Chris Kelley - Florida Master Naturalist Instructor - ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor

Chris is the owner of Ripple Effect Ecotours.  A life long obsession with the natural world began in the remote areas of  Baja, Mexico where he was introduced to off-grid, self-sufficient living in "La Frontera", one of the last frontiers in North America.  The abundance of marine life in the Sea of Cortez, in contrast to the stark Baja Desert, led Chris on a journey of the natural world exploring the the vast American landscape over the next decade by both land and sea.  After two years exploring the Florida coastlines on their 34' sailboat, Rift, Chris and his wife settled into the quaint seaside town of St. Augustine, Florida because nowhere else had they encountered such an abundance of natural beauty in the Sunshine State.  Chris now teaches kayaking as an American Canoe Association Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor and environmental education as a University of Florida Master Naturalist Instructor.

Danny Lippi - Florida Master Naturalist Instructor - ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor - Certified Arborist

Danny is the lead guide at Ripple Effect and a bird, mammal, and reptile expert.  Danny has been guiding ecotours in the area for almost a decade and excels in kayaking technique, ecology, raptors, and music.  Danny can teach you how to role a kayak and, at the same time, identify a Cooper's Hawk 1000' over his head.  A serious commitment to conservation, all levels of kayak skills including whitewater, and undeniable knowledge makes Danny one of the finest kayak guides ever!

 Joe Woodbury - Florida Master Naturalist Instructor and a Certified Interpreter

Joe is a professional naturalist and just last year received the "Kenner Award", that is the state's highest-ranking award for natural interpretation.  An avid birder, a practitioner of Zen, and an in-depth knowledge of the Timucuan Indians, Joe is an incredible resource for anyone seeking insights and natural Florida.  Using his background in education,  Joe covers all aspects of being.  Whether you join him on the Indians of the Estuary Kayak Tour, where Joe recreates the sights, sounds, and aromas of a traditional Timucuan encampment, or on The Zen Kayak Tour, where Joe teaches mindfulness and kayaking, one can only benefit from his awareness about all that is integral to connecting with yourself and the land beneath your feet.  

Mike Lagasse - Environmental Scientist - Coastal Florida Master Naturalist - ACA Level 1 Coastal Kayak Instructor

Mike brings his experience from the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department onto the water with years of expertise in water quality and greenhouse gas inventories.  His background in Florida water conservation issues helps to bring about a greater understanding of the vast aquatic ecosystems that Ripple Effect explores.  On another note, Mike defines the ideology of which Ripple Effect aspires to, that is serious integrity and depth of character.  

Brandon Mellin- Biologist

 “B-rad” paddles in from Clemson University where he completed his Bachelors of Science in Biology with a focus on invertebrates. He can paddle all day with articulated charisma and a “Hemingway” smile. His enthusiasm is contagious enabling him the ability to connect with all ages.  Brandon provides a dynamic and diversified scientific perspective at both the macro and microscopic levels. When he’s not in a kayak he spends his time with the Georgia Aquarium’s Conservation Field Station assisting with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin rescues, and other marine mammals, as well as photo identification, health assessments, interventions and population assessments.

 Alex McManus- Environmental Scientist

Once upon a time he was chillin' in Jersey and read about the Matanzas while completing his Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. Now rising up the totem pole of the great Ripple towards “birder” status and “guide” extraordinaire. Alex takes the path of least resistance towards total tour satisfaction. He has great knowledge of the whole with an eye on policy.  Alex is also an active member of the local Audubon chapter helping to assist with local conservation issues!