WHO ARE WE?
Steve’s passion for paddling began in the summer of 1981,
when a six-year-old boy at summer camp discovered the
freedom of guiding a canoe across the water. What started as
a simple camp activity quickly became a defining part of his life.
Through years spent canoeing, sailing, and exploring lakes and
rivers across Ontario, Steve developed a deep connection with
nature and an appreciation for the quiet, transformative power
of time on the water. Wilderness trips,outdoor education
programs, and countless personal adventuresshaped not only
his skills but his identity, instilling in him a lifelong love for
paddling and exploration. In 2018, Steve opened up which has turned into a succesful canoe, kayak and SUP rental business near his home in Port Credit Ontario which allowed him the ability to escape Canada's winters. This allowed him to follow his passion which expanded beyond Canada. Since 2019, Steve has spent significant time in Costa Rica, exploring the country through its rivers, mangroves, and coastline. He has sea-kayaked along the shores of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, navigated the winding canals of Tortuguero, and led multi-day expeditions across the pristine Golfo Dulce. These experiences deepened his connection to Costa Rica’s natural beauty and inspired him to share it with others through guided tours and paddling adventures. Whether in a mangrove forest, on a calm river, or beyond the surf at sunset, Steve aims to help others experience the same joy, peace, and sense of awe that have shaped his own lifelong journey on the water and there's a good chance that if there's an extra space on your tour that Steve will tag along.
Diego grew up in Puerto Jimenez, surrounded by nature, the sea and
tropical forest, where he fostered a deep connection with wildlife and
nature at an early age. His genuine curiosity from an early age led him
into a lifetime of outdoor adventure. At 21, he got his first formal
experience in the world of sharing nature with others, working at El
Remanso, an eco-lodge near Matapalo. It was here, his affinity for
adventure saw him leading canopy tours, rappelling and rope descents.
He also began leading mangrove tours, Golfo Dulce kayak tours and even
gained some rafting experience as well. In 2021, Diego decided to make Dominical his home where he continues to teach surf lessons and now with Pura Vida Paddling, hiking, kayaking and wherever the sky takes him. Through his years in hospitality Diego has distinguished himself through his warm hospitality, clear communication, and knowledge of the natural environment.
Diego combines his professional experience with his personal story: a guide who not only knows nature but grew up immersed in it. His motivation is to offer safe, authentic tico style tours and memorable experiences, connecting each visitor with the purest essence of Costa Rica.
