| It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived | ||||||||
Jody
and Ray are the 'proud parents' and founders of Kayak Amelia |
Ray has been kayaking since 1991, it was his response to Jody's question "I know that look, what are you dreaming about now?", that gave birth to Kayak Amelia. What started as a way to get more 'aquatic' by spending more time in and on the water, has evolved into a way of life. A 'tree hugger' since the term became popular, Ray has always been involved in environmental (especially coastal) issues. Whether commenting on the Barrier Island Bill in the early 70's or various initiatives by the National Park Service at Cape Hatteras, N.C. or as a member of the Littoral Society in NJ, he's always felt an affinity for the ocean and things aquatic. "In this age of the burgeoning Eco-Tourism boom in Florida it is vitally important that we protect the natural communities we choose to showcase." |
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| To make that commitment real, he served on the FLA/USA NE Region Eco/Heritage Tourism: Education, Ethics and Protection Committee, the PR committee of the Georgia Nature Based Tourism Assoc, The Ribault Clubhouse Preservation Task Force and works closely with the management of the Timucuan Preserve and the Talbot Islands State Parks to help with their efforts to provide safe, educational, environmentally sensitive access to these beautiful treasures. Ray is a certified Interpretive Guide from Nat'l Assoc of Interpretation and a Coastal Master Naturalist. | ||||||||
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Jody, a former Registered Nurse considers Kayak Amelia "the best job I've ever had, and the hardest!" After starting the business as a way to turn a hobby into a career she has discovered many extras she hadn't planned on. "Being able to work outside is fun but what makes it GREAT are the people!" Sharing stories with visitors from all over the world and seeing the smiles on the faces of the nervous paddlers when they realize the CAN DO IT, is a perk she never anticipated. A fourth degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo karate, she has been studying karate and TaiChi for 14 years. As an instructor Jody finds that both she and her students are learning a lot more than punches and kicks. "You learn a lot about 'self' - self control, self defense and self confidence. All skills VITAL for life." |
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She shares Ray's love of the outdoors and is enthusiastic about giving visitors a deeper appreciation of the critters that inhabit the marsh. She is a board member of the Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks. Guests have shown a wide variety of reasons to join a Kayak Amelia tour. Their motivations range from 'getting away from it all' to the chance to add that rare bird to a life list or experience the thrill of learning a new sport. By listening to their wishes and concerns she tries to make her guests feel comfortable and 'at home' while kayaking. "Sharing cookies and stories on the beach is what makes Kayak Amelia more than just another kayak outfitter." |
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| Jody and Ray have completed the EcoHeritage Tourism Provider Certification Course offered by the University of North Florida Continuing Education Program. This course is now offered through Pandion Systems, Gainesville. They were asked to teach the part on how to run an Eco-tourism business. Courses such as this will help to ensure the safe and ethical use of our natural resourses and aid in protecting local ecosystems for future generations to enjoy. We encourage guests to choose outfitters/guides that use environmentally friendly practices and are sensitive to local critters and natural communities. | ||||||||
| To say the KA crew is eclectic is an understatement. We have always been able to find (actually they usually find us) the hardest working, most fun to be with, staff around. We are very picky about our crew. Our ultimate goal is to make sure our guests have a comfortable and safe trip. Besides kayaking skills, we look for guides who not just lead the group but anticipate their needs with a constant eye out for possible problems. | CJ CJ Hetchka got his first kayak for his 8th birthday, now at 22 he works as a guide during the summer and weekends. He is a sophomore at University of West Florida-Pensacola. CJ is working towards a degree in Environmental Science . A High School essay he wrote explains best how he enjoys his job. "You spot a cloud of mist spirt out from a silver head off your bow and watch the crimson sun set in the west shedding the illuminative light on the surrounding fluffy clouds. Observing a soaring osprey dive down to catch a fish, you think that you will never forget this moment. This is what I feel when I'm out on the water." |
George George was a white water guide trained at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) before he moved to the Amelia Island area. His rule on the water is that "everyone MUST have fun". He loves teaching the Strokes, Rescues and Roll classes offered at Kayak Amelia. |
Pat Pat is part of our office staff when she is not traveling around the world doing research. She has been engaged in international species conservation work for almost thirty years. Starting her career at Miami Seaquarium and then Marine world Africa USA, she has incredible stories about her travels doing research on otters and for the US Agency for International Development. She has her master's in marine biology from San Francisco State Univ. and Ph.D. in zoology from Univ of FL. Pat is also responsible for the beautiful flower arrangements she brings in from her garden!! |
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Jaime Although his full time job is the Garde Manger chef at Amelia Island Plantation, Jaime finds the time to enjoy many sports. He likes to surf, bike and kayak when not spending time with his wife Christie and kids, Nickolas and Ellese. He also finds time to teach Y-cycle at the local YMCA. |
Scott
Scott is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. But his passion is kayaking and kayak fishing. It took him 15 minutes to land that red fish. He is also a drummer and is the one who makes the digeridoos we sell in the shop. |
Patrick
Patrick grew up surfing in Hawaii and has the most open water experience of all our guides. He has extensive ACA and BCU training. When not having fun on the water he is a Paramedic in Jax Beach.
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Tom Tom Gagne is a long time friend, karate instructor and mentor. He helps out on trips when we can drag him away from his full time job managing the Recreation Dept. at the Ritz Carlton. Tom brings the same attention to detail and quality to his trips on the water that have made him an integral part of the Ritz management team. In addition to kayaking he enjoys hiking. While living in NH he covered the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. Since he moved to FL he has been doing pieces of the southern end each year. He is a 6th degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate and also teaches Tai Chi. |
Caitie Caitie Hetchka, started kayaking when she was just 5 years old. Riding in the back hatch of Jody's kayak, she usually fell asleep while being rocked by the water. Until recently her idea of kayaking was to be paddled by someone else. Until she left for college she was our cookie baker (now it's Ray's job) She is a junior at the Univ. of West Florida in Pensacola. |
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| Our staff usually become like extended family. They keep in touch even after they move on. Visit our Alumni Guide page to see what they are up to now. |
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Kayak
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