Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig & Rachelle Huff.
Hi Craig & Rachelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Otter Paddle Orlando is more than just a business for Craig and Rachelle; it’s a heartfelt expression of their lifelong love for the water and the wonders of the outdoors. Growing up in families that cherished time on the water, they spent their childhoods exploring nature, a passion that carried into adulthood. Paddleboarding quickly became a shared pursuit, and while they worked their 9-to-5 jobs, weekends were dedicated to exploring the water with their son, Ronin. As a family, they dreamed of turning this passion into a full-time endeavor.
In 2018, Craig and Rachelle took a leap of faith and launched Otter Paddle Orlando. Leaving behind the security of stable jobs was a significant decision, but they felt that starting a paddleboard eco-tourism company was their calling. They began with just a few paddleboards, one location, and a dream. Since then, they’ve expanded to offer tours at four stunning locations: the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs, and bioluminescence tours in Titusville. Each location holds a special place in their hearts as places they personally love to paddle and explore. As they continue to grow, they aim to offer even more experiences and share these cherished spots with guests from around the world.
From the beginning, Otter Paddle Orlando has been a family-owned and operated business. Craig and Rachelle wear many hats, managing everything from website design to photography, videography, content creation, and all other aspects of the business. Their diverse skills enhance the experiences they offer, allowing them to create personalized and memorable adventures for their guests. Their passion for photography and videography also helps capture the awe-inspiring beauty of Florida’s ecosystems.
As the company grew, they were fortunate to welcome three dedicated tour guides who share their passion for paddleboarding and conservation. Building the right team was essential to maintaining the personalized, VIP customer service that sets Otter Paddle Orlando apart. Craig and Rachelle believe in creating intimate tours where guests feel like they’re spending time with old friends. This connection, combined with their love for nature and commitment to conservation, drives the unforgettable experiences they provide.
Craig and Rachelle are incredibly proud of the growth of Otter Paddle Orlando but remain deeply rooted in the personalized, hands-on approach that has defined their business since day one. They feel blessed to connect with guests from all over the world, sharing not only the beauty of Florida’s waterways but also their passion for paddleboarding, nature, and conservation. Every day, they wake up grateful for the opportunity to do what they love. They look forward to continuing this journey and expanding their experiences, offering more unique adventures in the places they love, and sharing those moments with guests who come to experience Florida’s natural wonders.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While creating Otter Paddle Orlando has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting a business comes with its own set of obstacles, but each one has strengthened their commitment to their mission.
One of the biggest hurdles was stepping away from the stability of their jobs to pursue their passion full-time. The uncertainty was intimidating, but their love for paddleboarding, nature, and, most importantly, their faith in God guided them. Taking that leap of faith—both literally and spiritually—proved to be one of the best decisions they ever made.
As the company grew, another key focus was maintaining the high-touch, personalized experience they value so much. The guest experience is at the heart of everything they do, so finding guides who share their love for paddleboarding, nature, and conservation was essential. They’ve built a talented team of individuals who are just as passionate about creating memorable experiences as they are. While integrating new team members took thoughtful effort, it ultimately strengthened their ability to provide top-notch adventures.
Every challenge they’ve encountered has shaped them for the better. They’re more determined than ever to share the beauty of Florida’s natural waterways and ensure every guest feels connected to the environment and inspired by their time on the water.
As you know, we’re big fans of Otter Paddle Orlando. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Otter Paddle Orlando, we are more than just a paddleboarding company; we are a family-owned and operated eco-tourism venture dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences on the stunning waterways of Central Florida. Since 2018, we’ve focused on fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that allows guests to connect with nature and each other throughout their journey with us.
We offer guided tours at some of the area’s most picturesque locations, including the serene Winter Park Chain of Lakes, the tranquil Silver Springs State Park, the enchanting Rainbow Springs, and the magical bioluminescence tours in Titusville. Each location has been chosen for its natural beauty and the unique experiences it provides.
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering a VIP guest experience. We believe our guests deserve more than just another tour—they deserve to feel valued and engaged from booking to the end of their adventure. Our small-group tours ensure meaningful interactions with knowledgeable guides, creating a personalized experience that feels more like a gathering of friends than a typical outing.
Our eco-friendly paddleboarding tours cater to all skill levels, making it easy for beginners to feel comfortable and confident on the water. We take pride in using high-end equipment and are grateful for our partnership with NIXY Sports, another family-owned company based in California, whose premium paddleboards offer top-notch stability and performance.
For those who prefer a kayak experience, we also offer a paddleboard-kayak hybrid option. This versatile setup features a premium kayak seat atop the paddleboard, allowing guests to enjoy the agility of a paddleboard with the comfort of a kayak.
To enhance each adventure, all tours include a photo and video package, capturing special moments and creating lasting memories. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the joy on families’ faces—especially the kids—as they explore and discover the wonders of nature around them.
As advocates for environmental stewardship, we actively host cleanups and encourage guests to help preserve the natural spaces we cherish. We are also proud to be certified Guardian Guides with Save the Manatee Club, a recognition awarded to ecotourism providers who promote the stewardship of manatees and their aquatic ecosystems. This certification ensures our tours minimize disturbance to manatees while using manatee-viewing as an opportunity for education, appreciation, and conservation of this imperiled species.
Every day, we feel blessed to do what we love. We invite you to experience the magic of paddleboarding with us. Each tour promises not just a guided adventure but a journey filled with laughter, learning, and cherished memories. Come explore with us and see why we’re known for providing some of the best paddleboarding experiences in Orlando!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Craig’s favorite childhood memories revolve around his life in Orlando, Florida, where he was born and raised. From a young age, he was an active kid with no fear, always seeking the next adventure. He embraced an active lifestyle, spending countless hours surfing in Cocoa Beach and fishing in any body of water he could find, always on the hunt for the next big catch. The bigger the adventure, the better, as he thrived on the thrill of water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding. Skateboarding was another passion, where he chased the excitement of speed. Those formative years fueled Craig’s adventurous spirit and deep connection to the water, which continues to inspire him as he shares those experiences through Otter Paddle Orlando.
Rachelle’s favorite childhood memories come from her time growing up in Austin, Texas. Living on Lake Travis, she spent countless days enjoying boat outings and water sports. Sunset swims were magical moments with family and friends, creating unforgettable memories filled with laughter and adventure. Swimming in Barton Springs on warm summer days, floating down the Guadalupe River, and visiting Schlitterbahn Water Park every summer were highlights of her youth. Year-round camping and riding her bike gave her a sense of freedom, allowing her to explore and let her imagination run wild. Those days were filled with discovery and joy, instilling in her a deep love for the water and the outdoors. These cherished memories continue to inspire Rachelle’s passion for paddleboarding and sharing the beauty of nature through Otter Paddle Orlando.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.otterpaddleorlando.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otterpaddleorlando/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otterpaddleorlando
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@otterpaddleorlando
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