MANOLO
Greenland paddling expert and sea kayak coach Manolo Pastoriza has long been a legend in Spain.
ABOUT MORYAK
WE ARE MORYAK
MORYAK is a team of very different people, united by the same passion. Some work here full-time, or almost full-time, others just help out every now and then. Some have joined over time, while others have gone their own way again – even if only temporarily. And then we cooperate with various partners who share our philosophy. We also count them among the "Moryakis", even if they all have their own companies in their home countries.
MORYAK is a team of very different people, united by the same passion. Some work here full-time, or almost full-time, others just help out every now and then. Some have joined over time, while others have gone their own way again – even if only temporarily. And then we cooperate with various partners who share our philosophy. We also count them among the "Moryakis", even if they all have their own companies in their home countries.
Our Team 2023
ELLA: CEO, British Canoeing Sea Kayak Coach & Sea Kayak Leader and Greenland Roll Coach No. 1 in Switzerland
YURI: Founder and CEO, British Canoeing Sea Kayak Coach & Advanced Sea Kayak Leader and ISKGA Advanced Guide
MICHEL: Our freelancer from Holland, British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader and expert for the far North
ELLA: CEO, British Canoeing Sea Kayak Coach & Sea Kayak Leader and Greenland Roll Coach No. 1 in Switzerland
YURI: Founder and CEO, British Canoeing Sea Kayak Coach & Advanced Sea Kayak Leader and ISKGA Advanced Guide
MICHEL: Our freelancer from Holland, British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader and expert for the far North
++ All Moryakis are experienced Sea Kayak Leaders, trained in the British Canoeing System ++
++ All Moryakis are trained and up-to-date as MARINE WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDERS (six-day maritime wilderness first aid training with sea kayak-based scenarios, updates every three years) ++
++ All Moryakis have completed the ISKGA Incident Management training. Ella and Yuri teach Incident Management regularly, along with international coach-legend Jeff Allen ++
++ We all continue to CPD. We're good, but that doesn't mean we're going to rest on our laurels. Only those who stay current stay good. ++
++ All Moryakis are trained and up-to-date as MARINE WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDERS (six-day maritime wilderness first aid training with sea kayak-based scenarios, updates every three years) ++
++ All Moryakis have completed the ISKGA Incident Management training. Ella and Yuri teach Incident Management regularly, along with international coach-legend Jeff Allen ++
++ We all continue to CPD. We're good, but that doesn't mean we're going to rest on our laurels. Only those who stay current stay good. ++
++ All Moryakis are experienced Sea Kayak Leaders, trained in the British Canoeing System ++
++ All Moryakis are trained and up-to-date as MARINE WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDERS (six-day maritime wilderness first aid training with sea kayak-based scenarios, updates every three years) ++
++ All Moryakis have completed the ISKGA Incident Management training. Ella and Yuri teach Incident Management regularly, along with international coach-legend Jeff Allen ++
++ We all continue to CPD. We're good, but that doesn't mean we're going to rest on our laurels. Only those who stay current stay good. ++
++ All Moryakis are trained and up-to-date as MARINE WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDERS (six-day maritime wilderness first aid training with sea kayak-based scenarios, updates every three years) ++
++ All Moryakis have completed the ISKGA Incident Management training. Ella and Yuri teach Incident Management regularly, along with international coach-legend Jeff Allen ++
++ We all continue to CPD. We're good, but that doesn't mean we're going to rest on our laurels. Only those who stay current stay good. ++
A SEA KAYAK COMPANY IN LANDLOCKED LITTLE SWITZERLAND…
Does that sound a bit strange? Well, maybe it is.
