Meet the Team

Keith is a highly experienced angler and respected leader in the fishing industry. His lifelong passion for the sport began at just 12 years old packing maggots, crawlers, and leeches at The Fishin' Hole in Winnipeg. Since then, he has been involved in virtually every aspect of the fishing world—including tournament fishing, guiding, lodge management, media, content creation, events, partnerships, and international competition. Keith serves on the USAngling Board of Directors, is a Board Member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and is a partner in DHUKR. He also serves as Strategic Fishing Advisor for AnchorPoint, helping develop innovative insurance programs and solutions tailored specifically for anglers and the fishing industry. Known for his creativity and ability to connect people, Keith has led content and special projects throughout the fishing world, including inventing the wildly popular YakOff Awards for Kayak Angler. He is also a proud ambassador for Hookup Baits and Unfair Lures, while serving as ProStaff Manager for Malone Auto Racks & Trailers. As Team Leader for Canada’s Saltwater Kayak Fishing Team, Keith brings decades of experience, deep industry relationships, and a passion for growing the sport and supporting anglers at every level. Oh… and he catches some HAWGS too!

James McBeath returns to Los Buzos as part of Team Canada, bringing decades of on-water experience and a deep connection to the sport of kayak fishing. James is no stranger to the unique challenges these waters present, from changing conditions to the strategic pursuit of multiple species. His approach is grounded in consistency, adaptability, and a calm focus that comes from years spent fishing at a high level. He also uses The Force and wings it a good bit! Outside of competition, James serves as Marketing Director for Hobie, staying closely connected to the evolution of kayak fishing gear and the broader community. But at events like this, the focus is simple: time on the water, trash talking old friends, smart decisions, tons of sushi, and racking up points for the team.

Brad grew up in the Pacific Northwest (Vancouver, BC) and took to fishing and outdoor recreation with his family at a young age. From the trout filled waters of the British Columbia interior to Salmon fishing on the West Coast, Brad enjoys trying new things and exploring the opportunities that abound. Brad’s work involved traveling from the Arctic to South America and provided opportunities to experience the broad range of fisheries. Highlights include winning the 2012 Salmon Masters (Haida Gwaii, BC), an opportunity to Fish the World Offshore Billfish Championship (2013) and most important, his time spent on the water with his wife and four kids. Brad begam kayak fishing in 2010 and has fished extensively off the West Coast of British Columbia and has kayak fished as far south as the InterCoastal waterways off Galveston. In 2016 Brad returned to the West Coast of Canada for semi-retirement. Upon his return he identified a sport that was growing in Canada but had little organized activities. In 2019 he founded the West Coast Kayak Angler Series which in has become one of the largest Canadian Kayak series. “Our focus is also the founder of Pacific Yak Angler, on online retail venture to support the growing community with premium products for optimizing your kayak fishing experience on the water. Giving back to community is a staple in Torry the household. Brad commits time to hatchery programs that create sustainable fisheries for the future and continues his efforts to introduce people to the sport of kayak fishing “Be safe on the water and take someone fishing.”

Kyle Borkes is a Vancouver Island–based saltwater kayak angler and content creator, best known as one half of KC Kayak Fishing. Alongside his wife Crystal, Kyle has rapidly become one of British Columbia’s most recognizable and influential kayak fishing personalities, earning recognition as among the province’s most prolific enthusiasts in the sport. Launching onto the kayak fishing scene just a few years ago, Kyle quickly built a reputation for his raw, authentic, and high-energy approach to documenting the realities of saltwater kayak fishing. From the rugged waters of Vancouver Island to the rich fisheries of the Pacific Northwest, his content showcases everything from hard-fought battles with powerful species to the challenges of offshore kayak angling. Based near Nanaimo, British Columbia, Kyle regularly fishes the productive waters of the Southern Gulf Islands and surrounding coastline, targeting a wide range of saltwater species while pushing the limits of what’s possible from a kayak. His passion for the sport extends beyond fishing—capturing unique on-water experiences, including unforgettable wildlife encounters, has helped grow a loyal and engaged audience. As a member of Team Canada Saltwater Kayak Fishing, Kyle represents the next generation of anglers—blending skill, storytelling, and relentless dedication to the craft. Through KC Kayak Fishing, he continues to inspire anglers across Canada and beyond to explore, push boundaries, and embrace the adventure of saltwater kayak fishing.

