What we do…
Alpha Adventures & Education provides dynamic outdoor skills instruction and guiding across diverse environments. In our retail outdoor adventure stores we provide outstanding gear with exceptional service. Our goal is to provide our clients with rewarding outdoor experiences that allow for personal discovery. We are confident that you will enjoy exploring these new skills in supportive and exciting settings. Whether it’s an introductory lesson, or a guided trip, we pride ourselves on providing exemplary service.
Our list of educational clients includes:
• The University of British Columbia
• Simon Fraser University
• Sunshine Coast Parks and Recreation
• The Dan Culver Follow Your Dreams Foundation
• Scouts Canada
• A Variety of Public & Private Schools
Who we are…
The word alpha: al·pha. n. The first one; the beginning.
Let your outdoor adventures begin with us…
Our Staff:
Jamie Mani – B.Ed – Owner/ Operator
Jamie is an Outdoor Education / PE specialist teacher in the Sunshine Coast School District. For over 5 years he 
taught in the TREK outdoor education program (Vancouver School Board) and has instructed outdoor pursuits courses for Simon Fraser University. He has a vast array of experience instructing children, adolescents, and adults. He has taught outdoor / environmental education through a number of programs in the lower mainland and Squamish. Instructing subjects include: Flatwater Canoeing, Telemark Skiing, Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing & Stand Up Paddleboarding. Other interests include: Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, and Mountain Biking.
Member: Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia, Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia, Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors, Paddle Canada
Certified: Teacher, Wilderness First Aid, Sea Kayak Guide, Canoe Instructor, Telemark Ski Instructor, Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor Trainer.
Sarah Mani – Co-Owner & Guide
Sarah is also an Outdoor Education school teacher who specializes in P.E. She brings a wealth of knowledge as a sports trainer, a skier, a mountain biking coach and of course a kayaking and flatwater canoe instructor. In addition to teaching sports training courses, Sarah has also instructed outdoor pursuits courses for Simon Fraser University. You can often find her riding her bike on the Sunshine Coast or running with our dog Tele.
Certified: Teacher, Wilderness First Aid, Sea Kayak Instructor, Canoe Instructor.
Annie Schroeder – General Manager & Guide
Annie comes to us from a land far away known as the great state of Texas. With a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University focusing on Recreation Management, she is passionate about people and the outdoors- and especially about getting people outdoors. Annie has worked with a variety of youth camps in Texas, Colorado, and BC, and has taught activites from wakeboarding, waterskiing, horseback riding, cooking, and archery. Now she lends her skills to us as a certified sea kayak guide, snowshoe guide, and paddleboarding instructor, as well as managing and buying for our stores. You can reach her at annie@outdooradventurestore.ca
Trevor Chapman – Guide Manager
Trevor has worked on and off with Alpha for several years now between schooling. From the tiny little shop in Robert’s Creek to what we are now, Trevor’s seen it all- and loves working at Alpha because he gets to work outside! His education and personal experience he given him a great passion for all disciplines of recreation. He believes it should be a huge part in everyone’s life. Trevor has attended the Mountain Activity Skills Program at the College of the Rockies, the Adventure Tourism diploma at North Island College, Bachelor of Tourism Management at Vancouver Island University and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Tourism Management at Royal Roads University. Trevor possesses many industry certifications including OFA 3 first aid, Sea Kayak Guide Trainer through the SKGABC. When he is not studying or at the store, he can be found out on his skis, snowshoes, in his kayak or on his bike and with his wife, daughter, and baby #2 on the way! You can reach him at trevor@outdooradventurestore.ca
Sydney McAllister – Wilson Creek Staff
Sydney is a born and bred Sunshine Coaster and recent graduate of Elphinstone Secondary. She is a wicked hockey player and has toured all over BC, Alberta, and the US West Coast playing defence on all-star major midget 
hockey teams. She began working at Alpha in the summer of 2011 at Aloha Gelato, and has now joined us full time at the Wilson Creek store. She loves working at Alpha because of our laid back style, awesome staff, and is passionate about sports, fitness, and the outdoors. When not at work, you’ll likely find her golfing and spending time with her family and friends. You can reach her at info@outdooradventurestore.ca
Tamara Goble – Wilson Creek Staff
Another born and bred Sunshine Coaster, Tamara joined our staff in the summer of 2012 rocking the kayak rental dock in Garden Bay. During the winter season she joins the Wilson Creek staff in getting people out 
snowshoeing, skiing, and enjoying the outdoors by handling rentals, tour and lesson reservations, customer service, and selling all the latest gear. She has travelled all over the world, from Kenya and Rwanda to New Zealand, Fiji, all over Canada and the US. When not at work, Tamara loves spending time riding her horse Danny and exuding cool wherever she goes. You can reach her at info@outdooradventurestore.ca
Jake Gjerdalen – Wilson Creek Staff
Jake has been lending his skills to us for many years now– in between going to high school, that is! For Alpha, Jake has done a bit of everything- from working our demo days, cleaning boats, scooping gelato, decorating our chalkboard, and all the in between. The full timers love him for his great charm, wicked playlists, and willingness to put in elbow grease whenever needed. When not at work, Jake is a full time student, and you can probably find him on the slopes or the trails most other days.
Brian Drezet – Powell River Staff
When you say the phrase – Jack of all trades – Brian should come to mind. Needless to say, it would probably be shorter to list what Brian hasn’t done. From wilderness guide, maintenance at hotels and youth camps, to BC paramedic, he’s done it all with the ease and quiet passion that makes Brian the awesome person he is! An avid outdoorsman, he brings a wealth of knowledge to our Powell River store from years of using gear in all his outdoor pursuits. When not at work, you can likely find him on his property building his house, spending time with his family and friends, playing outside, or more likely, all of the above. You can reach him at shop@outdooradventurestore.ca
Elsa McGilvery – Powell River Staff
You can reach her at shop@outdooradventurestore.ca
