploring coastal BC; spending many summers day tripping in her family’s canoe, searching for giant trees, or tidepooling on rocky shores. As a certified SKGABC kayak guide you'll find her sharing her love for paddling in the waters surrounding Vancouver Island. When she's not on the water you'll likely find her rock climbing, biking or baking tasty treats.
Emi
Bookkeeper/Payroll
Emi works hard behind the scenes to keep things running and ensure staff are properly compensated.
Brooke
Yard/Retail Staff
Brooke loves anything outdoors and is thrilled to be at CVK to be more immersed in the paddling community and to build her skills, especially navigation and knot tying. She holds a Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayak Certification and looks forward to becoming a stronger, more capable paddler. When she’s not on the water, she is usually gardening or hiking.
Dylan
Shop Staff
Dylan is a former whitewater canoe guide and instructor, who is thrilled to join CVKC and be part of the paddling community after some years away. He can be found in the yard cleaning and moving around boats, helping with roof racks or inside the shop.
Elliot
Yard Staff
Eliot is our yard tidier, rental assistant and greeter.
