Guides

Ray and Jody Hetchka 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." 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 GEOPark to help with their efforts to provide safe, educational, environmentally sensitive access to these beautiful treasures.

As a Health Educator (CPR, First Aid) and HIV/AIDS Counselor in New Hampshire, Ray discovered a natural talent for teaching. He got to combine this skill and his knowledge of the coastal environment while working as a Naturalist at Odiorne State Park in NH and now gives Kayak Amelia paddlers up close insight into the life in the tidal marsh.

Safety is a vital but usually unseen part of the Kayak Amelia story. "This is not a particularly dangerous sport but good planning and preparation are essential." Trained in CPR and Wilderness First Aid as well as kayak rescues Ray plans every trip with an eye toward the guests' comfort and safety.

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 12 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."

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 Sarabay Society (the Citizen Support Organization for Talbot Islands State Park) 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."

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.

Scott Foley

Scott just graduated from school as a Physical Therapy 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.

CJ Hetchka

CJ got his first kayak for his 8th birthday, now at 20 he works as a guide during the summer and weekends. He is a sophomore at FL Community College - Jacksonville.CJ is working towards a degree in Marine Biology. A recent essay he wrote for school 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 monent. This is what I feel when I'm out on the water."

Jaime LeBlanc

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.

Caitie Hetchka

Caitie 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. Her friends still talk about 'the best party they ever went to' - she celebrated her 13th birthday kayaking with a bunch of friends. She is our cookie baker when she is home from college. She attends the Univ of West FL and wants to be a teacher. During the summer she is a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Recreation Center in town.

Tom Gagne

Tom is a long time friend, karate instructor and mentor. He is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate and also practices TaiChi. His favorite kayak trip is paddling out to a sandbar before dawn to do TaiChi as the sunrises! Tom's goal is to one day hike the entire Appalachian Trail. He's covered the mountains of New England and each year completes another piece of the southern end. He helps out on trips when we can drag him away from his full time job managing the Fitness Center at the Ritz Carlton.

Pat Foster-Turley

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 U.S. Agency for International Development. She has her master’s in marine biology from San Francisco State University and Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Florida. Pat is also responsible for the beautiful flower arrangements she brings in from her yard!!

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.

hetchka@mac.com

Kayak Amelia

13030 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville FL 32226

(in the marsh between Big and Little Talbot State Parks)

888-30-KAYAK

904-251-0016(voice)

904-251-0062(fax)

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