Paddle Canada Interview

Written by: Jarrod Gunn McQuillan Published On Nov 30, 2025

{"time":1769699484883,"blocks":[{"id":"WK5Pyi7rAC","type":"header","data":{"text":"Instructor POV \u2013 Jarrod Gunn McQuillan","level":1}},{"id":"ynxmYFWve2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"September 14, 2025"}},{"id":"qxFxqg5xJR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Instructor POV<\/em>, our blog series that dives into the unique perspectives of Paddle Canada instructors across the country picks up with&nbsp;Jarrod Gunn McQuillan<\/strong>&nbsp;from Cloud 9 Adventures. Fresh off of Paddlepalooza in Ontario, Jarrod caught up with us in-between sessions to share his 15+ years of experience learning and growing as a sea kayaking instructor.&nbsp;"}},{"id":"ALx9bYXw2E","type":"delimiter","data":{}},{"id":"GDk1G98sSs","type":"image","data":{"url":"https:\/\/media.tripcart.com\/images\/2437\/web_1768563002_557924_6789_85_680x680.webp","caption":"Photo Credit: Luke Rovner","alt":"JM-POV-FB-1-680x680","width":680,"height":680,"withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false}},{"id":"t3ZeCuKja0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Paddle Canada:<\/strong>&nbsp;Hey Jarrod, thanks for taking the time to be a part of our Instructor Series. We\u2019re excited to hear all about your experience as a Paddle Canada Instructor so let\u2019s dive right in. Give us an intro about yourself \u2014 what do you do and where do you do it?"}},{"id":"AaAV7mGes5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jarrod Gunn McQuillan:<\/strong>&nbsp;My name is Jarrod Gunn McQuillan, and I live on Prince Edward Island with my wife Heather and our two children, Finlay and Emma."}},{"id":"_hasMHQPO4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"I run a sea kayak company called Cloud 9 Adventures and have had the pleasure of instructing across Canada, though most of my work happens on the East Coast \u2014 in PEI, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. I love all aspects of sea kayaking, whether it\u2019s introducing brand new paddlers to the sport or working with advanced students looking to push their limits \u2014 whether for expedition travel or rough water play."}},{"id":"LlDFIoaAru","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In addition to Cloud 9, we also run a wellness resort called Nature Space Resort, where we offer guided tours and often have the pleasure of introducing people to sea kayaking for the very first time. It\u2019s a pretty special thing to be a part of."}},{"id":"KYuH09Jn88","type":"image","data":{"url":"https:\/\/media.tripcart.com\/images\/2437\/web_1768563016_741_8376_85_970x633.webp","caption":"Keeping that bow dry (Photo Credit: Jill Brown)","alt":"image1-970x633","width":970,"height":633,"withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false}},{"id":"pYIPkpSv9E","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;What was your first paddling experience and what inspired you to become an instructor?"}},{"id":"Fd1439tdJP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;My first paddling experience was in a canoe on a quiet lake as a kid. Shortly after meeting Heather, we started canoe tripping and exploring remote parts of Northern Ontario. When we moved to British Columbia, we brought the canoe with us and started exploring the ocean. It didn\u2019t take long to realize sea kayaks were much better suited to that environment \u2014 and I was hooked."}},{"id":"dn2x7y3sh0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"My first Paddle Canada course was with Nic Castro in Victoria, BC. That experience opened my eyes to performance paddling and a glimpse into the fun of rough water play. When we moved back east to PEI in 2010, I became a Paddle Canada instructor and have been devoting myself to this craft ever since. Teaching and paddling have become core parts of my life."}},{"id":"rwiU3FSB0G","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;How do you approach teaching brand new paddlers?"}},{"id":"lSkEEh_pDZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;I like to think of myself as a positive, supportive, and encouraging instructor.&nbsp;I meet students where they\u2019re at, offering patience, clear feedback, and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 a sense of fun and play.&nbsp;&nbsp;"}},{"id":"WNJ_R2E3IG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Everyone shows up with different fears, expectations, or barriers. My job is to help them work through these as well as set realistic goals and achieve them, while feeling safe and empowered."}},{"id":"UiHzQMAGE_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;What does an average day look like in your water shoes?"}},{"id":"6c3jznUFRu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;I\u2019m an early riser. Most days start with a strong coffee and updating my paddler\u2019s log with forecasts and environmental data. I take time to review the day\u2019s plan, anticipate any necessary changes based on weather, tides, and group dynamics \u2014 because staying adaptable is key to delivering safe, high-quality programming."}},{"id":"GnmJPnMs2N","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"My day might involve teaching youth a Basic Kayak Skills course or coaching advanced paddlers in rough water conditions. I am grateful to be able to follow my passions."}},{"id":"-aCiDfmH7c","type":"image","data":{"url":"https:\/\/media.tripcart.com\/images\/2437\/web_1768563029_345902_3660_85_970x789.webp","caption":"Finding the perfect sunset spot (Photo Credit: Matt Edwards-Davies)","alt":"image4-970x789","width":970,"height":789,"withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false}},{"id":"VhORc7n9TX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;Can you share a memorable teaching moment from one of your courses?"