10/29/2026
The first lessons often begin quietly. For Dan Norman, they began in a canoe at seven years old, somewhere among the lakes and rivers that would shape a lifetime outdoors. Those early wilderness trips became whitewater runs as a teenager, and eventually sea kayaking along the intricate coastline of British Columbia.
Over the years, those early canoe trips naturally evolved into a lifelong pursuit. Whitewater kayaking offered challenge and precision, while sea kayaking opened the door to exploring the intricate coastline of British Columbia - waters that continue to shape much of his time today.
For the past twenty-five years, Dan has led the Outdoor Pursuits Program at Brentwood College, helping generations of students discover the outdoors through kayaking, hiking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and backcountry travel. The work extends well beyond school walls. Each spring, he organizes a youth whitewater program that introduces roughly seventy young paddlers to moving water with the support of dozens of volunteer instructors.
Read more about Dan Norman: https://www.maptattoo.com/2026/09/26/teaching-the-next-generation-of-adventurers/
