Adventure High offers a variety of adventure experiences designed to give you a safe meaningful and enjoyable experiences. A central and unique part of our programs is the strong group of friends that make up our staff.
Our staff are friendly, qualified and have extensive kayaking and life skills, so come meet them!
Ryan Munro is from Florenceville, NB. He graduated from UNB with a degree in Business. After spending two years in Afghanistan, he spent time travelling the world. An extensive background in the outdoors made it a natural choice to become a full-time guide. His knowledge of Grand Manan and the Bay of Fundy, along with his kayaking expertise make him an excellent guide and leader. Ryan has been a kayak guide in Antarctica for the past four Canadian winters, also spending some time in the Arctic. Ryan is a Level 4 Paddle Canada guide and a certified Red Cross Advanced Wilderness and Remote First Reponder.
Sarah Hrdlicka is an community planner turned yoga instructor and wilderness guide from Montreal. During Canadian winters, she works as a wellness guide in Antarctica, teaching yoga classes and guiding people on zodiac cruises. After honing her kayaking skills in Belieze, Panama and Georgian Bay, she is thrilled spend the summer on Grand Manan, sharing her love for the area and helping people experience the beauty of the island. She is also guiding several yoga + kayak trips this summer - don't miss out!
"In yoga practice, we come into a place of stillness where we experience our connection with the natural world. The experience is not so different from paddling - and when we combine the two, it's pure bliss!"
Originally from the Maritimes, Scott Mccormack has been guiding sea kayaking trips for over 10 years. He has worked extensively in the outdoor education field with various outfitters and programmes such as Coastline Challenges, the Nova Scotia Sea School and eight years with Outward Bound Canada. Scott holds a degree in Outdoor Experiential Education from Queen's University, and a Master's of Environmental Education from York University. When Scott isn't guiding or teaching, he is playing music with his band More Please! With an easy going attitude Scott delivers safe, fun and accessible trips for all skill levels. After paddling all over the world, Grand Manan remains one of Scott's favourite places to paddle and enjoy life.
Mark Mykytyn is a long time favorite with our
guests. Coming from New York he has extensive paddling skills, having paddled the Hudson River in New York, Florida Everglades, Honduras, as well as several years here on Grand Manan. Since 1995 he has been coming back to Grand Manan, which he considers his "home away from home". Mark has a passion for kayaking, the ocean, the environment and cooking. A great combination for our multi-day kayak tours. Hisbackground in food has benefitted us all greatly! The guests on our overnight tours delight in his cooking skills, enjoying fresh seafood cooked over an open fire. His engaging personality brings out the best in all those around him and provies for lots of laughter around the campfire as he regales you with stories from his travels.
Elliot Shepherd is a Grand Manan local and has lots of knowledge to share. He has been with Adventure High for 18 years on a part-time basis. His "real" job is with Coastal Transport and working with the new ferry, however as much as he loves the water and boats, kayaks are his passion. When not paddling, Elliot can be found on Wood Island, his other passion. Elliot enjoys sharing both his love of the island and paddling with our guests and ensures everyone has an enjoyable experience.
Susan Ballantyne lives and works in Ottawa as a lawyer. However, shehas recently bought a home here and now spends her summers on Grand Manan. Given a choice, she would choose kayaking over "lawyering" everytime! She is an enthusiastic paddler and lends her skills as an assistant guide whenever needed. Her love of nature and Grand Manan is naturally passed along to our guests.
Perry Harvey, another local legend, has family ties to Adventure High. He decided to challenge himself and designed and built his own kayak. When most take years to build, he immersed himself and built a stunning cedar strip kayak in two months, without plans. This inspired his love of kayaking and all free free time is spent paddling. He helps out as an assistant guide, sharing his local knowledge of the area. His willingness to pitch in, makes him a valuable asset.
