Sam grew up outside Seattle, WA, with the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound as his backyard. After getting a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington, Sam vagabonded through Europe, Australia, and the US before finding his way home to the Salish Sea.

Once a rolling stone, Sam has now settled on San Juan Island for good. The itinerant lifestyle of a seasonal worker has been traded in for year-round island magic, good community, and the best cloud watching conditions one could hope for. He’s looking forward to sharing the wonders of island life with more paddlers this summer!

Sam will happily talk bikes, books, and swap adventure stories with whoever paddles closest to him.

Most amazing outdoor and/or wildlife experience you’ve ever had?

I once snuck away from a waterfall tour boat in Krka National Park, Croatia. Once the tour groups had left for the day, I climbed a scree slope out of the valley and camped high on a ridge to watch the full moon rise over the forest. In the morning, I had the park to myself. I spent hours diving and playing in the waterfalls, all alone in the Adriatic sun.
…I count my guests carefully on kayak tours.

What’s your favorite “luxury item” to bring with you camping?

My trusty massage ball. Yes, you may use it.