As we reflect on 2025 at Adventure Outdoor Paddle, one word rises above the rest: adaptation. This year brought fewer environmental challenges than we have experienced in the past, and we were fortunate to be spared from major hurricanes and storms. Like many small businesses, we navigated a shifting economic landscape. As the overall economy shifted, we noticed changes in visitor behavior, travel decisions, and discretionary spending. While this created challenges throughout the year, we know many small businesses experienced the same, and we remain optimistic as we look ahead.
One of the most valuable investments we made this year was attending “The Port” conference in Destin, Florida; a two-day gathering of watersports operators from across the country. Learning from industry leaders and connecting with fellow operators gave us fresh perspective and practical ideas we’re excited to implement as we look toward 2026.
A New Chapter & A Full-Circle Moment
In the fall of 2025, I began a new role with Wet Nose Pals, a small business dedicated to animal care and pet services. Returning to hands on work with animals has been incredibly fulfilling and felt like a full circle moment, drawing from my background at SeaWorld and within the zoological field.
This opportunity has been a wonderful complement to Adventure Outdoor Paddle. Wet Nose Pals shares many of the values we hold dear, including compassion, care, and flexibility. This role allows me to continue running AOP while also traveling to New Hampshire and maintaining balance during a time when adaptability has been essential.
Most importantly, this added flexibility and stability has helped us navigate a challenging year with clarity and confidence. It has reinforced that sometimes growth looks like diversification, continued learning, and saying yes to opportunities that align with both passion and purpose.
Showcasing Tavares & Lake County Beyond the Paddle
One of the biggest honors this year was being asked by the City of Tavares to help represent and showcase our community on a larger stage.
Trail Town Facilitator & America in Bloom
We were proud to assist with hosting the Trail Town Facilitator and supporting the America in Bloom program. These opportunities allowed us to introduce visitors and evaluators to Lake County’s waterways from a unique perspective: the water.
By guiding guests through the Dora Canal and surrounding lakes, we were able to highlight what makes Tavares and Lake County truly special — our natural beauty, rich wildlife, and deep connection to outdoor recreation. These moments reinforced just how powerful our waterways are as both an economic and cultural asset.
Lake County Waterways Cleanup
This year, we were honored to be featured on Spectrum News for our involvement in the Lake County Waterways Cleanup, where community members came together to protect and preserve our lakes. Seeing paddlers volunteer their time to care for these spaces was incredibly inspiring. Catch the whole segment here: Annual Lake County waterway cleanup
Board Shorts with Commissioner Kirby Smith
We were also grateful to be highlighted by Lake County Commissioner Kirby Smith in his weekly “Board Shorts” series on social media. Having our small business recognized for its role in outdoor recreation, tourism, and environmental stewardship was a meaningful moment — and a reminder that what we do truly matters. Link below:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FsxQGcRqR/
Caring for the Waterways and the Wildlife
One of the most meaningful parts of our year was being directly involved in wildlife rescue efforts on our local waterways. Throughout 2025, we assisted with five anhinga rescues, taking the initiative to learn how to use a cast net efficiently so we could help more birds that became entangled or stranded. Another especially memorable rescue involved two great horned owlets that left their nest early at Summerall Park. With the help of an experienced animal rehabilitator, we were connected with the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, where the owlets were taken in, cared for, and taught how to fly and hunt on their own. Four to six weeks later, we were honored to be invited to take part in their release back into the wild. It was an unforgettable moment and a powerful reminder of why protecting these natural spaces matters so deeply to us.
Our Guests: The Heart of Everything We Do
None of this would be possible without you!
From locals rediscovering their backyard to visitors experiencing the Dora Canal for the first time, your enthusiasm, curiosity, and love for the water continue to inspire us. We saw families celebrating milestones, solo paddlers finding peace, and returning guests who feel like friends.
Your reviews, tags, and stories are a constant reminder that outdoor adventure creates lasting memories, and we are incredibly grateful for every one of you who chooses to share them with us.
Travel, Perspective, and Inspiration
This year brought meaningful travel and time spent apart, offering both perspective and growth. In February, we escaped for a short getaway to Jekyll Island in Georgia, where the live oaks meet the beach in the most beautiful way. It truly felt like the best of both worlds and was the perfect reset to start the year. In March, we drove to New Hampshire to move Travis into the condo at Waterville Valley full time. I returned in May to celebrate an important milestone, watching his niece Jordan graduate from paramedic school. Seeing her step into her role as a firefighter in New Hampshire is incredibly inspiring.
In June, Travis came back to Florida and we enjoyed a brief but memorable trip to Cabbage Key and visited the famous “Dollar Bill Bar.” The summer that followed was a long one apart, and one we know we will not repeat. We reunited in August, soaking up time together with mountain hikes and adventures through Boston, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard, enjoying a much needed break from the Florida summer heat. Travis returned home in September, and I traveled back north in the fall for my favorite season of all, experiencing the leaves turning and the quiet beauty of New England. As the year comes to a close, we feel grateful to have found our rhythm with long distance. It has not been easy, but we are making it work and trusting that the sacrifice will be worth it.
Family, Care, and Gratitude
On a deeply personal note, this fall brought its own family challenges. My grandmother, whom I have cared for for many years, suffered a fall that forced her to leave her home in Sanford. She has since moved in with my dad full time, and I continue helping care for her as she navigates dementia and declining mobility. The last two months of the year have been spent cleaning out her home and preparing it for sale, a process that has been emotional, exhausting, and at times overwhelming.
While it has been a huge undertaking, I am grateful to share that we are nearing the finish line and plan to list the home in early January. Thank you to everyone who has offered prayers, support, and kindness during this time. It has meant more than words can express to our family.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we close out 2025, we do so with full hearts and deep appreciation. This year reminded us that growth does not always look the same, that challenges can take many forms, and that community, connection, and perseverance matter more than ever. Thank you to everyone who supported Adventure Outdoor Paddle this year, whether by paddling with us, sharing our story, supporting local business, or simply cheering us on from afar. Your encouragement has meant everything.
We look ahead to the new year with hope, fresh ideas, and renewed energy. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy New Year filled with calm waters, meaningful moments, and new adventures. We cannot wait to see what 2026 brings and we are grateful to have you along for the journey!
Wishing you a very blessed holiday season from the Aho’s! (Travis, Katrina, Baby, Magpie, and Handsome Pants)
