Brian Raymer
Brian Raymer is a Paddle Canada SUP Instructor and Instructor Trainer. Brian can help you get to the next level for Flatwater, Touring and Surf SUP. He has more than 4000 hours ocean touring, instructing and training experience.
He is a former North Shore (Vancouver) Rescue Team member with strong swimming skills including free diving. He holds a current certification in Remote First Aid.
Outside of South Island SUP, Brian contributes to the SUP community as an organizer for WestCoast SUP Symposium, BC SUP Cup, SixPack SUP Race Series and other community events. When he’s not busy organizing, you’ll find him as an active competitor in the SixPack SUP Race Series and the BC SUP Cup Races!
He’s well known for his friendliness, smile, SUP knowledge and patient approach to getting people on stand up paddleboards and enjoying it for the first time.
Gina Lemieux
Gina Lemieux, founder of Mer Tales Ocean Journeys, is a professional marine biologist, occupational diver, and accredited Paddle Canada Basic, Advanced Flatwater and Touring Level 1 and 2 stand up paddleboard (SUP) instructor. She has over 25 years of experience on the ocean as a diver, vessel operator and SUP instructor. She holds a current certification in Wilderness First Aid.
Through South Island SUP and Mer Tales Ocean Journeys, Gina additionally supports local charities, such as Pacific Wild, Mustard Seed Street Church Food Bank and Bridges for Women Society, through co-organizing multiple fundraising SUP events throughout each year. She also contributes to the SUP community as a South Island SUP Challenge co-organizer (previously SixPack SUP Race Series co-organizer 2015-2019).
Her connection with the ocean began at a very early age and has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance in her life. She is passionate about sharing her marine knowledge and connecting people with the ocean. Her hope is that through these connections people will experience greater inspiration in their lives.
Gina’s favourite sea creatures are orcas and nudibranchs! She is always thrilled to get curious with others to identify marine life.
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