The journey to becoming an Adventure Guide.
The Adventure Studies Program at Thompson Rivers University is where recreationalists go to become leaders in the guiding industry. I decided I wanted a more fulfilling life and career, one that would allow me to connect with nature and bring me closer to people. This is where school comes in to play. Or rather where I went to play, in school.
Situated in the North Thompson Region, Kamloops B.C. is a prime location to access many different types of adventure sports. Photo by Jessica Dimis 04/02/2021
Course offerings with this particular program are vast. It allows the student to experience a variety of environments.
General Field Courses
- White Water Kayaking
- White Water Rafting
- Swift Water Rescue
- Canoeing
- Sea Kayaking
- Ocean Surfing
- Mountaineering
- Rock Climbing
- Rope Rescue
- Ski Touring
This list barely scratches the surface of what’s offered. There are other programs out there but none quite like this. If you need more convincing on how amazing this program is, head to their website here Adventure Studies and see for yourself.
A great way to visualize your progress. By logging field days, you begin to recognize your strengths more easily. It is also a great way to reflect on the experience. Photo by Jessica Dimis 03/31/2021
“Choose your discipline(s) and focus your career…”
These seven words played in my head throughout the beginning of my first year there. Ski guide, mountain guide, hiking guide, raft guide. With so many options available, I decided to explore them all.
This is the school of adventure, and the program design certainly lives up to that fact. Some of these courses are not just elective options, for example, you have to take the first level of white water kayaking and choose either mountaineering or ski touring. For those people whose focus is the in the mountains, this can be confusing. Why take a kayaking course if I know I want to be ski guide and vice versa?
My experience and opinion may differ from the next, but I am grateful for the way the program allows you to experience new things. The stages of progression for each discipline are fluid and help build upon previously learned skills. The instructors are masters of their crafts and have endless experience, information, and perspectives to offer.
From the handful of log books and courses, to the few that made the cut! Redefining my future and keeping on track. Photo by Jessica Dimis, 02/28/2021
The biggest hurdle one might find with having so many opportunities available, is narrowing that focus into a few. It takes a lot of reflection, an open mind, and a willingness to be adaptable. Along the way you may just find out something new about yourself. I certainly did.
Fast forward to my second year in the program. Surf, surf, surf. That is now my sole focus, that is my career path. By being immersed in new environments I was able to gain some deep insight about myself. For one thing, I love to swim, a lot. My mother always called me a “water baby”, now I know why.
My love for the mountains will be with me forever. Finding a place in close to my heart to remind me where I started. The opportunities that the Adventure Guide program creates are endless. For now, though, I am stoked to be on the path I am on. I made the move to Vancouver Island so that I can put my total focus on surfing. This summer you will find me on the beaches and in the ocean. Where I will be sharing my passion for surfing and teaching.
After realizing my new passion in life, I can’t think of a better way to spend my days. Soaking wet and smiling in a wetsuit! Photo by Jessica Dimis 02/28/2021
If you want to live a life of adventure, I highly recommend taking a deep look into what the Adventure Studies program at TRU has to offer. It may just be the perfect place for you to find yourself. And maybe try something new.
Program link here: Adventure Studies