Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Gregory.
Hi Kim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our story is not one you hear about often. Kim grew up in a small town in Connecticut and always knew she had a desire to live at the beach. However, becoming a young mother kept her close to her family. In 2013 she finally made her move to Sarasota, FL. Greg grew up visiting his Grandparents on Lido Key as a baby through adulthood. He always dreamed of living by the beach. It started with his love of surfing. In 2011 he made his move to Sarasota, FL. On a chilly February day in 2014, our eyes met on Lido Beach. That day our story started and in 2016, we were married on Lido Beach. Greg had been doing kayaking tours as a side thing. As soon as he took Kim out with him, she knew right then and there they shared the same passion for the sea and wildlife. In 2017 Kayaking SRQ was born and we’ve been having a blast with all of our guests since. We quickly became one of TripAdvisor’s top Kayaking Companies in the area and have remained there ever since. In 2019 we opened our second location on Siesta Key near Turtle Beach. Both the Siesta and Lido locations are breathtaking. Kayaking with us is one of the top things people like to do when visiting the Sarasota area.
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?
This has been a wild ride for sure. Our first year in business, we were hit by Irma, the second year we were devastated by red tide, the third-year Kim found out she had a spinal cord tumor and had to have surgery, and this past year well, let’s say 2020. Despite all of our challenges, we have remained a top company on TripAdvisor, and we have hired some amazing guys to help us prevail. We could not do what we do without our team, and we are happy to have them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our company is primarily a Kayak and Paddle Board tour company; however, we offer rentals as well. We specialize in ECO-friendly tours and rentals. Nothing brings you back to the center, then kayaking through the exotic mangrove tunnels, Sarasota’s hidden gem, located in Sarasota Bay. For us, when we enter the tunnels, it feels as though all of our troubles melt away. Our guests ooh and ahh as they enter tunnel four and tell me it’s like nothing they’ve seen before. We’ve heard terms like magical, breathtaking, and their very own lazy river—any fears about being on the water melt away. As guides, we try not to say too much while in the tunnels so our guests can take everything in as there is so much to see along with the beauty that surrounds you. And as if that is not enchanting enough on its own, spotting a manatee or dolphin adds to the adventure. What sets us apart from others is that we are a husband and wife, and this is all we do. We still go out on our days off and float through the tunnels and the gorgeous waters of the bay. Spotting wildlife enhances our trip around the bay as well. What we are most proud of is our Guides. We watched them come in and know absolutely nothing about what we do to become the best Guides in the park. If you read the reviews customers leave for them, you will know why. They are unique and watching them grow makes us proud.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Kayaking SRQ began from the love of two people who love the waters, the wildlife, and the smiles we see on our guest’s faces every single day. Yes, this is our business and what we do for a living, but it is so much more. We love it so much we want to share it with everyone.
Pricing:
- Kayak Tours are $50 Adults $40 kids 12 and under
- Kayak Tours are $50 Adults $40 kids 12 and under
- Double Kayak Rentals are $50 for 4 hours
- Paddle Board Rentals are $45 for 4 hours
- Private Tours are $75 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: Lido Key Location 190 Taft Dr Sarasota 34236
- Siesta Key Location 8701 Blind Pass Rd Sarasota 34242
- Email: kayakingsrq@gmail.com
- Website: kayakingsrq.com
- Facebook: Kayaking SRQ Tours and Rentals
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