Alina Andrushko

Deckhand

Originally from the picturesque Okanagan region, Alina’s adventurous spirit took her to the rugged Irish coast for a time. Captivated by its beauty, she returned to BC in search of the scenic coastline, where she found her calling in the adventure tourism industry. Her expertise extends to working with various lodges and adventure companies, where she brings enthusiasm and dedication to creating memorable guest experiences.

Throughout her journey, Alina always kept an eye on Maple Leaf Adventures, a company that resonated with her Canadian roots and shared values. She treasures the personal connections she’s made with both crew and guests (and a good game of crib!) and is thrilled to share the untouched landscapes of BC’s coast with visitors.

Bryan Bowles

Mate – Swell

Bryan was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, where he discovered a love for exploring the Pacific by cruising the coastal waters of Halfmoon Bay, Welcome Pass, and Thormanby Island. He lived on the Sunshine Coast for 21 years before moving to Vancouver Island in 2012. Bryan enjoys surfing, angling, and long walks on the beach.

Growing up in a small rural coastal community with access to skiffs and sailboats, Bryan developed a deep passion for the outdoors and a respect for marine flora and fauna.

Bryan joined Maple Leaf Adventures in 2018 after 8 years as a Journeyman Carpenter and 6 seasons as a fishing guide in Haida Gwaii. With his background in trades and customer service, he helped with Cascadia’s initial refit and was offered a deck position for its first season. Since then, he has pursued a career as a professional mariner, sailing as Mate on Swell during the operating season and serving as Refit Lead in the winter.

What Bryan likes most about his job is the diversity. From maintaining the vessels in the winter to connecting with nature in the most remote areas of the province, he enjoys showing guests from around the world the allure of the coast.

A quote Bryan lives by is: “Let’s light the fires and kick the tires” – Captain Ron.

Carmen Pendleton

Mate – Swell

Coming from Victoria, Carmen’s love affair with the coast began early in life. She nurtured this passion while working as a kayak guide, exploring the beautiful coastal areas she now calls home. After a few years, she switched gears to whale watching, where she took on roles as a deckhand and naturalist, diving deeper into the marine world she adores.

Her commitment to the ocean led her to work with an ocean cleanup organization and contribute to nautical publications during her internships. In 2019, Carmen embarked on a new adventure with Maple Leaf Adventures. Since then, she’s seamlessly transitioned through various roles on all three vessels. What she loves most about her job is the endless variety. Each day brings new and exciting experiences as she shares the wonders of the coast with guests from around the world.

Embracing the spirit of adventure, Carmen shares one of her favorite quotes: “The day won’t end before I’m ready for the fair adventure of tomorrow (so let’s meet bright and early for a cup of tea).” With her enthusiasm and dedication, Carmen continues to make waves in the maritime world, enriching the experiences of all who journey alongside her.

Carrie Poborsa-Cox

Deckhand

Carrie grew up on Vancouver Island, where her father, a commercial diver, introduced her to the remote coastal areas of BC, harvesting sea cucumbers, urchins, and geoducks. Spending summers and winter vacations camping near these areas sparked a deep sense of awe and curiosity in her, not only about the coast but also about the strange creatures that inhabit it.

After studying Liberal Arts in university, Carrie took an unexpected turn and became a scuba instructor. She worked underwater on the BC coast as well as in the Caribbean, South Pacific, and New Zealand. Her time on dive boats eventually led her to larger ships and other areas of the marine industry. She now works on an offshore science vessel with the Canadian Coast Guard, but working with Maple Leaf Adventures allows her to continue exploring the coastal waters she fell in love with as a child.

What Carrie loves most about her job is the sense of exploration. Every trip is different, and the shared feeling of discovering the hidden nooks and crannies of the coast with guests is an experience that never gets old.

A standout moment for Carrie was on one of her first trips with Maple Leaf Adventures, during a Kitlope trip aboard Swell. After spending the day on a grand adventure up the river, they finally reached a pristine lake surrounded by towering mountains. The stillness and beauty were awe-inspiring, and just when they thought the experience couldn’t get more magical, they were greeted by curious harbour seals, snorting and watching them from a distance.

A quote Carrie lives by comes from Sylvia Earle: “No water, no life. No blue, no green. We need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do.”

Emma Troost

Mate – SV Maple Leaf

Emma didn’t grow up on the coast, but her fascination with the ocean began at a young age. She started learning how to sail at 8 years old in small dinghy boats on a reservoir, and family camping trips to Vancouver Island sparked her curiosity about the ocean, especially the life in tide pools. When she was 13, a year of travel with her family took her to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, as well as reefs in Fiji and Hawaii, solidifying her love for the ocean.

