United by water, they are free spirits, outdoor enthusiasts, great friends, role models, teammates, extreme athletes, dirtbags, adrenaline junkies and leaders.

Heather Buckingham

Vancouver Island | OUTDOOR EDUCATOR | WHITEWATER KAYAKER

“Heather was first introduced to kayaking through a high school outdoor ed program on Vancouver Island. Fifteen years later, she now runs an outdoor ed program of her own, and inspires youth to discover the magic of whitewater. Heather is involved in a variety of grassroots paddling initiatives from working on river access projects, supporting women and youth events, hosting nascent paddling festivals, and co-writing a guidebook for Vancouver Island Whitewater. She enjoys pushing her personal limits in creeking and playboating, as well as having fun with friends in the beautiful places that rivers can take you. She chases good whitewater year-round, putting in over 200 days on the water between Vancouver Island winters and Interior summers. Her favourite rivers include the Jordan, Kicking Horse, White Nile, and a number of Vancouver Island creeks. Heather has just bought her first Waka boat, and is stoked on having a solid creek boat designed for smaller paddlers. She is fired up to run the stouts in her Stout!” 

2019 Highlight Reel

AVA SIMPSON

SQUAMISH | River Guide | WHITEWATER KAYAKER

“Ava grew up in Tsawwassen, BC and got into whitewater kayaking after completing an Adventure Guide Diploma at Thompson Rivers University 3 years ago. Since then, she has probably spent more time on the water than anything else (even in the winter!). Today, Ava lives in her van and works as a raft guide in Squamish and is happy to call the Sea to Sky her home. Her favourite river to paddle is the Upper Cheakamus, but she loves to travel in her van around BC to visit other rivers too. Ava loves to challenge herself in all disciplines but what she loves most about kayaking is bringing new paddlers on the river, helping them fall in love with the sport like she did. Ava’s weapon of choice is the Billy Goat as it picks up speed quickly and basically boofs over anything, not to mention it’s a boat designed for smaller paddlers like herself. She is stoked to be apart of the PMI team!”

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