But, for us, it would be even stranger not to be living our dream. We are a colourful bunch of people who are driven by an unquenchable thirst for adventure and freedom, and who will never quite fit into the increasingly narrow constraints of an ever more tightly-regulated world – we’re international and borderless, just like the sea. Creative, nomadic and wild – but caring and in solidarity with others. And that’s how we’re going to stay. Even in these times when it seems like it’s constantly getting more difficult for us to do so. We are here to make a difference. For us, this means:
But, for us, it would be even stranger not to be living our dream. We are a colourful bunch of people who are driven by an unquenchable thirst for adventure and freedom, and who will never quite fit into the increasingly narrow constraints of an ever more tightly-regulated world – we’re international and borderless, just like the sea. Creative, nomadic and wild – but caring and in solidarity with others. And that’s how we’re going to stay. Even in these times when it seems like it’s constantly getting more difficult for us to do so. We are here to make a difference. For us, this means:
++ Amazing sea kayak adventures ++
++ The highest levels of quality. No bog standard tourism ++
++ Respect and tolerance – no macho atmosphere ++
From now on we're teaming up with Hightide
Just like in real life, also at MORYAK everything is in motion. Nothing ever stands still. And once in a while we all have to take bold steps. With this in mind, in March 2023 we took the first step into a comprehensive partnership with our friends from Hightide Kayak School GmbH. All bookings for our programs have since been processed through the Hightide booking platform and office. That means you book your MORYAK program with Hightide from now on. Legally, this also means: Hightide becomes the service provider and Hightide's General Terms and Conditions apply. MORYAK itself is no longer taking bookings and the Moryakis work as employees of Hightide.
Does this mean the end of MORYAK? We are convinced: no. Apart from the innovations mentioned above, not much will change for you as a previous MORYAK customer. We, the MORYAK team, keep our creative freedom and autonomy, also as employees of Hightide. The MORYAK spirit, which we have all brought to life together in recent years, will be preserved. Everything will continue to be carried out exactly as you are used to.
We have high hopes for our new partnership. The cooperation between MORYAK and Hightide is a win-win situation for everyone: Our coaching expertise is combined, which promotes exchange in the field of sea kayaking and travel; the Hightide Base in Bönigen/Interlaken on Lake Brienz is ideal for Greenland courses; our existing course programme is supplemented by the Hightide courses (and vice versa) and last but not least, since Hightide supports us with its back office power, we Moryakis have more time again to concentrate on the tours and courses. Together we will be able to offer you an even wider range of sea kayaking adventures – both in Switzerland and on various coasts of Europe.
Does this mean the end of MORYAK? We are convinced: no. Apart from the innovations mentioned above, not much will change for you as a previous MORYAK customer. We, the MORYAK team, keep our creative freedom and autonomy, also as employees of Hightide. The MORYAK spirit, which we have all brought to life together in recent years, will be preserved. Everything will continue to be carried out exactly as you are used to.
We have high hopes for our new partnership. The cooperation between MORYAK and Hightide is a win-win situation for everyone: Our coaching expertise is combined, which promotes exchange in the field of sea kayaking and travel; the Hightide Base in Bönigen/Interlaken on Lake Brienz is ideal for Greenland courses; our existing course programme is supplemented by the Hightide courses (and vice versa) and last but not least, since Hightide supports us with its back office power, we Moryakis have more time again to concentrate on the tours and courses. Together we will be able to offer you an even wider range of sea kayaking adventures – both in Switzerland and on various coasts of Europe.
Just like in real life, also at MORYAK everything is in motion. Nothing ever stands still. And once in a while we all have to take bold steps. With this in mind, in March 2023 we took the first step into a comprehensive partnership with our friends from Hightide Kayak School GmbH. All bookings for our programs have since been processed through the Hightide booking platform and office. That means you book your MORYAK program with Hightide from now on. Legally, this also means: Hightide becomes the service provider and Hightide's General Terms and Conditions apply. MORYAK itself is no longer taking bookings and the Moryakis work as employees of Hightide.