After moving to Victoria, Emma’s passion for the west coast grew. Summers spent sailing with her family in the Gulf Islands, exploring coves, anchorages, and spotting whales for the first time, deepened her connection to the water. Her family even moved aboard a sailboat, where they lived for several years and circumnavigated Vancouver Island on their last big trip. Emma went on to study marine biology at the University of Victoria, where she earned a degree in Biology with a concentration in marine biology. During university, she worked as a kayak guide out of Victoria, sharing her love for the ocean with others. After graduating, she pursued marine certifications to work on larger vessels.

What Emma loves most about her job is the opportunity to explore BC’s incredible coast, witnessing stunning wildlife and landscapes alongside guests and crew who share the same passion. She’s also enjoyed learning about the vessels she works on, especially the ship systems and maintenance of the historic 120-year-old *Maple Leaf*.

One standout experience for Emma happened on her very first Maple Leaf trip. The crew spotted a group of Humpback whales cooperatively bubble net feeding. After dropping a hydrophone into the water, they could hear the whales calling, which became so loud they could still hear them even without the hydrophone. As rings of bubbles appeared, the whales surfaced with their massive mouths wide open, gulping fish—a moment straight out of a nature documentary.

Geoff Dunstan

Captain and Expedition Leader – SV Maple Leaf

Bio to come.

Jeff Reynolds

Expedition Leader and Naturalist

Decades ago, a jellyfish stung Jeff and changed the course of his life. He was a teenager, at summer camp in Halifax, Canada. “I realized I needed to learn more about the underwater world that caused me such pain,” he says.

We’re not sure how this knowledge informed his next jellyfish encounters, but he’s now a biologist with a degree focused on marine biology. His impressive experience includes classifying the biodiversity of glass sponge gardens using ROV footage, with world expert Dr. Vera Tunnicliffe, and helping to biologically classify Alaska’s entire shoreline.

Studying the ocean has also led to working on the ocean since 2007 as a sailboat captain, yacht crew member and keeper. An avid sailing racer, Jeff has successfully accomplished the Victoria-Maui Race in under 15 days and continues to race in and around Victoria when not working for Maple Leaf Adventures.

He’s also a kayaker, surfer, scuba diver and adventure traveller. To top off these skills, Jeff is one of our brilliant photographers at Maple Leaf Adventures. You can follow him on Instagram to keep up with his stunning images and escapades. Jeff’s website is www.jeffkreynolds.com if you would like to get a hold of him regarding his photography.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology – University of Victoria
• Small Vessel Operators Proficiency Radio Operators Proficiency
• Maritime Commercial
• Marine Fist Aid
• Marine Emergency Duties
• A1 Marine Emergency Duties
• A2 Marine Emergency Duties
• A3 Food Safe
• Bear Aware Workplace
• Hazardous Materials Information System Safety at Sea via the BC Sailing Association

Kavish Raj

Chief Engineer – Cascadia

Kavish Raj, Cascadia’s engineer, brought his Pacific Island ingenuity to the vibrant city of Victoria, BC, in 2011. Originally from the sunny shores of Fiji, Raj has a deep-rooted love for being on the water. His upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for hard work and a passion for ship systems.

Known by his crew mates for his innate resourcefulness, Raj thrives on the challenges of engineering in remote areas, where constant inventiveness is required. Whether he’s solving a problem for a fellow crew member, giving guest tours of Cascadia’s engine room, or sitting down for a strategic game of chess, Raj’s gears are always turning.

Michael Hassall

Deckhand and Chef

Michael is a Red Seal chef who has worked with Maple Leaf Adventures for three seasons. He enjoys the sense of adventure that comes with working aboard small ships and values working alongside like-minded people who believe in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. Michael has lived on the coast for five years, having moved from Edmonton, Alberta.

Michael’s passion for the coast stems from his deep connection to nature. He finds the west coast captivating, with its mountains, ancient trees, biodiversity, and rich culture. “How can you not fall in love?” he says.

Michael’s culinary career began in a chain restaurant as a young adult. Realizing the employability of chefs, he quickly earned his Red Seal certification and traveled for several years, gaining diverse culinary experiences. He eventually became the Executive Chef at the culinary school he attended. However, his sense of adventure led him to answer the call of the open ocean.

