Sami Hawkins is an enthusiastic young boater who was bitten by the whitewater bug five years ago. After two years of raft guiding, she strived to push her whitewater limits and attempted kayaking. Her life has never been the same, for better or worse. Sami finds her happy place whenever she is on a river, and soon found the desire to share her happy place with others. Kayak instruction with Sundance was a perfect fit for Sami, with her degree in Outdoor Education and passion for whitewater. She received her ACA: Level 4 whitewater instruction certificate three years ago, and is excited to join the Sundance team.

Sami’s love of kayaking obviously turned into a full blown addiction, which has taken her to many breathtaking and remote places including Costa Rica and Chile. She strives to do even more international traveling and instructing, with kayak in tow, in the years to come.

Falling down the fifth water fall in the Siete Tazas section of the Rio Claro, Chile. Photo: Edward Muggridge