Every Gift Has a Story

by Justin Buzzi, owner of Get Up And Go Kayaking

Growing up in florida means getting out on the water all the time. And because my dad is a boat captain, I’ve even had the opportunity to live on the water. It’s where I feel the most at home and the most relaxed. 

Naturally, when I started my clear-kayaking business back in 2016, it was completely focused on our waterways. Since then, I’ve led more than 350 guided kayak tours in and around Central Florida to share my passion for our natural surroundings. Now that we have 14 locations, we have the incredible opportunity to educate even more people about our fragile environment and the importance of saving our lands and precious waterways. 

Our goal is to share our love of kayaking and wildlife, one tour at a time. I want to make absolutely sure that we preserve our wilderness areas for generations to come. We started contributing to Conservation Florida when Alex McKeeman, our first tour guide, passed away while diving Silver Glen Springs. Each year, we hold one day where 100 percent of the proceeds go to Conservation Florida. It’s been a great way to keep his memory alive. He, too, was extremely passionate about the true, authentic Florida that we hold so dear to our hearts.

Kayakers paddle Rainbow River in a clear kayak. Photo courtesy of Get Up and Go Kayaking.