Our history, mission and team

Our History

Whidbey Island Kayaking Company was established in 2002 by Ed Young, who loved to kayak. He was a one-man operation for years, guiding and hauling all the gear from launch to launch and eventually found a home at the Langley marina. Whidbey Island Kayaking was bought in 2014 by Whidbey resident Krista Loercher and soon she encouraged Jeff Jacobsen to join and help. Krista and Jeff both are open water swimmers, former lifeguards, ex-swim coaches and Red Cross water safety instructors with professional backgrounds in business and technology. In other words, they are aquatic-enthusiast, safety-freaks who love Whidbey Island. They are caring for and growing Whidbey Island Kayaking.

Mission

To offer safe, fun, and active ways to experience Whidbey Island through physical engagement and experiential learning. We strive to help people to nurture their nature and make better memories for themselves and loved ones.

Ani

Ani is a two-year old border collie-pointer mix who loves to swim after sticks, seagulls, and frisbees. She loves most treats, but is especially partial to beef jerky and peanut butter cookies. She often is the first team member that our guests meet. She is working on improving her greetings from barks to licks.

Ari

Ari has grown up and lived on South Whidbey for 19 years. This is her fourth season at Whidbey Island Kayaking and she enjoys working at the beach. Ari’s college experience will involve international travel and she is excited to explore different countries and cultures. She intends to have a career in oceanography while exploring the world.

Campbell

Hi! My name is Campbell and this is my first year here at Whidbey Island Kayaking. I’m an Arizona transplant that is now a proud resident of the PNW. I love the history and community of the island and can’t wait to share it with you!

Carter

Originally from Colorado, Carter has been drawn to the Salish Sea because of its natural beauty and bounty of marine life. After graduating college with a BS Environmental Science, Carter was searching for a way to learn more about the environment he now lived in, the Puget Sound! When presented with the opportunity to join the Whidbey Island Kayaking team, he says, he almost couldn't believe how lucky he was. As a first year guide, he has been enjoying the challenge it presents as well as the heightened appreciation for the Salish Sea it brings. Outside of kayaking, Carter enjoys photography, diving, and a good hike!

Jeff

Jeff is a lifetime learner and teacher who uses his extensive backgrounds in education, technology and the performing arts to help build an environment that provides experiences that enrich the lives of staff, community and our guests.

Jeff is responsible for the physical and virtual infrastructure of Whidbey Island Kayaking

Kalea

Kalea is 17 years old. This is her first year at Whidbey Island Kayaking but she has lived on Whidbey Island for sixteen years. She loves the beaches on Whidbey and anything having to do with water and the ocean. Her other passions include hiking and backpacking.

Mackenzee

Mackenzee Collins has lived on Whidbey Island since she was 5 years old. She fell in love with the ocean from a very young age, and is thrilled that she gets the privilege to work right next to the water each day. Mackenzee attends the University of Texas at El Paso Minors and plays D1 softball. This is currently her third season with Whidbey Island Kayaking as a beach manager.

Max

Hi, my name is Max Rodriguez. I am a Whidbey Island local and have been exploring and learning about the Island all my life. Currently, I enjoy and take part in a variety of outdoor activities and sports. Biking with friends and my younger brother has become one of my favorite pastimes. Additionally, I enjoy playing tennis and golf whenever I am able to. Just recently, I have begun to pick up kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and I am hoping to become more experienced out on the water during these next few months. Aside from my affinity for outdoor activities, I think that it is fair to say that I am a pretty big nerd. I am always up for a good conversation about physics, math, and/or environmental sciences!

Tabitha

Tabitha grew up on the Northeast coast in Connecticut, fully submersed in the marine world by scuba diving and venturing on beach excursions. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences from UConn, where she delved into environmental stewardship and community outreach opportunities. She taught STEM based ocean curriculum and ocean adventure sports as an AmeriCorps member, which propelled her to become a kayak and sailing instructor. She moved from one coast to another and now resides on Whidbey Island and is excited to teach you about the local marine life, above and below, while taking in picturesque beauty offered in the Pacific Northwest.

Carli

Carli has grown up in Langley, located on the south end of Whidbey Island. As a local, she is familiar with the history, activities and landscape of the island. She is excited to share her passion for the natural world in her fourth season with Whidbey Island Kayaking. Carli currently attends Reed College in Portland and studies Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Chandler

I am originally from a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called Zelienope. I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Geology at Slippery Rock University. I am passionate about traveling, being outdoors, and working to protect our beautiful planet. In my free time I like to longboard, hike, kayak, go on road trips, visit national parks, and try new things. I love being a guide with Whidbey Island Kayaking because it allows me to share my passions with people and inspire deeper connection to this incredible ecosystem and planet.

Joey

I’m Joey and I graduated from South Whidbey High School in 2020 and am now a student at the University of Washington in Seattle. I’m passionate about conservations and the outdoors and I enjoy hiking, paddling, backpacking, cycling and most other outdoor activities. Growing up on the island I have a great appreciation and respect for the Puget Sound and all it’s wildlife and I look forward to sharing it here at Whidbey Island Kayaking!

Krista

Krista has lived on a coastline for most of her life, first in New York, then Seattle and since 2008, on Whidbey Island. She has been a lifeguard, a swim coach, a Red Cross water safety instructor, and open water swimmer. An ACA-certified kayak instructor, she loves introducing newbies to both kayaking and open water swimming. Prior to WIK, Krista’s professional life was in sales and account management at Macmillan, a book publishing company. Supporting the amazing team at WIK and providing 5-star customer experiences are the passions that drive her as she develops additional sustainable and active tourism opportunities on Whidbey Island. She proudly serves as a Commissioner at the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District.

Malia

This is Malia’s first year here at Whidbey Island Kayaking as a Crab. She lives part-time on Whidbey Island and part-time in Seattle. She attends high school in Seattle and hopes to attend college to study a combination of environmental science and political science in 2022. Malia enjoys all things outdoors and aspires to be a kayak tour guide in Alaska in the future.

Ryan

Ryan has been staring at the edge of the water all his life not really knowing why. After moving to Washington State in 2008 to attend the University of Washington and receiving his degree in Oceanography and Marine Biology, he chose to stay for the love of what the Salish Sea has to offer. Every turn he makes and every path he takes from working in research labs, outdoor education, bartending, or as South Whidbey High school Soccer coach he comes back to the sea. After joining Whidbey Island Kayaking in 2019 who knows how far he will go.

Tucker

This is my first year at Whidbey Island Kayaking. The work was easy to love from the beginning; taking people out on this estuary we call the Puget Sound and showing them around this beautiful rock that i grew up on. I've always loved the outdoors and am going on a trip anytime i get the chance!

Learn more about our team and what we do through photos of our 2020 kayaking season!!