Peter Schulze:
Peter speaks both German and English- this often comes in handy for him! He is an avid surfer, accomplished wood turner and works closely with Strawberry Island Research. He has spent winters in Hawaii working with Jim Darling (a renowned marine biologist) where they were studying the habits of humpback whales. Very exciting Peter! You can view Peter's woodturnings and bowls in Ocean Outfitters gift gallery.
Graeme Ashby
Graeme is our romantic captain in love with the salt air, rolling sea and expansive coastline. Clayoquot Sound is his most favorite place in the world. He loves his job and being able to share this place with other adventurous spirits. Graeme lives aboard his sailboat and is the dedicated father of a beautiful boy named Jacob.
Oren Lawson
Oren was born and raised on Wickaninnish Island which harbors Tofino from the open Pacific Ocean. Living on a local island, Oren comes from a family where the boating this coast is not a “life style” but rather a “way of life”. He started his captains career early driving boats since the tender age of 5. He has intimate knowledge of boats and the West Coast. Raised with the wildlife and marine life, flora and fauna of the area, his education and life resonates deeply with an appreciation and respect for the natural world. Oren’s training includes a lifetime of experience with boats, motors, ocean conditions and coastal routes. He knows personally the diversity of marine life here in Clayoquot Sound as well as much of the Pacific having spent last winter in Mexico working on deep sea charter vessels. He has completed his Marine First Aid Ticket, his Med A 3 which is Marine Emergency Response as well as his Small Vessels Operators Proficiency Ticket. Oren has been driving for us and sharing his knowledge with our guests for the past 2 years.
Ron Weeks
has been living on Vancouver Island for his entire life and has spent the last thirteen of them surfing, playing music and operating boats in Clayoquot Sound. After studying marine biology for four years at the University of Victoria he realized that observation of organisms rather than analysis of data was his passion so he began to run wildlife viewing tours. He is certified with Marine Emergency Duties (MEDA3), his Small Vessel Operating Proficiency as well as Marine First Aid, and has been working for us for three seasons. Ron is also an accomplished singer/songwriter so ask him when and where in town you can hear his music!
Tim Tom
Born and raised here, Tim is from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations located directly across from Tofino on Meares Island. Tim never grows tired of the beauty of Clayoquot Sound - the ocean is his front yard! and he loves showing off the gems of this area; the wolves, eagles, bears and whales. Tim’s culture has very much respect for the land and the ocean and for all the riches it provides. In his free time Tim’s passion for fishing takes him back out onto the water. He has a great west coast smile and you will enjoy having him as your guide.
Steve Lawson
Steve is a First Nations person who has lived in this area for over 48 years. His knowledge of the ocean and coast is extensive and thorough, being aware of the variety of situations the coastal climate encompasses. Steve has driven tour boats for over 25 years and has a detailed knowledge of coastal life. He also designs and builds boats and lives on an island offshore. His experiences as a fisherman from Victoria to the Queen Charlotte Islands also provided extensive experience and ability in dealing with open ocean travel and a vast knowledge of marine life. Steve is an active environmentalist, a father of five and a grandfather who loves the coast and works hard to preserve and protect it. Steve enjoys teaching others and instills an appreciation and love for the wildlife, marine life, the forests and rivers of this amazing coastal region.
