Dave Lindo

An award winning naturalist and biologist, Dave Lindo is at his best when teaching others about the outdoors. Outdoorsy from birth, he led his first guided trip, a reptile hike at the age of twelve. His wit and sense of humor is unconventional at best. He graduated with a biology degree, Summa Cum Laude, but we are pretty sure he cheated. Rumor has it that he was working three jobs and living out of a 1994 Toyota Tercel at the time as well. His first kayak purchase was two Prijon Sea Kayaks. He comments on now having over four hundred kayaks, “I stacked the two kayaks on top of each other one night, and they multiplied like bunnies.” As the chief bottle washer/ paddle boy for OKC Kayak, Dave now eats his cereal with sunscreen rather than milk. He likens being in the kayak business to being “frugally unemployed.” Or, as the joke goes: What is the difference between a kayak guide and a savings bond? The answer, savings bonds eventually mature and make money! He is a certified Wilderness First Responder, CPR trained, and holds ACA (American Canoe Association) and BCU (British Canoe Union North America) instructor and safety and rescue certifications in canoeing and kayaking. His business, OKC Kayak is actively involved in the Paddlesports Industry Association which helps to promote paddlesport education and safety, and recreational opportunities.

Other Interests: birdwatching, mountain biking, traveling, photography, practical jokes, creative writing

Note from Dave: Kayaking, as well as meeting and interacting with other paddlers gives us great joy. We are proud of our involvement and contributions that we are able to make in our community. Our customers are our friends. I am certain that you will find your dealings with us to always be based on the utmost standards of ethics and respect. Our customers choose us because of what we offer in the way of knowledge and experience, as well as the ongoing learning process and friendship that we share with fellow paddlers. I am thankful for the opportunities you provide me, and am grateful to be living out my dreams with your help. –Dave Lindo

  Tony Ward

Tony Ward, an amazing craftsman, has been building his own boats for over 30 years. His skin on frame and wooden kayaks are truly a work of art. Tony’s varied past life includes the title of Army Medic, a stint in the Special Forces, zookeeper, piano refinisher, EMT and more. His reconnaissance work was surely aided by his talking abilities. On a recent trip to Maine, he had met every person in town within thirty minutes of our arrival. Tony has traveled and paddled the world over. One word of caution, do not eat his corn tortilla concoction with peanut butter, Spam, Grape Jelly, and Cheese, even though he swears by it. He is a minimalist, traveling lightly, but we swear whether it is the back of his tiny pickup or the pocket in his rucksack, he always has whatever we need. Remember Mary Poppin’s bag with the lamps, etc. in it?

Other Interests: Motorcycles (especially his vintage BMW with sidecar), tending to his vineyard, storytelling, sailing

Another Note from Dave

Tony is as kind and gently of a guy as you will ever meet. He always, always helps anyone in need. His dedication to wife, Laura, his kids and grandkids is one to be emulated if not envied by all. Tony, you are my mentor and a true friend!

  Kevin Wagner

Sign up for lots of trips and classes so that some day Kevin and his wonderful wife Jodi can receive payment for all the work they do for us. Kevin is a computer wiz and regularly takes time away from a lucrative business of his own to dac with our stuff. If you love our website, he is to blame. If you see a problem with it, it is probably because Kevin is waiting on me to get him the information needed to fix it.

In addition to being an excellent kayak surfer, this San Diego boy is also quite the cook. He can grill anything and makes margaritas and guacamole that are to die for.

Other Interests: Reading Computer Manuals, Travel, Dutch Ovens, Barbie Dolls

One last word from Dave (Thank goodness, right?)

Kevin and Jodi are real thinkers. They have really helped me to think critically about long term business planning and a whole lot more. They are also wonderful hosts every time I venture out west. Kevin’s sense of humor is about as warped as mine. His friendship has added great value to my life. Thanks bro!

  Jenn Kleck

Jen Kleck, owner of Aqua Adventures in San Diego, (www.aqua-adventures.com) helps lead our west coast and Baja trips. We are extremely proud to know Jen, and have her as our good friend, especially since she recently became America’s first ever BCU 5 Star Canoe and Kayak Coach. She is dedicated to the sport of kayaking and quite the athlete, yet still humble and generous with her knowledge and time. We always look forward to our annual hiatus to paddle with her so we can increase our own skills. Sadly, Jen knows that every time she hears from us, it means we need her expert advice or again want to camp in her parking lot, use her shop’s shower, or mooch WIFI off of her. What are friends for, huh?

Other Interests: Does not have time for other interests because is always working;