Elements Adventure Company

I was feeling pretty lucky when I saw that there was an advanced river rescue course being held just an hour from where I live. I had last taken a formal swiftwater rescue course over three decades ago, and was looking forward to refreshing and updating my knowledge and skills. What I received however, was considerably better than that. The Elements Adventures team prepared a packed weekend, both on and off the river, of learning. They were highly professional, highly competent, and super supportive throughout the weekend. They set up an excellent progression from practicing skills in highly controlled environments through surprise scenarios on the river that required communication, teamwork, and use of the skills just practiced. The debrief sessions after the scenarios were supportive and instructional, and left all of the participants feeling both valued and enriched. I left the course with a number of things that I will do differently than I've done over many decades of paddling, and some good new friends that I look forward to seeing again on the river. I highly recommend the Elements Adventure team for any course or guided trip.

I would highly recommend Elements Adventure Company in general and the Level I Tandem course specifically. My wife and I approached Elements looking for a game plan to prepare us for an intermediate level whitewater trip of a lifetime up in the NWT in a couple of years. The owner, Charles, provided us a well thought out itinerary that would get us there using courses, trips and resources offered by his company.The Level I tandem course was the first step on our journey and it didn't disappoint. The guides are competent, well prepared, professional and fun. The equipment was appropriate and well maintained and the course was extremely informative. The fact that we had a great group of co-participants to paddle and learn with on this gorgeous river was the icing on the cake.The course focused on learning, practicing and utilizing core moving water paddling strokes, techniques and theory in a number of challenging but low risk scenarios. In addition we were taught and practiced throw bag and self rescue as well as T-rescues.It was just the right mix of teaching and practice and I think we all left the experience with increased knowledge and confidence. Both my wife and I look forward to our next step in our whitewater journey!

This is my 2nd year taking courses with Elements Adventure Company. I had canoed only a few times on a lake and never on a river. The first course I took I felt so safe and supported by Charles, who was the instructor, that I took a series of courses back to back. This year I feel confident to go on a few overnight white water canoe trips and I am excited for where the river will take me next!

I have been paddling for more than 50 years and only wish that I had met up with Charles earlier in my paddling career. His skill, knowledge and professionalism has helped me to be a better paddler and to find more enjoyment from the sport. I have taken two of Charle's courses, a guided trip and have joined him on river cleanup events. Every course and event was fun, and I always learned something new.

I've just completed my 5th course/trip with Elements- which should tell you something :-). Charles runs an excellent organization from end to end. The trip routes are on gorgeous rivers that can accommodate a reasonably wide range of paddling skills. More advanced paddlers have plenty of scope to play and push their skills; less experienced paddlers will be paired with guides and/or more experienced paddlers so they're not freaked out. Safety is always paramount. All equipment is kept in proper repair. Charles is an excellent, calm, patient guide who gentle provides just the right amount of feedback and instruction to help you leave the river a better paddler than when you entered. The food is always superb. I've taken my 17 yo son and my 81 yo father on river trips- both had a great time. This summer my wife, with no previous whitewater experience, has completed 2 trips and is keen to do more- thanks to Charles and his great staff.

2023 UpdateAfter a terrific course last year I did the basic solo river course this year. Same terrific experience, same well run operation. This company has very strong instructors supported by a stable of experienced co instructors. You will not go wrong with team.2022This is an exceptionally well run program. I was looking for practical solutions to possible challenges faced while tripping in remote locations with fully loaded boats. The Level 1 River Recuse class delivered 100% for me. Charles is is a gifted instructor and a real pleasure to learn with. I would recommend this company to anyone looking top quality skills training.

While planning and preparing for a wilderness river canoe trip, I figured I had best get some good training and experience under my belt. I couldn't have chosen a better outfit than Elements Adventures to help me improve my paddling skills and knowledge. I have just attended my second moving water course with Elements. I did the Tandem Level 1Moving Water course in June 2022 and Level 2 in April 2023.Both courses were very well run. Elements has excellent instructors and equipment and the beautiful, clean, clear Shuswap River provides numerous, varied and challenging river features where one can safely learn and practice canoeing skills.I would encourage anyone interested in canoeing to get in touch with Elements Adventures and take one of their Moving Water courses. It will up your skills and knowledge considerably and make you a better and safer canoeist.George BurnsNew Hazelton, B.C.

Arriving back home and reviewing the experience all we can say is wow"! The Four Rivers in Four Days Canoe Trip is a great way to get out on the river and work on improving paddling skills with very knowledgeable and friendly guides. It's also more than the activity of paddling

We did the Mushroom tour last weekend. The weather was cool and rained at first but the sun came out a little later. It was a perfect day! We explored 3 areas for mushrooms, and it is amazing what you find when you slow down to take the time to look. There are mushrooms everywhere! Charles is very knowledgeable and a great communicator/teacher! It was so amazing to learn about the mushrooms we found! Highly recommend this tour!

Our Wild Mushroom Tour with Charles was educational and fun. Our group was very keen to learn mushroom identification and had some great questions and observations. We drove to three different locations and I was happy we saw and identified a lot more mushrooms than I thought we would. If Charles didn’t have an answer to a question, he was more than willing to get back to us with an answer by email. We were given adequate information in advance on where to meet, what to bring and what to wear, etc. We were given a four page handout to take home that included a list of resources for identifying wild mushrooms. I would highly recommend Elements Adventure Company and the Wild Mushroom Tour.