Tourism Victoria Life Member Awards

Life Member Award

Congratulations to our 2017 Life Member Award recipient Mr. Brian Henry.

Brian Henry is one of the original pioneers of the sea kayak industry. An expert kayaker, a kayak designer and the owner of Ocean River Sports in downtown Victoria, it is safe to say Brian is the "Big Kahuna" of the kayaking world in Victoria.

Brian was born and raised in Victoria and began kayaking at about the age of five. With a passion for being on the water, Brian has led trips to the west coast of Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and even the Scottish Hebrides. Brian's business at Ocean River started out as a retail shop offering high-quality gear for paddlers, but the business has grown into the largest kayak and paddleboarding tour provider in Greater Victoria's adventure tourism industry.

Brian continues to be an active paddler, certified guide and overall advocate for the environment and our community. Ever involved in community organizations, Brian is a long-standing member of Tourism Victoria, as well as a former board director.