Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Albani
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
So about 5 years ago, I started as an eco tour guide for Get Up & Go Kayaking at Rock Springs (King’s Landing) and instantly fell in love with working on the water. It didn’t take me long to become the lead tour guide and at that point I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. After I realized this was my true passion, I began the FL Master Naturalist program then started volunteering with cleanups, and eventually got involved with Florida Springs Council. At this point, I was wondering how to take the love for environmental stewardship and education to the next level. Which eventually translated to what I am working on today, my own business! I started Florida Paddle Excursions two years ago as a side hustle and it has evolved into something I am extremely proud of- a mix of paddle board instruction while educating guests with sustainable eco tours of Florida’s most beautiful ecosystem- the SPRINGS!! My most recent endeavor is starting a non-profit called Clean Water Coalition with some fellow river guides with a focus on trash collection in Florida’s waterways.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I want to say that acquiring my dream job was a breeze, but that wouldn’t be accurate. There was definitely struggles along the way and there’s still plenty still ahead. That being said, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every failure is a lesson, an opportunity to grow and I never want to stop growing. I would say I am a professional paddleboarder and storyteller but learning the technical parts of running a business has been so humbling and enlightening. I welcome the challenges because I am passionate about the outcome.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Florida Paddle Excursions?
As the guide, photographer, owner, receptionist and tech support person I am truly a one woman show. To keep the tours at a sustainable level, I believe it is imperative that I am actively the one providing the tours to our guests. The tours are naturalist led paddleboard tours of the Rock Springs Run (King’s Landing). I offer tour options all year and at various times, including a sunrise tour before the landing even opens to the public. I offer guests options to customize their excursion with a focus on education, photography and passive wildlife viewing. Planning to add more locations very soon! I think Florida Paddle Excursions online is known for the wildlife videos we post to our social media outlets but once our guests have come out to see us, I believe the leave feeling like they share the role of protecting our most precious ecosystems, not just in Florida but everywhere. I encourage guests to get involved and if they don’t know how I am known for helping them find their way. I want everyone to see the natural wonders of Florida for ages to come and education and sustainable tourism is the way that will be accomplished. I would love for any readers that have a love for wild Florida to come take a tour with me, because nature bathing is the best therapy!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The eco tourism industry is ever changing and although it can be difficult to predict, I am optimist to see the new places it brings us.
Pricing:
- adults $55
- child $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.floridapaddleexcursions.com
- Instagram: @floridapaddleexcursions & @smashsups
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaPaddleExcursions/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/florida-paddle-excursions-apopka-2
- Other: http://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/floridapaddleexcursions/?full-items=yes&from-ssl=yes&g4=no&cp=no&csp=no&back=https%253A%252F%252Ffloridapaddleexcursions.com%252F&language=en-us&u=21a18ff3-0952-4f48-92a8-2162054629b6