What Michael loves most about his job is the people he works with. Each voyage is unique, filled with diverse and humble knowledge from his colleagues. He appreciates the support and dedication he receives from his fellow Mariners.

Michael’s proudest achievements include his advocacy for mental health within the culinary community. He has always fostered safe spaces for staff, guests, and strangers alike, striving to be an ally and leave a positive mark on the world. He takes pride in anyone he has helped.

Michael’s most memorable travel experience is ever-changing, but Haida Gwaii stands out as the most remarkable place he has visited.

A quote Michael lives by is: “Be kind to all kinds.”

Philip Stone

Mate & Photography Instructor

Photography has been a passion and a part of Phil’s life since childhood. What started as a hobby gradually grew to become a key part of his adventures and business.

Phil’s photographs appeared in hundreds of magazines and newspapers including Climbing, Snowboard Canada, Rock & Ice, Explore, National Geographic Traveler, Backcountry, Couloir, The Province, Globe and Mail along with many regional publications.

Combining a love of writing with photography Phil has written and published a series of guidebooks, an adventure sports magazine, and a community newspaper. Multi-talented, Phil can also be found behind the wheel of Swell, navigating the coastal waters as a Mate.

Polly Cox

Deckhand – Cascadia

Polly’s diverse career began in the rugged wilderness of northwestern Ontario, where she worked in forest fire operations for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, focusing on fire science and aerial fire detection. This ignited her passion for environmental conservation.

Her love for scuba diving turned into a profession, taking her from the freshwater lakes of Ontario to the coastal beauty of British Columbia and the idyllic shores of Grand Cayman. As an instructor and dive boat captain, Polly shared her underwater passion with enthusiasts. A transatlantic voyage took Polly to the United Kingdom, where she guided on the waters of the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and the Northeastern Caribbean, even spending seasons with North Atlantic Humpback Whales in the Dominican Republic.

Polly’s roles as purser, instructor, deckhand, and dive guide have equipped her with extensive knowledge in guest services and vessel operations. Her rich boating tradition includes racing and cruising on the Great Lakes, Ontario’s inland waterways, and Caribbean regattas. Whether sailing, diving, paddling, or on land adventures, Polly’s commitment to conservation and her love for exploration shine through.

She eagerly shares her enthusiasm with the Maple Leaf Adventures crew and their guests, enriching journeys with her dedication to the environment and adventurous spirit. Polly is an invaluable member of our team, enriching the experience of all who travel with her.

Samuel Rosen

Deckhand

Born and raised in Victoria, Samuel has always been drawn to the water. He started kayaking at 12 years old and later worked as a kayak guide for four years around Vancouver Island. Samuel obtained a Marine Biology degree from the University of Victoria and has worked in various roles, from laboratories to fieldwork.

Transitioning from biology, Samuel became a whale watching guide, which served as a perfect bridge to his current role as a deckhand. He loves sharing his knowledge with guests and is grateful for the many opportunities to see whales. Observing the variety of whale behaviors in the remote areas they frequent is always a pleasure for him.

Sarah Powell

Mate

Sarah was born in Victoria and grew up boating and fishing along the Pacific Coast. Every summer was spent cruising the ocean in her family’s boat. As an adult, Sarah had a difficult time giving up her summer jobs on the water, despite completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology.

She decided to join the Canadian Coast Guard full-time and pursue a career as a mariner, where she sailed every corner of the coast, from Southern Vancouver Island to the Canadian Arctic.

Sarah has spent over a decade in the whale-watching business, sharing her excitement and passion for the marine environment she calls her home. She loves showing people things they’ve never seen before. “Unexpected encounters are always the highlight of exploring”, Sarah says. From fishing and diving to hiking and skiing, Sarah can usually be found outdoors exploring with her dog Perez.

Scott Turton

Deckhand – Swell

Originally from the southwest of England, Scott (or Scotty, as he’s known) has spent much of his life traveling and exploring—and now, it’s what he gets to do for work. His journey has taken him across Australia and New Zealand, where he spent time on the water working alongside brilliant minds and passionate individuals, whose love for nature and wildlife rubbed off on him.

Scott has a particular fascination with whales. His colleagues and past guests will tell you he “speaks whale,” as he’s deeply intrigued by these giants of the sea and the mysteries that surround them. Every encounter with whales is a humbling experience for Scott, reminding him of the incredible creatures we share the planet with.

