TEST PILOT SPOTLIGHT: RYAN JACOBS

GIVE US A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU’RE FROM AND WHAT YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT.
My name is Ryan Jacobs, I own a fishing and surfing lodge on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island in Canada. I started working on the remote coast at fly in Salmon fishing lodge when I was just 15 years old and turned my passion for the ocean and coast of British Columbia into a career. I am now a part owner of a remote, floating fishing lodge that offers high end fishing expeditions in one of the most beautiful places in the world, it is here where I get to share my knowledge and passion for the ocean with those wise enough to seek it. I have developed a new surfing experience out of this same lodge during the fall and winter months when we see our most consistent swells.

WHAT’S YOUR DISCIPLINE?
Fishing, surfing, hunting, snowboarding

WHAT’S THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR YOU IN THE OUTDOORS?
Surf Nootka. I am super proud of what we have achieved thus far and cannot wait to continue to build and evolve this unique program, find new waves and people to share this experience with. There truly is no other coldwater surf trip like it in the world so it’s been fun, yet challenging building these trips. The more people I can find to share this place with, the more time I get to spend out on the water catching fish, searching for new waves and adventures so it’s a constant grind but I wouldn’t change it for the world.In the winter when we don’t have much going on out on the west coast, I spend a lot of time hiking up and down Vancouver Islands remote river systems chasing wild steelhead amongst towering old growth trees, fully submersed in nature. Steelhead fishing to me is almost meditative, when I am out on the river my entire focus is on the flow of the water, looking for pockets in which one of these unicorn fish may be hiding. It’s a lot like surfing in the fact that it’s just you, your thoughts and the water surrounding you in that moment and once you finally shake hands with one of these incredible fish there’s an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that is absolutely addictive and uplifting. Water attracts and fascinates us, and we know instinctively that being near it reduces stress, increases creativity and brings us peace.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
There have been so many gratifying experiences on the water in my 17 years working on the coast. I started out working as a deckhand, cleaning fish and boats, putting my time in to eventually become a fishing guide. Now, as an owner of a lodge myself, I get to employ people who share the same passion for the ocean as I do and play a major role in molding the next generation of fishing/surfing guides into safe and respectful boat operators and watermen.

WHAT PIECE OF FLORENCE GEAR DO YOU TEST THE MOST?
The pacific northwest is cold and wet. For us, its all about layering and the Parachute Primaloft zip has been an absolute staple for me the past few months. It’s a super lightweight, warm mid layer jacket that I cant get enough of. It’s the perfect piece for layering under my goretex shells, super warm and cant even tell its there.