Marissa is a coastal soul with a corporate edge, blending over twenty-five years of business savvy with a passion for wild places and mindful living.
Raised in the seaside town of White Rock, British Columbia, Marissa's love affair with nature and the ocean began early—whether hiking forest trails, kayaking, dragon boat racing, or catching the wind on a sailboard. She later pressed pause on outdoor adventures to earn a business degree and dive into the fast-paced world of high tech during the dot-com boom.
But the pull of salt air and soul-centred purpose was too strong to ignore. Trading suits and heels for boardshorts and flip flops, she launched a second act that's all about adventure, empowerment, and connection. Now based in Meaford, Ontario, Marissa is a certified sea kayaking and standup paddleboard instructor, yoga teacher, retreat host, and founder of her own adventure company.
From leading backcountry kayak expeditions along Canada's rugged coasts to guiding in Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, and Antarctica, Marissa brings heart and expertise to every journey. She's also a proud leader at the Women on Water (WOW) paddling festival and curates paddle/hike/yoga retreats designed to spark joy and personal transformation.