My name is Chrysta Wallin, I am a certified and experienced sea kayak guide, outdoor enthusiast, and recent university grad looking to figure out what to do with her life.

My best idea so far? Go on a beautiful adventure.

But not just that, I want to do something big, bold, and for a higher cause than just myself.

So, the journey ahead of me is an exciting one: to be the first person to paddle the entire Salish Sea Marine Trail, created by the BC Marine Trails Network Association. It is 257km, from Victoria, to Horseshoe Bay on the mainland. It will be an amazing expedition through some of BC's best paddling areas.

Personally, I had only just heard of the BC Marine Trails Network this fall (by chance, at breakfast with old friends), but was quickly quite taken by what they offer, both as a nonprofit, and a paddler’s database. As a person with nothing but time and energy, I jumped at a chance to become involved with the BCMTNA.

I ended up landing a position on the Communications Committee as a volunteer, and was immediately hearing all about this new “Salish Sea Marine Trail.”

As a frequenter of many places within the Salish Sea (the East coast of Vancouver Island South, to Campbell River area further North) I was struck by what paddling this route could mean for me, my paddling career, as well as something big to work towards. Even more, I could help the BCMTNA.

Then, I realized, it wouldn’t be an inspiring story for just me, I realized I should shine a spotlight on my journey for other female solo paddlers, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It quickly grew into something far bigger and deeper than my own goals, which I appreciate.

 So, what else could this recent university grad do (other than stare terrified into the unknown abyss that is her life) but dive head first into an inspiring cause? One that will help me experience my passions, but more importantly - inspire other people to do the same.

This is an opportunity to put my passions to use, explore my beautiful province, and share my story with the world.

( And that sounds way more productive and way better than a sense of graduate-related existential dread. Ha!)

So, my plan is to document the trail day by day, through live social media updates (on my own + BCMTNA social media pages), through photography, videography, and write ups on the entirety of the trail. I will paddle through pristine marine parks, along shores of many islands, and more, making for a beautiful journey to share with people from BC and beyond.

My (very brief) float plan: I will start in Victoria on May 15 and finish in Horseshoe Bay on June 15. I will spend 30 days traveling along the route, stopping at as many as possible/all the designated stops in order to document it all very thoroughly.

 The SS Trail is also part of the Canada-wide “Great Trail”. Both will open officially July 1st, so my goal is to have my documentation ready and available for a summer of inspired paddlers. The cohesiveness of the two trails will be a great, attention-grabbing platform to raise awareness.

It will be 100% self-propelled. The route is an exciting and beautiful one: Victoria to Sidney, through the Gulf Islands to Nanaimo, crossing the Strait of Georgia to Sechelt, finishing with Sechelt to Horseshoe Bay. These are key coastal areas that are potentially under threat in the coming year, and I believe they need to be showcased in their pristine condition in order to help inspire more people to actively conserve it.

Will you help me achieve my goal and live my dream?

I am asking for funding through your generosity because I believe this trail is something that deserves public attention and support. I am looking for $2,500, because need to acquire the proper safety and paddling gear in order to do it, and do it properly.

Like with any quality products, the right equipment won’t come cheap.

However, any extra money from funding will be donated to the development of the trail and the Network itself– there’s a FundRazr for that, too! – for I am personally not looking for monetary gain from this. For me, it’s about furthering myself, experiencing the biggest expedition/adventure of my lifetime, a personal challenge, fulfilling a dream, and achieving a goal doing what I love: kayaking!

Any and all help is greatly appreciated, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any consideration.

 Donations will be supporting the promotion of a great Association, attention on our amazing coast, and helping me live my dream. Thank you so much, even if it was just taking the time to read my story.

Cheers!