Ian Parish is a man on a mission — actually, four missions.
He’s challenged himself to solo kayak all four Canadian coasts of the Great Lakes. So far, he’s conquered Lake Erie (2020), Lake Superior (2021), Georgian Bay (2023), and Lake Huron (2024). This summer, he’s determined to tackle Lake Ontario, completing his ambitious goal.
Parish, who is from Amherstburg, Ont., runs a 3D printing business, Studio 3D Inc., which he started two years ago. But while his business occupies his professional life, kayaking is where his heart lies.
This passion began over 30 years ago when his parents bought him his first kayak at age 10. Summers spent at his family’s cottage in Long Point, Ont., created a deep love for the water. “I learned everything marine-wise at Long Point,” he says.
From a young age, Parish dreamed of kayaking from his home in Amherstburg to the family cottage in Long Point. This childhood ambition laid the groundwork for his current pursuit to solo kayak the Great Lakes’ Canadian coasts.
Talking to Parish Wednesday in Bright's Grove, where the Journal caught up with him, his passion for kayaking and nature is evident. “Solo kayakers are misfits,” he jokes. “I like to kayak solo, which says a lot about me. I like to be alone.”
This solitude, however, isn’t just about escaping the world. It’s also a time for reflection on his Christian faith. “My faith solves a lot of the challenges of being alone,” he explains.
While Parish cherishes his solitude, he has also enjoyed the company and kindness of the people he’s met during his journeys. He fondly recalls a young family at Pinery Provincial Park who welcomed him with open arms, making him feel like part of their family. Such encounters warm his heart and remind him of the inner goodness of people, he says.
Respect for nature is a cornerstone of Parish's being. He acknowledges the immense power and unpredictability of nature and understands that solo kayaking is not for everyone. “There is a great deal of danger in solo kayaking,” he says, recounting his own harrowing experiences with Lyme disease and hypothermia.
The Lyme disease led to significant weight loss and other debilitating symptoms, while a hypothermia episode in June forced him to make an emergency stop to warm up. “I don’t think people realize how dangerous it is, so I make it as safe as I can because we are not powerful enough to conquer nature,” he claims.
Physically and mentally demanding, Parish's kayaking trips are no small feat. He paddles a 15ft 6-inch Melker kayak equipped with three holds for his food, clothing, and equipment. On some days, he covers up to 40 km, paddling at speeds between 6.8 to 7.2 km/h, although strong headwinds can cut his speed in half. Staying aware of his surroundings, weather conditions, and wave size is crucial for his safety, he says.
Parish's dedication is evident in the meticulous planning and preparation that go into each trip. He carefully maps out his routes, packs his gear with precision, and remains constantly vigilant about weather patterns and water conditions.
When asked why he undertakes these solo kayaking adventures, Parish's answer is simple. “When I am out there, I am whole,” he says. “People should be compelled to take on things that are bigger than themselves.”
For Parish, kayaking is more than a hobby — it’s a way to connect with something greater, to challenge himself, and to find peace in nature.