}},{"id":"nhR_iQ9HAZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;There are so many, but one that stands out was working with a student who was determined to surf a standing wave in tidal currents but couldn\u2019t quite hold the position. I managed to paddle out and coach them in real-time, side by side on the wave. We adjusted their angle and timing \u2014 and they caught it."}},{"id":"ZrN1c-a3C2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It was such a powerful moment \u2014 both of us on the wave, doing something we love, and watching that spark ignite for them. It\u2019s those kinds of moments, where passion and skill meet \u2014 that make this work incredibly rewarding."}},{"id":"0rQoKq3VwF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;What\u2019s one challenge you\u2019ve had to overcome as an Instructor?"}},{"id":"fFY9sP9SGk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;Early in my career, one of the biggest challenges was managing group dynamics during multi-day courses with a wide range of skill levels. Some students wanted to push boundaries, while others were more cautious."}},{"id":"1dk_qBMyNL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Learning how to balance progression and inclusion \u2014 so that every paddler feels both supported and challenged \u2014 took time, creativity, and real-time leadership. Over the past 15 years, I\u2019ve refined my ability to adapt plans and create space for everyone to grow."}},{"id":"JCExE4ZEKa","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Now, I see this as one of my strengths. My goal is always for every paddler to leave with stronger skills, a deeper sense of teamwork, new tools to work on and that unique camaraderie that comes from shared outdoor adventures. The technical side of coaching is important, but I have found the human element is where the real magic happens."}},{"id":"jfgbzOZMAp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Teach. Reflect. Make mistakes. Those experiences will make you a better and more grounded instructor. It\u2019s not about ticking boxes \u2014 it\u2019s about showing up as a confident, capable leader for your students."}},{"id":"vnNtWfc89d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;Give us your top 5 must-haves in your dry bag for a successful multi-day."}},{"id":"tjG_bzzfo5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;This could be a long list, but here are five key pieces of gear that always come with me:"}},{"id":"aQ18UI8dno","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Journal \u2013 I like to log weather data, personal observations, and lessons from each day. It\u2019s a great way to learn and reflect.","items":[]},{"content":"Comfort Kit \u2013 A small waterproof Pelican case with essentials I might need quickly: basic first aid items, knife, fire starter, electrolytes, quick sugar, toque, headlamp, couple repair items, and a multitool.","items":[]},{"content":"Hypothermia Kit \u2013 A dedicated dry bag with dry clothes and gear to warm someone up if needed. Absolutely essential on the coast.","items":[]},{"content":"Storm Cag \u2013 Super versatile and great for sudden weather changes and on water situations.","items":[]},{"content":"Reflective Debriefs \u2013 i know\u2026this isn\u2019t really something I put in my dry bag, however it is a key element to all my programs. I always like to finish our days with a structured reflective debrief. This allows students and instructors to recap or even relive their day. It can help organize their learning and pull successes and areas of growth to the surface. It is also an important way for us to integrate the things we learn!","items":[]}]}},{"id":"HxkjvCwI39","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;What would you say to someone considering becoming a Paddle Canada Instructor?"}},{"id":"b2AfUP5_o4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;Don\u2019t rush the process. Enjoy where you are and spend time mastering each level before moving to the next. I see a lot of eager instructors pushing for that next certification too quickly \u2014 but there\u2019s so much value in living in the skills you\u2019ve just learned."}},{"id":"rBG179gu5E","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Teach. Reflect. Make mistakes. Those experiences will make you a better and more grounded instructor. It\u2019s not about ticking boxes \u2014 it\u2019s about showing up as a confident, capable leader for your students."}},{"id":"3vy63qFG67","type":"image","data":{"url":"https:\/\/media.tripcart.com\/images\/2437\/web_1768563042_858107_6105_85_716x544.webp","caption":"Jarrod in the classroom (Photo Credit: Adam Constantine","alt":"image3","width":716,"height":544,"withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false}},{"id":"DpiPu19puh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PC:<\/strong>&nbsp;The mic is yours! Any last words or parting thoughts?"}},{"id":"MM76FIFipB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JGM:<\/strong>&nbsp;People often ask what \u201cCloud 9\u201d means in our name. I have defined what it means to us\u2026."}},{"id":"wUWH4Rsuwb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"At Cloud 9, we love all forms of paddling\u2014freshwater or the salty, calm lakes or ocean swells, Euro blades or Greenland sticks. Whether you\u2019re new to paddling or a seasoned adventurer, we\u2019re excited to share the water with you. Our commitment is to create a respectful, mindful, and inclusive classroom where all paddlers feel at home to learn and grow. This requires all of us \u2013 coaches and participants. We take our programming and approach to learning very seriously, this is our full-time job, but we always have a focus on having fun. We believe that when we are having fun, we are more open to growth and learning. That\u2019s what being on Cloud 9 means to us.<\/em>"}}],"version":"2.31.0"}

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