Now calling British Columbia home, Scott never takes the opportunity to explore the coastline and wilderness for granted. From salmon running in streams to bears feasting, coastal wolves howling to bald eagles calling, and, of course, the majestic whales—every moment is a reminder of the magic of the BC coast.

What Scott loves most about his role with Maple Leaf Adventures is the diversity. Each trip is unique, with new people, varied backgrounds, and different wildlife sightings. It’s the unpredictability of what each journey will bring that keeps it exciting.

One standout experience for Scott was sitting by a rainy river’s edge, surrounded by rainforest with guests and crew, waiting for a glimpse of the elusive spirit bear. After many such waits with no success, it became a humbling lesson in wildlife’s unpredictability. But this time, the white bear emerged, crossing the river on a fallen Douglas fir. Watching guests and crew react with tearful eyes and beaming smiles was an unforgettable moment for Scott.

Simon Ager

Deckhand

Though he was born in landlocked Alberta, Canada, Simon has dedicated his life and career to being on the water. With over 1,500 days at sea on global marine conservation campaigns, he has a keenly developed sense of the interconnectedness of BC’s coastal environment.

Deeply moved by his experiences studying Pacific salmon populations, Simon is committed to educating and protecting the stunning, yet fragile ecosystem he calls his home. 

At sea, Simon has a wide range of experiences that allow him to play many roles. Whether he is wearing the hat of a Mate, Able Seaman, Photographer or Ships Manager, he always looks forward to meeting like-minded people who are excited about experiencing the natural beauty of the BC coast.

Simon loves a good laugh, Van Gogh, and any flora that will attract the bees! He hopes to one day become a National Geographic Photographer. 

Sophie Vanderbanck

Deckhand

Sophie is a biologist and passionate marine conservationist. Her deep connection to the ocean began in the lagoons of Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean, where she grew up.

She studied Natural Resource Conservation at The University of British Columbia and in Haida Gwaii at the Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society. During this time, she also worked for Dr. Suzanne Simard as a field assistant, helping set up Dr. Simard’s “Mother Tree Project”.

Growing up in a family that stocked their bookshelf with marine species identification textbooks and snorkelled to collect animals for observation in their fish tanks set the stage for her love of working at the Ucluelet catch-and-release Aquarium. Here, she worked as a naturalist, sharing her passion for marine life, and managed the Ucluelet Aquarium Marine Debris Initiative, collecting microplastic data on local beaches.

Sophie now works at Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society in Tofino, and is involved in marine mammal research, education and rescue in her local waters. Some of her projects include offshore pelagic surveys, killer whale monitoring, sea star wasting surveys and eelgrass mapping. When she’s not doing research, you can find Sophie on a kayak guiding in Clayoquot Sound or The Broken Group Islands, sharing her love for the ocean with others!

Terese Ayre

Steward

Terese’s marine career began as a tall ship sailor. After a career in Vancouver in graphic design, she changed her life and signed up as a trainee on the tall ship Picton Castle, out of Nova Scotia Canada. On this 180-foot barque, she sailed around the world, honing her seamanship and sailing skills while exploring new continents. Since her return to Canada, Terese has crewed aboard the schooner Maple Leaf, then tugboat Swell, and currently, aboard Cascadia. Her design skills also make Terese a valued member of the maintenance team every time there is sanding, varnishing, and detail work to be done on the ships.

Beyond deck duties and ship upkeep, Terese contributes her design talents to the marketing team, crafting promotional materials, designing t-shirts, and offering valuable support in the office. Her multi-faceted skills make her an integral part of the crew, both on and off the water. Terese also dedicates time to volunteering with the Maritime Museum of BC.

Tristan Ray-Wilks

Mate – SV Maple Leaf

A dear friend once told Tristan, “there are many teachable moments throughout life that nature provides us,” and this sparked his lifelong passion for conservation. Working for Maple Leaf Adventures has been the perfect way for Tristan to spread this message. Through adventure, he believes people learn to appreciate the incredible gifts that nature has in store for us.

Tristan graduated with a background in Environmental Resource Management and Adventure Tourism, making his role at Maple Leaf Adventures an ideal fit. He’s been able to facilitate expeditions and create experiences that leave guests with lasting memories and new perspectives on the natural world.

In addition to his work with Maple Leaf Adventures, Tristan has been a polar guide for the past nine years, leading expeditions in Antarctica. When he’s not guiding, he enjoys mountain biking, wildlife photography, hiking, writing, playing music, and, of course, sailing.

Zahailey Golden

Crew

Bio to come