About Me

I thought this would be a good place to introduce myself. My name is Wayne Gignac and I live in Mississauga Ontario.

I have a degree in Geology from the Pleistocene era and have worked numerous jobs, mostly IT during my life. Currently, let’s say I am retired.

As of today, I have been married 29 years to my wonderful wife. She is certainly my inspiration for everything I do. I also have 2 wonderful kids, a daughter and a son; a millionaire’s family.

I have always loved the outdoors which is probably why I ended up with a degree in Geology. I also have a strong passion (obsession?) for paddling.

Once I had graduated from university, my wife and I started to go canoeing and then realizing we knew nothing about paddling, started taking canoe courses to better our skills. Over the years I worked my way up through the progression of the Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association (ORCKA) and ended up with an instructor’s level certificate in the disciplines of canoe tripping, whitewater, river running, and lakewater style paddling. Doesn`t that sound impressive? Wait, there`s more.

I am also an instructor trainer and have certified other instructors in whitewater and canoe tripping.

I have taught hundreds of courses over the years including river rescue courses (a bit of a passion). For about 10 years I ran an outdoor adventure company, first by myself, and then with a very good friend of mine. We also wrote a couple of books together, about paddling of course.

Lately, I have made some changes. I have given up teaching and guiding and now only paddle recreationally with family and friends.  Many would say I still get out a lot. Personally, it is never enough. A few years ago I switched to kayaking for much of my whitewater paddling. My shoulder and elbow couldn't take always paddling on the same side with a single blade anymore. The things we do as we get old.

I have a feeling other changes will be happening as I adapt to aging but still feel the put of the outdoors.

I love paddling whether it is the thrill of whitewater kayaking or the peace and solitude of a remote canoe trip. Hell, I’ll even go hiking and enjoy it. It’s just great to be outdoors and I am blessed to have the family and friends that I can do all of these things with.

Wayne