Adventure Studies Faculty
Sharman Learie, Adventure Guide Diploma, BTM, MA
Office: OM 1265
Telephone: 250-371-5841
Email: slearie@tru.ca
Teaching Areas
- kayaking
- rafting
- swiftwater rescue
- computer applications
- the cultural environment
Experience
Sharman has traveled extensively in sailing, cruising, sea and whitewater kayaking, canoe trips, ski touring, and climbing. His adventures have taken him to Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the west coast of North America. He has guided and instructed paddle sports for over 15 years throughout Western Canada and the United States.
Sharman is an Instructor Trainer with Canoe kayak BC, a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor for Rescue Canada, and a Rafting Trip Leader and Examiner for commercial river rafting.
Sharman is one of the co-founders of Stellar Descents Backcountry Adventures Ltd., a whitewater rafting company that has pioneered numerous rivers in the Robson Valley and he owned and operated for 5 years. He sits on a Special Working Group for the BC River Outfitters Association of British Columbia (BCROA), which addresses the safety standards and special provisions for new commercial river operations.
Sharman works with the Rivershed Society of British Columbia as the Director of Educational Programs. Sharman has also worked with the Fraser Headwaters Alliance, and The Land Conservancy of British Columbia in projects such as the Sustainable Living and Leadership Program, the Salmon Habitat Mapping and Signage Project, the establishing of the Natasha Boyd Wildland Preserve, and in initiating the Robson Valley Economic Development Strategy.
Education
- Adventure Guide Diploma (Thompson Rivers)
- BTM (Thompson Rivers)
- MA Environmental Education and Communication (Royal Roads)
Research Areas
Sharman's research interests focus on watershed and environmental conservation through participation in paddle sports to promote a stewardship connection with the natural world.