FIND YOUR TRUE NORTH
WHERE EVERY ADVENTURE IS FOR EVERYONE
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
We believe that the worlds of sailing and skiing should be accessible to everyone.
Through the years we have witnessed first hand how moving through the mountains and across the sea can bring incredible pleasure, a sense of belonging, and peace to every individual we have ever had the privilege to share this with. The ability to pass on a never imagined adventure in a safe, inclusive, and non judgmental learning environment is what we live for.
We do this because we love playing on snow and water, but if you were to really distill it down- we do this because it just feels so good.
WHO WE ARE
WE ARE STEPHANIE & CHRIS
Our relationship has been forged and fueled by the call of adventure and finding flow in everything we do since the day we met.
Our combined passion for this active life style, while always striving to grow and challenge ourselves, has not only brought us closer together, it has given us a platform from which we have taught, guided and shared this wonderful way of life with countless individuals, families, and loved ones.
Rather than holding on tight to our experiences we believe that everything in life is better when you share what is dearest to you with others.
STEPHANIE DIXON
Movement is one of life's greatest teachers. It is at the foundation of everything I teach, every breakthrough realized, and why I am so passionate about my life's work.
As the Founder/Director of GFS Adventures for the Gramon Family of Schools and former Physical Therapy Coordinator for over 20 years, I have seen first hand how sensory input, motion, and rhythm can help individuals with autism grow, learn, and discover what they are capable of.
The work I have done and the breakthroughs I have made have been recognized by the National Association of Private Special Education Center, who awarded me the prestigious NAPSEC Award for Related Service Provider Of The Year.
I have found that by tailoring incredible experiences like surfing, skiing, rock climbing, and sailing to every individuals unique ability, we not only break down barriers- we build confidence and connection confirming that the best adventures happen when everyone feels like they belong.
CHRIS HELLMAN
My life has been shaped by the mountains and the sea since I was five years old. I simply can not get enough of moving across snow, water, rock, ice, and earth.
I have spent a lifetime pursuing and teaching alpine skiing, telemark skiing, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, wing foiling, rock climbing, ice climbing, and racing triathlons and marathons.
I am a Nationally Certified PSIA Ski Instructor for both Alpine and Telemark Skiing with an additional certification as a Children's Specialist. I have received Vail Resorts highest level of recognition, the Epic Service Award for my ability to connect and teach children with autism how to ski.
I hold a United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine credential as a Master Captain on Near Costal and Inland Waterways for vessels up to 100 tons with Master Sailing and Towing endorsements. In addition, I have taught hundreds of hours of on the water sailing, boat piloting, and navigation courses for all levels.
I have found that with mastery comes flow, and it is this ability to fluidly move in the mountains and on the sea that is at the core of what drives me and what I love to share with others.
MEET mauka makai
Her name, mauka makai, is Hawaiian and translates to "towards the mountains, towards the sea".
She is a Beneteau Oceanis 48 sailing yacht concepted by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design with state of the art navel architecture and modern interior appointments delivering a sleek, luxurious, and safe cruising vessel that is perfectly at ease while underway or at anchor. Below deck she features a forward king master suite, two queen stern births, two full bathrooms, and a large kitchen/living/lounge space for gathering, dinning, occasional dancing, and watching movies. Above deck she boasts an overly spacious cockpit area courtesy of its almost seventeen feet of beam that presents a six person dining table, two helm stations, seating for up to twelve adults, and a hydraulic transom that opens into a spacious swim platform complete with ladder.
We love her dearly and can not wait to share her with you.
