"Paddle the wildlife-rich salt marshes of the 46,000 acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, 20 miles east of downtown. Kayak Amelia provides half-day naturalist-led tours that feature big birds---herons, egrets and bald eagles--plus an occasional dolphin sighting "
Outside Magazine Feb '05
"Their enthusiasm for kayaking is definitely contagious. They believe Amelia Island is 'the perfect place' with marshes, the barrier islands, the sound and, contrary to New Hampshire, 'the water is warm until November'"
The NewsLeader July'99
"Ray and Jody are leading a group of novice kayakers in an excursion along a meandering tidal river. Leaves rustle, birds sing and paddles splash as Jody points out foliage indigenous to the area and keeps an eye out for an eagle she and Ray spotted earlier in the day"
Boston Herald Nov'00
"I was so comfortable that I was able to fully enjoy the quiet marsh as I floated down the river.....Just the mere sight of nature uninterrupted by the sounds of man made me grin."
American Woman Road and Travel Aug'01
"Ray loves teaching visitors about the area, spotting bird life and giving history lessons while he paddles."
Northwest Airlines' WorldTraveler Feb '03
"Kayaking is something families can do together because it is just as much of a learning experience as it is fun. I would honestly say that after the first five minutes I felt very comfortable."
First Coast Entertainer April '02
"On Amelia Island, kayaks are popular too. Six years ago, Jody and Ray Hetchka left their native New Hampshire, where kayaking is big, to start Kayak Amelia."
Jacksonville Business Journal Jan'03
"It was spectacular! And Ray's enthusiam for the ecology made the experience that much more enjoyable"
Amelia Islander July '05
"Kayak Amelia's guided tours are a balanced mixture of basic instruction, sightseeing, environmental and historical education, excercise and fun. "
Miami Herald Aug '05
"Before leading anyone on the water, the Hetchkas conduct onshore lessons in such basics as how to enter the low-slung crafts, maintain balance, paddle effectively,
Southern Living Vacations May'00
"Favorite local float trips -A watery world of rivers, sounds and tidal creeks await paddlers on the First Coast. Ray and Jody Hetchka of Kayak Amelia help visitors and locals alike discover our paddler's paradise."
Water's Edge Magazine Aug'99
"You'll find no better guides to set your mind at ease while introducing you to the pastime's potential."
Southern Living Magazine July'99
Delta Airlines - Sky Magazine Sept'99
"This Zen-like experience is something Ray wants to offer other kayakers as he serves as spirit-guide and paddling coach at Folio Weekly's Ft. George Island Kayak Festival and Nature Paddle"
Folio Weekly March '05
"If you prefer to get a little closer to the action, Kayak Amelia may be the afternoon excursion for you......They are gregarious hosts with an extensive knowledge of the island's history, flora and fauna"
Minority Golf May'98
"Kayak Amelia is one of the best ways to explore the views and waterways river-trader style"
Ladies Home Journal Nov'00
"The guides at Kayak Amelia make learning how to maneuver these tricky crafts easy ... Major bird watching opportunities await... "
Nashville Lifestyles April '04
"En la tranquilidad de una de las reservas ecologicas mas importantes de la ciudad se encuentra Kayak Amelia, un lugar de esparcimiento al aire libre en la isla Long Island Outfitters donde se rentan canoas a principiantes o expertos amantes del canotaje"
Hola News Agosto '05
translation "In the calmness of one of the most important ecological reserves in the city, you will find Kayak Amelia, an outdoor recreational place at Long Island Outfitters where they rent kayaks to beginners or experts in love with kayaking."