Our Coaches

Keith Iwasaki - RUN COACH

In 2000, a running friend suggested that, if Keith was looking to do something beyond running marathons, he should give triathlon a try and that the Pacific Spirit Triathlon Club might be a good way for him to ease into the sport. The rest, as they say, is history. Keith has participated in distances from sprint to Ironman, with his favourite race probably being Escape from Alcatraz.

Since joining Pacific Spirit, Keith has served on the Board of Directors as both Run Director and Vice President. He was also a run leader prior to taking on the role of coach for the Tuesday night track sessions. He has also served as Secretary for Triathlon British Columbia since 2005, and currently officiates races at the local, national and international level.

Les Pereira - SWIM COACH

Les Pereira knows a thing or two about triathlon!  Since 1998, he has completed 4 Ironman and 18 Half Ironman races.

Les has been a swim instructor and lifeguard since 1980 and has studied with and under many swimming luminaries such as Karlyn Pipes and Sheila Taormina. He is also an NCCP Certified Competition Coach. Les is passionate about developing triathletes. He knows what a triathlete needs and designs the training sessions around building for race season and providing skills and practices geared for triathletes.

Les currently serves on the board of Triathlon Canada. He was the President of TriBC from 2008 to 2012 and was the Coaching Director for three years prior to that. He has also helped pilot the TriBC Competition Stream and the Community Coaches program. He has been involved with Pacific Spirit Triathlon Club since 2000. He was a bike leader from 2000 to 2014, was the Bike Director for two years, served as Past President in 2004 and has been a Swim Coach since 2005.

Kevin Eck - SPIN COACH

After finishing his basketball career at Queen's University, Kevin was looking for an outlet that didn't require 10 people and a gym for exercise. After watching a friend compete in Kona, Kevin signed up and finished his first Ironman in Canada in 2003. Florida, Arizona (twice), Louisville and Mont Tremblant races followed in subsequent years.

Kevin prefers cycling and swimming to running and can be found leading bike groups and teaching club spin classes with Cendrix Bouchard in the off season. He has been a club member for the past eight years, served on the Board for the past six years and enjoys giving back to triathlon through helping others enjoy this great sport.

Erin - SWIM COACH

I am a former competitive swimmer turned swim coach. My love for coaching began in high school when I started teaching backyard swim lessons to young children in the neighbourhood.

Fast forward 10+ years and my passion for swimming and coaching has only grown! I have experience with a variety of ages and skill sets having coached with VPSC, UBC Masters, Fastlane, Vancouver Vikings and UBC Performance swim camps.

I believe in helping you to understand the “why” behind the technical aspects of swimming and thrive on the excitement of watching someone work towards their goals.

I look forward to getting to know you and your stroke!.