Epic Paddle Adventures

A literal front-row seat to Florida’s wildest locals.

Gators, manatees, and turtles—oh my! Silver Springs did not disappoint.

Nothing but the glow of the moon, the chill in the air, and absolute, perfect silence.

Sometimes you just have to paddle out and change your perspective. 🛶

Floating in absolute peace. 🛶

Leave nothing but ripples. 🌊

Happy Trails to Bob Bates and Dorita. They came into Epic Paddle Adventures as friends and guides and along the way became a big part of our story.

Bob first paddled with us on our Valentine’s Paddle in February 2020, and by September of that year, he was guiding at Silver Springs. Nearly six years later, it’s hard for us to imagine Epic without him.

I always called him “Bio Bob.” ✨

Over the years, Bob captured some of the most incredible bioluminescence footage I have ever seen. He had a knack for being in exactly the right place at exactly the right moment—and one of my all-time favorite memories was the absolutely spectacular footage he captured of a rocket launch from Horseshoe Crab Island, with the glow of the bioluminescence surrounding us. 🚀✨ There are some moments you just never forget. That was one of them.

But there was another side of Bio Bob that I loved just as much: his fondness for the manatees at Silver Springs, especially the mothers and their babies. ❤️ He captured some truly beautiful footage of them over the years, and you could always tell how much he genuinely loved and respected those animals.

Bob didn’t just guide tours. He noticed the magic around him—and he had a wonderful way of capturing it so the rest of us could experience it too.

Dorita became part of our Epic family as a guide as well, and together these two have given us so many memories, laughs and adventures on the water.

Last night was Bob’s final tour with Epic. He and Dorita have bought a home in North Carolina and are moving closer to their grandkids—and I can’t think of a better reason to begin a new adventure. ❤️

Bob, thank you for nearly six years of sunsets, glowing water, rocket launches, manatees, baby manatees, monkeys, laughter, friendship and unforgettable adventures.

There will only ever be one Bio Bob. ✨

We are going to miss you both tremendously, but I am so happy for you as you begin this next chapter.

Once Epic family, always Epic family.

Happy trails, Bio Bob & Dorita. We love you guys. 💙🛶✨

Rowing with a view.

Neon tide.