Does this mean the end of MORYAK? We are convinced: no. Apart from the innovations mentioned above, not much will change for you as a previous MORYAK customer. We, the MORYAK team, keep our creative freedom and autonomy, also as employees of Hightide. The MORYAK spirit, which we have all brought to life together in recent years, will be preserved. Everything will continue to be carried out exactly as you are used to.
We have high hopes for our new partnership. The cooperation between MORYAK and Hightide is a win-win situation for everyone: Our coaching expertise is combined, which promotes exchange in the field of sea kayaking and travel; the Hightide Base in Bönigen/Interlaken on Lake Brienz is ideal for Greenland courses; our existing course programme is supplemented by the Hightide courses (and vice versa) and last but not least, since Hightide supports us with its back office power, we Moryakis have more time again to concentrate on the tours and courses. Together we will be able to offer you an even wider range of sea kayaking adventures – both in Switzerland and on various coasts of Europe.
Does this mean the end of MORYAK? We are convinced: no. Apart from the innovations mentioned above, not much will change for you as a previous MORYAK customer. We, the MORYAK team, keep our creative freedom and autonomy, also as employees of Hightide. The MORYAK spirit, which we have all brought to life together in recent years, will be preserved. Everything will continue to be carried out exactly as you are used to.
We have high hopes for our new partnership. The cooperation between MORYAK and Hightide is a win-win situation for everyone: Our coaching expertise is combined, which promotes exchange in the field of sea kayaking and travel; the Hightide Base in Bönigen/Interlaken on Lake Brienz is ideal for Greenland courses; our existing course programme is supplemented by the Hightide courses (and vice versa) and last but not least, since Hightide supports us with its back office power, we Moryakis have more time again to concentrate on the tours and courses. Together we will be able to offer you an even wider range of sea kayaking adventures – both in Switzerland and on various coasts of Europe.
This still applies:
THE MORYAK-MANIFESTO
Our Promise
-
Professionalism and Safety
MORYAK represents the highest possible levels of professionalism and safety in kayaking. However, we also know that when it comes to outdoor activities, it is impossible to give any absolute guarantees. This is of course one of the things that makes adventures so appealing, particularly in a world where the space available for such things is constantly shrinking. Nevertheless, in all of our activities, from their initial development to their implementation out on the water, nothing is left to chance. Without exception, we adhere to a dynamic safety concept, which defines specific parameters for every tour and course level. In this context, “dynamic” means that during the planning, preparation and implementation phases of a programme, the conditions for carrying out the programme are constantly reevaluated, in order to assess whether changes need to be made. In marine waters, where massive changes in conditions can occur very quickly, this is essential.
If, however, an incident does take place, our guides are extremely well prepared. At MORYAK, all leaders of tours and courses not only have a range of training as guides and coaches (British Canoeing) and as instructors (ACA), but are also trained in Wilderness First Aid.
The approach to safety which we have developed is in accordance with the most up-to-date and demanding international standards and is certified by the International Sea Kayak Guide Alliance (ISKGA) which we officially represent in Switzerland as a NATIONAL TRAINING ACADEMY. -
ISKGA Ethos
As the ISKGA National Training Academy Switzerland, we are committed to complying with the highest standards of safety and training and to training our customers according to these guidelines. We see it as our task not only to promote sea kayaking and make it more beautiful, but also to make it safer.
The International Sea Kayak Guide Association (ISKGA) is an independent association, free of the restraints of any governing body which controls the sporting aspects of sea kayaking. As an ISKGA member sea kayaking to us is not just a sport, it is a profession, it is a way of life.
As part of a vibrant international community, we feel obliged to promote it. We do not see the Oceans, lakes and rivers of the world as being barriers or borders between nations, but instead see them as being the fluid that binds us all together. -
We see each other as equals
We see each other as equals. Our tours are aimed at people like ourselves, people with passion and a lust for adventure who seek to encounter one-another as equals. When we are out and about together, we are a collective: it's all about solidarity and companionship. Everyone helps everyone else.
