ABOUT US

Grand River Kayak was formed in the Fall of 2006, out of a desire to bring the sport of flatwater kayaking to Haldimand County and the Lower Grand River watershed.

The Grand River is a designated Canadian Heritage River, and is a popular playground for boaters and fishermen from the surrounding area. Between Caledonia and Cayuga, water levels are too low for most motorized boats, and as such are perfect for paddlesports enthusiasts.

We felt that the Grand River, and Lake Erie, could be prime locations for kayakers, yet there didn’t seem to be many local paddlers, and no outfitters or tour guides to supply the needs of people interested in trying out the sport.

So, here we are.

Much of the flatwater kayaking information out there today is geared towards adventure travellers: exotic destinations, extreme conditions, or multi-day wilderness trips.

We wanted to create a paddling experience for “the rest of us”, folks that either haven’t paddled before, or who don’t own their equipment, who are looking for one part Eco-tour, one part leisure activity, and 100% good time with minimal risk, at an attractive cost. We like to think of our tours as “soft adventure” that anyone can enjoy regardless of their paddling abilities or physical skills.

We are a family owned and operated business.

Flatwater kayaking has been our hobby for about twelve years, and in that time we have paddled with our children in such locations as Algonquin Park, Charleston Lake, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Restoule Provincial Park, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, 15 Mile and 16 Mile Creeks , the Grand River (of course) and Jean Laffitte National Park outside of New Orleans.

Future paddling destinations we’d like to try are Sageunay-St Lawerence, Lake Superior’s north shore, the 1000 islands, and the Massasauga archipelago.

Ed is the owner of Grand River Kayak

A self-confessed “late bloomer”, Ed started kayaking at the ripe old age of 29.
Bit by the paddling bug on a camping trip to the Bruce Peninsula in 1998, he’s never looked back. He and Tanya bought their first kayaks, a matching pair of light touring boats, and learned to paddle entirely by trial and error. Thankfully more “trial” than “error”.
It wasn’t until he decided to start Grand River Kayak that Ed pursued formal training.
Since then, he has gone on to become certified as a Paddle Canada Flatwater Kayak Instructor, and continues to advance his training every year.

Whether teaching a kayak course, leading a guided tour or helping a customer select just the right kayak or piece of paddling gear, Ed’s enthusiasm for all things paddlesports and outdoor is contagious.

Tanya Sullivan has been married to Ed Sullivan for 10 years.

As a practicing “Certified Athletic Therapist” for the last 14 years, she maintains a private practice for sport injuries enabling those who are injured, to return to work or sport with ease. Tanya uses her expertise to run both the Intermediate and Advanced Kardio Kayak classes, as well as many of the tours. Her background in personal training and rehabilitation, allow her to encourage and motivate participants, while ensuring accurate biomechanics to generate an effective forward stroke and burn maximum calories. Visit my website at: www.rehabsmart.ca

Tanya has always had a passion for the outdoors and sports since a very young age. A competitive, award winning softball pitcher, a love for kayaking, camping, hiking, rollerblading, photography and gardening.

LAYLA & FINNEGAN

New additions to the paddling family this year are our Australian Shepherds, Layla & Finnegan, who you can bet will greet you upon arrival! Don’t worry, this friendly pair will settle down after their initial hello!

Both are natural swimmers and have laid back personalities which are a great fit for us. Layla and Finnegan are looking forward to getting out and doing some “dog paddling” !

Treats welcome!

NEW GUIDES

This year we would also like to welcome the addition of 2 new guides SHELLEY COWAN and KATEY RICHARDS.

Both ladies have paddled with us in the past and have participated in our Advanced Kardio Kayak Classes last season.

Shelley is an outgoing, free-spirited woman who loves nature, travel, holistic health and interior design! She is creative, easy going and can tell you what you want to know about the Dunnville area.

Katey has a background in education, currently teaching Elementary school kids in the area. She has genuine love of the outdoors and many physical fitness pursuits.

Doris earned her teaching certificate through Hamsa College for Holistic Sciences & Behavioural Technology & the Hamilton Yoga Institute in 2004 in Hamilton, Ontario. Doris is a member of the Ontario Yoga Association where she continues to attend workshops and retreats. She also has completed and attained the initiation and knowledge of 2^nd Degree Reiki. Today she is the owner of Zaandi Yoga Studios.
Doris will be our Yoga Instructor for our “Kayaking & Yoga Under a Full Moon” evenings, as well as holistic weekend retreats in the future. Her voice is soothing, almost mesmerizing as you relax and unwind in your own yoga journey. Welcome Doris!