Crystal Borkes is a Vancouver Island–based saltwater kayak angler, content creator, and co-founder of KC Kayak Fishing. As one half of one of British Columbia’s most recognized kayak fishing duos, she has helped grow the sport through authentic storytelling, high-energy content, and a relentless passion for life on the water. Based in Ladysmith near Nanaimo, Crystal regularly fishes the rich waters of the Southern Gulf Islands and across Vancouver Island. Alongside her husband Kyle, she targets species like lingcod and Chinook salmon, often bringing home fresh catch to feed their family of four—reflecting a strong connection to sustainability and self-sufficiency through fishing. Known by many as the “Queen of Canadian Saltwater Kayak Fishing,” Crystal combines skill, resilience, and authenticity both on and off the water. Whether navigating changing ocean conditions or inspiring other women and families to get involved in the sport, she represents a powerful voice in the growing kayak fishing community. As a member of Team Canada Saltwater Kayak Fishing, Crystal Borkes embodies the spirit of modern angling—driven, fearless, and deeply connected to the adventure of the ocean. Through KC Kayak Fishing, she continues to inspire anglers across Canada to push boundaries, chase big fish, and embrace the saltwater lifestyle.

Growing up chasing the unknown in the remote rivers and lakes of Québec and Ontario, Noah mastered walleye, bass, pike, and muskie. After a shoulder injury ended his military and combat sports career, he moved west to the saltwater frontier, where the ocean became his new arena. Quickly mastering halibut, lingcod, and salmon, Noah now aims to cement his place on Team Canada and take his multi-species expertise to foreign shores, pitting himself against fish beyond Canadian waters. At the end of the day, he lives by his motto: “Catch big fish or die trying.”

Fishing, and the outdoor life, has been part of Steve since early childhood when the Little Saskatchewan River was an integral part of the family farm near in southern Manitoba. Including kids in his adventures is also a big part of who Steve is. As a teacher and administrator, he has taken dozens of students bear, moose, and elk hunting; camping; and fishing. Fishing from a kayak just adds to the fun when there’s two or more aboard. And Steve continues to ensure a robust outdoor education is available in his school and among his staff. Steve began kayak fishing in 2015, joined the West Coast Kayak Anglers Series in its inaugural year, and hasn’t missed an event since. His favorite fish to catch is the Chinook Salmon, but he is hoping for something even bigger in Panama! And Steve would love to do a big-game hunt using his Hobie!  Steve counts himself as a bit of a McGiver and likes to build his own fishing equipment when time permits. He’s currently working on an electric-powered cart for hauling his kayak to and from the beach. These sorts of aids are handy when you get close to your retirement years! Believing that you need to seize the opportunities you are presented with, Steve is thrilled to be a part of Team Canada in Panama this year.

What started as a childhood fascination with "big fish" has turned into a passion defined by pushing the limits of what is possible from a kayak. He finds his greatest success in the unknown, relying on unconventional tactics and a willingness to try what others won't to find fish when the bite goes cold. He is most in his element when the environment is at its harshest. Whether he is wading through frigid river on a -20°C winter day chasing steelhead or navigating heavy swells to locate offshore chinook salmon, Jordan’s approach is built on being ready for the absolute worst. For him, the water is a challenge that rewards the work you put in before you ever leave the launch. It’s about the physical toughness to push through the worst, and the quiet discipline to keep your head in the game when the conditions turn. He brings a unique background in building custom software to help his team plan for tournaments, and his success comes down to a methodical and practical way of picking apart new waters. Beyond the tournament circuit, Jordan is a vocal advocate for conservation and for helping other anglers find their footing, believing that sharing knowledge is the only way to protect the sport for the next generation. This sense of service extends far beyond the shoreline. In his free time, Jordan serves as a volunteer tracker for search and rescue operations, assisting families and police in locating missing persons in the deep bush. Whether he is on a search or hunting for a trophy fish, the goal is the same: staying focused, staying prepared, and finding the answers that others might have missed. Jordan’s dedication to the sport has earned him more than just tournament results. He is a recipient of a memorial award for his passion and dedication to his sponsors, and his visual storytelling has won several awards. By bridging the gap between passion and a deep-seated respect for the outdoors, he offers a perspective that is as much about the journey as it is the prize. Whether he is documenting a trip for his followers or prepping for the next big event, he remains focused on one thing: elevating the Canadian kayak fishing scene and proving that with enough heart and preparation, the most challenging waters are exactly where the best stories begin.