-
No macho rubbish
It is important to us that all participants feel equally comfortable and at home with us, whatever their sex, sexual orientation, origin, skin colour, appearance or other characteristics, and we do everything we can to ensure that this is the case. For this reason, we welcome all those who accept our basic rules for getting on with each other: tolerance, not exclusion, no macho behaviour, no jokes at the expense of others, no egotism.
-
We reach our goals together
We are all developing together, and everyone has their own speed. Everyone has something to contribute. Both out on the water and on dry land.
-
Professionalism and Safety
MORYAK represents the highest possible levels of professionalism and safety in kayaking. However, we also know that when it comes to outdoor activities, it is impossible to give any absolute guarantees. This is of course one of the things that makes adventures so appealing, particularly in a world where the space available for such things is constantly shrinking. Nevertheless, in all of our activities, from their initial development to their implementation out on the water, nothing is left to chance. Without exception, we adhere to a dynamic safety concept, which defines specific parameters for every tour and course level. In this context, “dynamic” means that during the planning, preparation and implementation phases of a programme, the conditions for carrying out the programme are constantly reevaluated, in order to assess whether changes need to be made. In marine waters, where massive changes in conditions can occur very quickly, this is essential.
If, however, an incident does take place, our guides are extremely well prepared. At MORYAK, all leaders of tours and courses not only have a range of training as guides and coaches (British Canoeing) and as instructors (ACA), but are also trained in Wilderness First Aid.
The approach to safety which we have developed is in accordance with the most up-to-date and demanding international standards and is certified by the International Sea Kayak Guide Alliance (ISKGA) which we officially represent in Switzerland as a NATIONAL TRAINING ACADEMY. -
ISKGA Ethos
As the ISKGA National Training Academy Switzerland, we are committed to complying with the highest standards of safety and training and to training our customers according to these guidelines. We see it as our task not only to promote sea kayaking and make it more beautiful, but also to make it safer.
The International Sea Kayak Guide Association (ISKGA) is an independent association, free of the restraints of any governing body which controls the sporting aspects of sea kayaking. As an ISKGA member sea kayaking to us is not just a sport, it is a profession, it is a way of life.
As part of a vibrant international community, we feel obliged to promote it. We do not see the Oceans, lakes and rivers of the world as being barriers or borders between nations, but instead see them as being the fluid that binds us all together. -
We see each other as equals
We see each other as equals. Our tours are aimed at people like ourselves, people with passion and a lust for adventure who seek to encounter one-another as equals. When we are out and about together, we are a collective: it's all about solidarity and companionship. Everyone helps everyone else.
-
No macho rubbish
It is important to us that all participants feel equally comfortable and at home with us, whatever their sex, sexual orientation, origin, skin colour, appearance or other characteristics, and we do everything we can to ensure that this is the case. For this reason, we welcome all those who accept our basic rules for getting on with each other: tolerance, not exclusion, no macho behaviour, no jokes at the expense of others, no egotism.
-
We reach our goals together
We are all developing together, and everyone has their own speed. Everyone has something to contribute. Both out on the water and on dry land.
A STRONG TEAM:
INTRODUCING TO YOU:
Hightide Kayak School GmbH
Our partner company Hightide was founded in 2013 by Dave and Olivia Storey. Since then, together with their team, the two have built up the biggest and most successful sea kayaking school in Switzerland.
Unlike the nomadic Moryakis, who are out and about eight months a year, Dave, Oli and their business partner Mariano in Bönigen near Interlaken run a large paddlesport centre including a swimming pool and restaurants on the beautiful Lake Brienz, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Here Hightide offers tours and courses all year round with great success and has become a well-known player in Interlaken's lively outdoor scene over the years.
But size alone is really not the most defining feature of Hightide. On the contrary: this name primarily stands for quality, passion and commitment to sea kayaking. Dave's courses are popular with paddlers of all skill levels. And just like us, Dave not only paddles and coaches in Switzerland, but also runs several courses on the sea every year, where he focuses primarily on the topics of surfing, tide races and dynamic water.
