Coastal Kayak launches into new ownership
“We started Coastal Kayak in 1997 with a handful of skinny touring kayaks and a heavy but sturdy kayak trailer (we still have it!). We took reservations over the phone at our rented trailer house and met customers at area launch sites. Mitch did his first tour ever at Sassafras Landing where a customer quizzed him about the attributes of different species of seagulls. His second tour was at Trap Pond State Park with a first-time paddler who was deathly afraid of snakes. And, you guessed it, usually a rare occurrence, on that day, a large water snake swam right in front of her kayak.
Over the years, we’ve been so lucky to have introduced thousands of people to the beauty of our area and the joy of experiencing it from the simplicity of a kayak. Being part of our customers’ vacations and summers is a gift that we’ve never taken for granted. Every summer we’ve seen some of the same families return over and over. Kids fitting into our 30-50 pound PFD for their first kayak experience now bring their own kids.
Coastal Kayak has provided us with so much. We’ve always worked extremely hard in the summer, but had time to explore in the winter. We’ve learned invaluable lessons about running a business as well as about people, customers, staff, kayaks, weather, wind, water, nature and how they all work (and sometimes don’t work) together. Many of our customers and staff have become treasured friends.
It’s hard to know when to give up a good thing, if ever! But after 27 years, we decided that if we were going to start a new chapter, it was time to do it.
But, happily and thankfully, this is not the end of Coastal Kayak!
Lisa Daisey-DiFebo will be taking over, infusing Coastal Kayak with new energy and new ideas. Lisa started her own successful kayak business 21 years ago so she already has plenty of experience and will be able to hit the ground running. Knowing we’ve placed Coastal Kayak in Lisa’s capable hands assures us that our customers will be well-served going forward.
We wish her the best of luck and hope you will continue visiting Coastal Kayak so Lisa can experience the wonderful customers we’ve been so fortunate to have.
Thank you so much for giving us these rewarding, amazing 27 years!
We’ll see you on the water!
Mitch & Jen
(If you’d like to keep track of where we are and what we’re doing, watch some of Mitch’s fun videos, AND find out if and when we’ll be selling our used equipment and remaining inventory of Coastal Kayak tees, check out our blog, Let’s Take This Outside! It’s a work-in-progress but we hope it will be entertaining and informative.)”
Introducing the New Owners of Coastal Kayak!
“Hello my fellow lovers of the outdoors!
I am beyond grateful to introduce myself and my family to you! My name is Lisa Daisey-DiFebo. I grew up here in Sussex County, traveled the world most of my youth seeking adventures in nature, on the water, and exploring any country I was lucky enough to go to. I landed back here in Delaware and started my first business, Ecobay Kayak & SUP, when I was 26. While traveling I found I loved guiding. I enjoyed helping people access our natural world and then talking about it. I especially love kayaking and stand up paddling because it allows us to slow down and really take in all the little things nature has to offer.
We just completed our 20th season paddling on the Indian River Bay at our beloved James Farm Ecological Preserve. This winter it came to my attention that Mitch and Jen wanted to move on to other interests. It is with great honor and big shoes to fill that Ecobay Kayak & Sup will be taking over operations at Coastal Kayak. With the help of my husband, two growing boys, and our amazing staff, we aim to provide the exceptional service you have been accustomed to these past 27 years! Thank you again Mitch & Jen for this amazing opportunity!
Looking forward to paddling with you all soon!
Kindly,
Lisa Daisey-DiFebo”
Pardon Our Dust
The merging of these two businesses is going to take a little time. But Lisa is planning on beginning operations in mid May. In the meantime, check out her website to read about her guided tours and kids kayak camps. You can already make reservations for some tour times and she’ll be adding more availabilities soon!