Mate. Dan joined the Maple Leaf Adventures team in 2015 after completing his Bachelor of Science degree. This is not your average BSc though. Dan’s consisted of a Major in Geography, a concentration in Earth Systems, a Minor in Human Dimensions of Climate Change, and highlighted field studies in Whale Ecology from the University of Victoria. Wow! What attracted Dan to work at Maple Leaf Adventures is our commitment to supporting a sustainable tourism industry on the BC coast. He believes that eco-tourism is an effective way to build an appreciation of coastal ecosystems and to support conservation values, and we agree. Dan has circumnavigated Vancouver Island and sailed through South-east Alaska. His many memories come from working with youth and showing them the wonders of nature from a sailboat. Dan says, “The most rewarding memories are watching young people connect with their new environment and new community. For some, it is their first trip without their parents or their first time on the ocean. Being in such a new situation kids can easily shed the masks they wear in their normal lives”. Dan believes that this is a similar experience for adults — that being a part of something like this allows for that life changing moment when someone sees the beauty of the pristine wilderness for the first time. When not working with us, Dan is climbing rocks or competing in triathlons.

BSc, Geography Concentration in Earth Systems. Minor in Human Dimensions of Climate Change, University of Victoria Marine Basic First Aid Marine Emergency Duties – A1, A2 Standard First Aid & CPR Small Vessel Operators Proficiency

Deckhand 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 lead to working on the ocean since 2007 as a sailboat captain, and 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 traveler. 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 jkreyphoto.com if you would like to get a hold of him regarding his photography.

Bachelors 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

Deckhand. A coastal explorer who grew up on Quadra Island, Kate was an oceanography field technician and a boat operator for the renowned Hakai Institute, a research facility in the Great Bear Rainforest, before joining Maple Leaf Adventures. Kate has a degree in Geography with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Victoria. Her interest in learning more about the beautiful and diverse coast of BC and Alaska led her to Maple Leaf and its knowledgeable and well-connected crew. In her spare time, Kate enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, horseback riding and cycling. She’s also a sailor and recently had the amazing experience of completing the Van Isle 360 — a race that circumnavigates Vancouver Island each year.

BA, Geography and Anthropology, University of Victoria SVOP ROCM MEDA2 Marine Basic First Aid Food Safe WHMIS

Deckhand. Terese otherwise known as “Tree” to the Maple Leaf Adventures family, is both a tall ship sailor and a graphic designer. Her visual and three dimensional skills make Terese a valued member of the maintenance team every time there is sanding, varnishing, painting and detail work to be done on the ships.

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 179-foot barque, she sailed around the world, learning seamanship and sailing skills and exploring new continents. Since her return to Canada, Tree has crewed aboard the schooner Maple Leaf and more recently aboard the tugboat Swell. She lives in Victoria and divides her time between graphic design and crewing with Maple Leaf Adventures. In addition to deck-handing and ship maintenance at Maple Leaf, Terese has designed t-shirts and other materials, and helped in the office in many ways. Terese also dedicates time to volunteering with the Maritime Museum of BC.

Small Vessel Operators Proficiency Radio Operator Card – Maritime Commercial Marine First Aid Marine Emergency Duties A2 Food Safe