Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Aho.
Hi Katrina , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Adventure Outdoor Paddle was born from a life-changing chapter in our lives. In 2013, my husband, Travis, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After many months of hospital stays, chemotherapy, and ultimately a stem cell transplant in 2014, I left my decade-long career in marine science to support him through the journey. We are incredibly grateful that his transplant was successful and that he remains cancer-free today.
That experience reshaped our perspective. We learned not to take a single day for granted and recognized how important fitness and the outdoors were in Travis’ recovery. As he returned to his work as a firefighter, I felt inspired to help others connect with nature and their own well-being—leading to the start of Adventure Outdoor Paddle.
Having lived in Lake County all my life, and with our backgrounds in biology and environmental science, creating a business centered around our beautiful waterways felt natural. Today, we bring that enthusiasm for life and love of the outdoors into every tour and rental, sharing the beauty of this area with our guests.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. My background is in science, so stepping into the world of business required me to learn almost everything along the way. I had to figure out operations, marketing, and the day to day challenges of running a small outdoor recreation company, and most of that learning happened through experience.
In the early years of Covid, our business actually grew because so many people were looking for safe ways to spend time outdoors. That period gave us a strong start, but the challenges have changed since then. Today we are facing the impacts of major hurricanes, unpredictable weather, and a struggling economy. Those factors create real obstacles for a business that depends on nature and stable conditions.
Even with those difficulties, we remain dedicated to what we do. Our passion for the outdoors and for sharing this beautiful area with others keeps us moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of Adventure Outdoor Paddle. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Adventure Outdoor Paddle is a guided kayak and paddle board company in Tavares that focuses on creating memorable experiences on the water. Our guided Wild Florida on the Dora Canal tour is what we are best known for, along with paddle board lessons, rentals, and seasonal specialty tours.
What sets us apart is our passion for the natural world. With backgrounds in biology and environmental science, we enjoy sharing local wildlife, ecology, and the beauty of Lake County’s waterways with our guests. Our tours are relaxed, educational, and designed to make people feel comfortable on the water, whether they are first time paddlers or experienced explorers.
I am proud that our brand has become known for being welcoming, knowledgeable, and community minded. We care deeply about our lakes and regularly participate in cleanups and partner with other small businesses in the area.
Above all, I want readers to know that our mission is to help people slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simple joy of being on the water.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that many people do not know about me is that I was a pole vaulter in both high school and college. It is an interesting and unexpected part of my background. Looking back, that experience taught me a lot about discipline, determination, and pushing past fear, all of which play a big role in how I approach running Adventure Outdoor Paddle today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adventureoutdoorpaddle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureoutdoorpaddle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventureoutdoorpaddle
Image Credits
Adventure Outdoor Paddle
