Beach Party

If kids show up on time at 7am, you know you're on to something.

Last year, the shop’s founder and owner Mike Martino, along with his wife Caryn, joined forces with a local marine biology teacher to initiate an informal kayaking program for local high school students. For months, before Hurricane Ivan hit, 15-20 students would show up at Eco-Beach’s doorstep bright and early every Saturday morning, grab a sea kayak, and head for the water.

“They would come back exhausted…sometimes so tired they were practically falling over,” said Martino. “It was great. They got to enjoy nature and, at the same time, build their self-esteem…without spending a penny.”

Martino was amazed that the students showed up time and time again, not to mention at 7 a.m. on a weekend. “These kids were go-getters,” he said. “And, that’s what education is really all about…showing up, trying new things, and being persistent.”

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