Celebrate British Columbia's Paddling Culture
About The Awards
Paddling in British Columbia isn’t just about spectacular waterways, although we certainly have those. It’s also about the people who care deeply for them. The inaugural Paddle BC Awards are all about celebrating those individuals, as well as the organizations and businesses that help make B.C. one of the best paddling destinations on the planet.
From guides who introduce newcomers to their first ever paddle experience, to organizations that are keeping our waterways clean, these awards are meant to shine a spotlight on those who are shaping BC’s paddling culture. They’re also about sharing great stories from across the province. Outfitters, instructors, community organizers, conservation advocates, and passionate locals all play a role in building a paddling culture rooted in sustainability, inclusion, and respect for the places we float through. Below are the 2026 winners.
What we're celebrating
Award Categories
The Paddle BC Awards recognize outstanding contributions across five key areas that reflect the values of BC’s paddling community. Each category helps showcase the diverse ways people and organizations are helping to shape paddle culture throughout BC.
Accessible Paddling Experience Award: West Coast SUP Adventures
West Coast SUP Adventures is the winner of the 2026 Accessible Paddling Experience Award! Led by Drew Climie and Dennis Gamboa, the Lower Mainland company was recognized for making paddling welcoming and accessible through patient instruction, adaptable programming, and support for paddlers of all abilities, including those with vision, hearing, and physical challenges. As one nominator shared, “I would not be the paddler I am today without their guidance and expertise.”
Green Paddling Outfitter Award: Trash Panda Ocean Brigade
Trash Panda Ocean Brigade is the winner of the 2026 Green Paddling Award! Affiliated with Pacifica Paddle Sports in Brentwood Bay, the Trash Pandas combine paddling with hands-on ocean conservation, organizing kayak and SUP cleanups that remove more than 10,000 pounds of marine debris each year. Working alongside local stewardship organizations and First Nations, they’re helping protect BC’s coastline while inspiring the next generation of paddlers to give back.
Youth Paddling Ambassador Award: Devin Ryan
Devin Ryan is the winner of the 2026 Youth Paddling Ambassador Award! A teacher at Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island, Devin introduces young people of all experience levels to paddling through the school’s adventure sports program, helping build confidence and a lifelong connection to the water. As one student shared, “He is the driving force behind my school's program, and it wouldn't be possible without him.”
Local Paddling Hero Award: Natasha Chan
Natasha Chan of Vancouver is the winner of the 2026 Local Paddling Hero Award! As the organizer of a beginner SUP group, Natasha creates welcoming opportunities for new paddlers to get on the water, build confidence, and connect with the paddling community. As one nominator shared, “Having Natasha create events where beginners feel welcomed is so invaluable.” Her enthusiasm is helping more people discover the joy of life with a paddle.
Indigenous-led Experience Award: Takaya Tours
Takaya Tours is the winner of the 2026 Indigenous-led Paddling Experience Award! Owned and operated by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Takaya Tours has shared Coast Salish culture since 1999 through guided paddles in traditional-style ocean-going canoes. First Nations guides share songs, legends, stories and the history of ancient village sites, creating an experience that connects paddlers with the land, water and rich cultural history of Burrard Inlet.
Meet the Judges of the 2026 Paddle BC Awards
Jessie Penner
Our mission is to partner with Indigenous tourism businesses and First Nations communities to create meaningful tourism experiences that share histories, cultures, and lands on their terms. Through training, product development, and marketing initiatives, they help elevate offerings, broaden the reach of Indigenous tourism, and amplify Indigenous voices to gain international recognition and appreciation.
Nathan Slater
We are a non-profit organization working together to help secure long term public access to the BC Coast. Our mission is to work with First Nations and stakeholders to build, protect, and promote a public network of marine trails allowing safe recreational navigation of the BC Coastline with minimal impact on the environment.
Louise Pedersen
ORCBC advocates for access to, and promotes the responsible use of, BC’s outdoors for public recreation while building bridges between our diverse membership. We believe recreation and outdoor places are valued as essential to healthy individuals and vibrant communities, and that every British Columbian has access to meaningful outdoor recreation experiences.
Amber Papou
Our vision is for the tourism industry to be recognized as one of British Columbia’s leading and sustainable industries. As the primary advocate for BC’s visitor economy, TIABC unites operators, sectors, DMOs, government, and residents to support and be passionate about making this province a great place for tourism.
Simon Ward-Able
The TRU adventure studies department will be the training and educational centre of excellence for guides, industry, and businesses.
Michelle McShane
As the national organization for recreational paddling in Canada, we develop standards for paddling education by certifying instructors, developing curriculum, and guiding the growth of paddlers, instructors, and communities across the country.
Bert Abbott
SCI BC is on a mission to help people with spinal cord injury (and related disabilities) and their families adjust, adapt, and thrive as they deal with a new injury or struggle with the ongoing challenges of living and aging with a physical disability.
