aq outdoors

meet the team

Behind every product, post, install, course, and event is a team of experts who love mountains and rivers just as much as you do. We pride ourselves on being a community-first business, always ready to help our fellow adventurers. We’re paddlers serving paddlers... yesterday, today, and always.

Owner
Simon
Simon is passionate about helping others grow as paddlers and instructors on the water. He loves splitboarding, whitewater paddling, and spending time with his wife and kids. He has also started building outreach/development programs all across Alberta.
Retail Director
Tom
Tom has been bringing deep experience, passion, and uncanny product knowledge to the team for the last 15 years. He uses his extensive past instructor knowledge to guide others in paddling - including his own two boys. Whenever Tom gets the chance, he loves playboating and Class IV+ whitewater.
MARKETING MANAGER
LOUISE
Louise has spent over 13 years working & volunteering in the outdoor industry. It was a single whitewater rafting trip at age 19 that ignited her lifelong passion for paddling...and she’s been chasing rivers ever since. Now, heading up the marketing and ambassador team at AQ Outdoors, Louise thrives on connecting with and growing the paddling community.
Program & Event Coordinator
Jay
Jay is in her third year at AQ and manages our team of instructors, while also instructing youth programs herself throughout the season. She brings organization, energy, and enthusiasm to every paddling experience. Like many on the AQ team, Jay is also a whitewater paddler, and you’ll often find her exploring rivers in her free time.
CALGARY STORE MANAGER
SAM
Sam has been part of the AQ Outdoors family for over two years and stepped into the Store Manager role in 2025. With a strong background in retail and merchandising, she brings plenty of experience along with a genuine passion for paddlesports and outdoor life. Between her own love of the river and raising a kid deeply involved in the paddling scene, Sam is fully immersed in the community both in and out of the shop.
EDMONTON STORE MANAGER
ANDREW
Andrew leads our Edmonton store and has been part of the AQ family for over half a decade. He’s a dedicated kayak angler, enjoys canoe trips with his pup on weekends, and is deeply connected to the local paddling community. Andrew is often at the centre of Edmonton community events, in-store knowledge nights, and gear demo days.
SERVICES MANAGER
BRIAN
Brian has been a core part of the Calgary team for over half a decade! Having previously managed the store, he’s now our resident services and repairs guru. From tricky gasket and gear fixes to roof rack installs and advice, Brian’s the guy who gets it done. When he’s off the clock, you’ll find him hanging out with his family or hitting the water for a relaxing canoe or kayak trip.
BUYER & MERCHANDISER
KAELEN
Over her five years with AQ Outdoors, Kaelen has grown from a retail team member into a key part of our management team. She has a deep passion for kayak touring and canoeing, favouring the endurance and beauty of multi-day expeditions over high-adrenaline adventures.
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
STEWART
Meet Stewart, the driving force behind our stockroom and shipping operations. As a vital member of our full-time team, he keeps our inventory organized and your orders moving out the door without a hitch. When he’s off the clock, Stewart is usually out on a cycling trip or enjoying the great outdoors with his family.