Local Company Touts Over Two Decades in Eco-Tourism and Explores the Area’s Unique Waterways by Kayak, Sailboat, and Paddleboard

by Grace Silipigni

Back in 1990, while on a fishing trip in Canada, Mitch Mitchell paddled his first kayak. Although he caught a lot of fish, he was the one that got hooked. He’s been paddling ever since. He met Jen Adams in 1994 and, for their first date, you guessed it—he took her kayaking. Coastal Kayak was born in 1997 when Mitch and Jen guided their first customers through the salt marshes near Bethany.

Helping people connect to the water and the environment while creating lifelong memories was their goal when they started and, twenty-seven years later, remains their focus. “Watching a kid’s eyes go wide with wonder while holding a horseshoe crab never gets old,” says Mitch. “It’s very rewarding.”

One of the many lessons they’ve learned over the years is that everyone has their own method of connecting. That’s why they offer so many ways to get on the water:
Rentals for those who value flexibility in their vacation time—show up whenever, paddle as long as you want. Instruction for those who want to learn good habits from the start. Guided tours for those who want to learn and see the most in a short amount of time. Kayaks to cover distance and sneak up on wildlife, paddle boards for the young at heart, and sailing for those who’d prefer to let the wind do the work.

They’ve also learned that customers need to be relaxed and comfortable for those deep connections to occur. Stable kayaks with back rests and foot braces allow paddlers to focus on the scenery instead of worrying about capsizing or an aching back. Friendly staff trained by professional instructors in water safety and paddling skills help ensure customers have all the information needed for a fun experience. And Coastal Kayak’s ideal rental location on Little Assawoman Bay, with its shallow, warm water, and sandy, beachy launch, puts even the most nervous paddlers at ease.

“When customers get off the water smiling, telling stories about the fish that jumped right in front of them, or excited their daughter paddled all by herself, that’s what it’s all about,” says Jen. “That’s when we know we’ve done our job.”

Wanna Go?
CoastalKayak.com
302.539.7999
Coastal Kayak
36840 Coastal Hwy
Fenwick Island, DE