Unlike the nomadic Moryakis, who are out and about eight months a year, Dave, Oli and their business partner Mariano in Bönigen near Interlaken run a large paddlesport centre including a swimming pool and restaurants on the beautiful Lake Brienz, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Here Hightide offers tours and courses all year round with great success and has become a well-known player in Interlaken's lively outdoor scene over the years.
But size alone is really not the most defining feature of Hightide. On the contrary: this name primarily stands for quality, passion and commitment to sea kayaking. Dave's courses are popular with paddlers of all skill levels. And just like us, Dave not only paddles and coaches in Switzerland, but also runs several courses on the sea every year, where he focuses primarily on the topics of surfing, tide races and dynamic water.
++ Together we believe we will be able to focus even more on presenting and delivering you excellent courses and adventures ++
++ Together we combine the competence of the best coaches and guides in Switzerland ++
++ Expeditions, tours, camps, the best technique-, safety- and rolling courses, incident management, expedition skills and much more in the future: from now on everything is under one roof for you ++
Our partner company Hightide was founded in 2013 by Dave and Olivia Storey. Since then, together with their team, the two have built up the biggest and most successful sea kayaking school in Switzerland.
Unlike the nomadic Moryakis, who are out and about eight months a year, Dave, Oli and their business partner Mariano in Bönigen near Interlaken run a large paddlesport centre including a swimming pool and restaurants on the beautiful Lake Brienz, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Here Hightide offers tours and courses all year round with great success and has become a well-known player in Interlaken's lively outdoor scene over the years.
But size alone is really not the most defining feature of Hightide. On the contrary: this name primarily stands for quality, passion and commitment to sea kayaking. Dave's courses are popular with paddlers of all skill levels. And just like us, Dave not only paddles and coaches in Switzerland, but also runs several courses on the sea every year, where he focuses primarily on the topics of surfing, tide races and dynamic water.
Unlike the nomadic Moryakis, who are out and about eight months a year, Dave, Oli and their business partner Mariano in Bönigen near Interlaken run a large paddlesport centre including a swimming pool and restaurants on the beautiful Lake Brienz, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Here Hightide offers tours and courses all year round with great success and has become a well-known player in Interlaken's lively outdoor scene over the years.
But size alone is really not the most defining feature of Hightide. On the contrary: this name primarily stands for quality, passion and commitment to sea kayaking. Dave's courses are popular with paddlers of all skill levels. And just like us, Dave not only paddles and coaches in Switzerland, but also runs several courses on the sea every year, where he focuses primarily on the topics of surfing, tide races and dynamic water.
++ Together we believe we will be able to focus even more on presenting and delivering you excellent courses and adventures ++
++ Together we combine the competence of the best coaches and guides in Switzerland ++
++ Expeditions, tours, camps, the best technique-, safety- and rolling courses, incident management, expedition skills and much more in the future: from now on everything is under one roof for you ++
OUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
INTRODUCING TO YOU:
Our partners abroad
Just as we always used to do it, MORYAK will continue to work with some of the best international coaches we know. These are all much more than just "business partners" – in fact they are much better described as long-standing friends and mentors. We enjoy working together with these European top-paddlers and we enjoy being connected, and connecting you, with their world and their way of doing things.
Just as we always used to do it, MORYAK will continue to work with some of the best international coaches we know. These are all much more than just "business partners" – in fact they are much better described as long-standing friends and mentors. We enjoy working together with these European top-paddlers and we enjoy being connected, and connecting you, with their world and their way of doing things.
JEFF
Jeff Allen, Cornwall’s living legend of sea kayaking, doesn’t really need any introduction nowadays…
DEREK
Our man on Jersey: Derek has trained the entire Moryak team and has cult status amongst our clients!
LEE
Bivouacking expert, gatherer, fisherman, walking wild plant reference book: Lee makes survival fun!