The “Tight Gear, Loose Plans” mentality doesn’t just have to refer to adventures in the wild. “Tight Gear, Loose Plans” is a state of mind, a way of approaching challenges in life. The crew at Naas Foods encapsulates this approach perfectly.
Located in Tofino, BC, Canada, the Naas Foods business focuses on sustainably harvested kelp to create a number of products all hand-processed out of their local facilities. From Seaweed Salad to Smoked Kelp seasonings, their products are as farm to table (West Coast style) as you’ll get. Owners and founders Stevie Dennis and Jordan White are out on the boat harvesting, in the shop prepping, at the desk selling, and constantly dreaming up the next move for their growing brand. If this isn’t “Tight Gear, Loose Plans”, we don’t know what is.
We had the special privilege of going out in the boats with Stevie, Jordan and their team recently for a West-Coast adventure. Throughout the day we learned more about the operation, and what keeps them fired up. As Stevie masterfully negotiated the skiff through choppy water, he explained how sustainability is at the forefront of everything they do. Kelp doesn’t require fertilizer or feed, which makes it a leading form of sustainable agriculture. It also grows faster than any other plant in the world, land or sea. Not only do they harvest sustainably, but they run the business with the same approach. They work closely with the tight-knit Tofino community, and with the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.
We eventually made our way to a remote, white sand beach for some food and hangout time. Fire crackling, tunes playing, we roasted Rockfish wrapped in freshly-harvested kelp, slurped back oysters and boiled crab. It was a perfect afternoon on the West Coast, and a reminder of why Naas Foods does what they do, to celebrate and honor this amazing part of the world.
