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About Us

Our Story At Point REyes National Seashore

From The Owners

Since 1984 Blue Waters Kayaking has had the honor of introducing people of all ages and abilities to the natural wonders of kayaking. We see people delight at the thrill of their first paddle, rejoice with wonder as they serenely cross Tomales Bay under the glow of the full moon, and beam with excitement as they load their kayak for a camping trip on a secluded beach. We also have the privilege of organizing wedding parties and family reunions; teaching novice paddlers to become competent kayakers; and working with corporations and nonprofit organizations on team building retreats.

Beginning with the Coast Miwok, the shores of Tomales Bay have been inhabited by people for over 5,000 years. Although the Bay has undergone tremendous changes over the centuries, Blue Waters Kayaking is dedicated to preserving Tomales Bay. All of our kayak programs emphasize environmental awareness and will introduce you to the Bay’s unique ecosystem, stunning beauty and romantic appeal.

Like so many generations before us, we hope that you will take time to explore the peaceful waters of Tomales Bay. We look forward to seeing you soon and sharing the special experience of Blue Waters Kayaking with you.

Our Mission

At Blue Waters Kayaking, we guide people into presence—on the water, in the wild, and within themselves. We are more than a kayaking company. We are naturalists, educators, and devoted stewards of land and sea. Our mission is to awaken awe, inspire reverence, and cultivate a deep sense of responsibility for the natural world through direct, embodied experience. We respectfully acknowledge that the places we explore are the unceded ancestral homelands of the Coast Miwok people, whose relationship with this land spans thousands of years. We believe that when people truly connect with nature, they are more likely to protect it. Through shared exploration, quiet presence, and curiosity, we strive to nurture that connection in every guest. In partnership with our state and national parks, we proudly serve as an extension of their mission—to educate, preserve, and protect. Our goal is for each person we guide to leave with not just new skills, but a renewed sense of wonder, humility, and belonging in the natural world.

Our Core Values

Connection with Nature – We teach from the heart and paddle with purpose, inviting others into a deeper relationship with the Earth.

Presence & Wonder – We slow down, notice, and help others rediscover the quiet magic of being fully here, now.

Respect & Responsibility – For land, water, wildlife, and one another. We embody and share ecological awareness and Leave No Trace principles. Inclusivity & Belonging – Nature is for everyone. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and safe space for all.

Mentorship & Growth – Every team member is both teacher and student. We support each other’s evolution—on and off the water.

Integrity & Accountability – We lead by example, act with honesty, and take full responsibility for our impact—on our guests, our team, and the planet.

We believe wild places heal. We know adventure and reflection can co-exist. And we are devoted to creating experiences where joy, reverence, and stewardship move through every paddle stroke. Whether you're discovering kayaking for the first time or stepping into leadership, we’re here to support your journey—with skill, heart, and the belief that purpose and play belong together on the water.

Meet Our Team

Many of our guides are “naturalist” trained and experienced in the ecosystems we call home. Our Guides are well reviewed and in-tune with the beautiful waterways and environment we exlore daily!

Talia

Kayaking Guide

Talia

Lori

Kayaking Guide & Naturalist

Lori

Luke Atanat

Kayaking Guide

Luke Atanat

Lindsey Swords

Kayaking Guide

Lindsey Swords

Koben

Account Manager

Koben

Jake

Tour Guide

Jake

Pilar

Tour Guide

Pilar

Read Our Bios

Lori Budish

Lori Budish is a passionate kayaking guide and naturalist, with a deep love for the outdoors. She has worked with Blue Waters since 2016. With her decade of experience she has developed a keen eye for the subtle details of nature. She particularly enjoys seeing how each season on the bay features its own unique creatures and light. A recent “wow” moment was a group of 8-10 river otters swimming together while noshing on fish during the winter herring run near hog island.

Lori is dedicated to helping others explore the natural beauty of the waterways, while providing engaging insights about the local ecology and wildlife. Her deep knowledge of the region, paired with her love for adventure, makes her a wonderful guide for both beginners and seasoned kayakers alike. Lori’s enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious.  She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of nature with you on your next kayaking adventure. 

Lori is certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) as an open water kayaking instructor, and by NOLS as a Wilderness First Responder. When she’s not leading kayaking tours, you can find her hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and stand up paddle boarding.

Talia is a recent college graduate combining her passions for Biology and French with her love of the outdoors as a sea kayak guide. She began guiding in 2022 on the wild waters of Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and this season marks her exciting debut with Blue Waters Kayaking. Whether paddling through coastal waters or spotting wildlife along the shore, Talia brings a deep appreciation for nature and a spirit of curiosity to every trip. When she’s not on the water, you’ll likely find her cooking up something delicious, exploring new hiking trails, organizing (just for fun!), or enjoying meaningful time with friends and family.

Koben’s first experience with Blue Waters was in 2016 when his class at Credo High School did a multi-day kayak camping trip on Tomales Bay. He and the guides clicked, and they invited him to return that summer to work as part of the shore crew. Once he was 18, Blue Waters trained him as a guide, and he continued to return during summers while attending Bard College in NY, where he studied philosophy and Spanish. Once he graduated, he stepped into a new role coordinating group excursions. Koben’s love of the outdoors and the Point Reyes area has shown through from day one in the presence and focus he brings to his work, whether guiding a trip, interacting with customers, or coordinating trips. Largely remote, Koben is based in Bogotá, CO.

Pilar brings over 14 years of experience in water sports education, including founding the first-ever women-led water sports facility in the United Arab Emirates. She has led nature-based education projects around the world and believes deeply in the power of outdoor experiences to foster connection, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

The daughter of a U.S. Forest Service District Ranger and conservation advocate, Pilar grew up immersed in wild places—backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, and paddling throughout the California Sierra Nevadas. Her father’s work in forest protection and fire management rooted her early on in a love for the land and a reverence for Indigenous knowledge and practices.

Pilar has also spent decades working at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental rights. That lifelong advocacy has shown her that connection is not just healing—it’s essential. Her guiding philosophy is simple but profound: when people connect with nature, they’re more likely to protect what they love.

She’s honored to be part of the passionate and talented team at Blue Waters Kayaking, sharing that spark of connection with each guest she meets.

A Maryland native, Luke has spent his life on the water—canoeing and kayaking from a young age. He joined Blue Waters Kayaking in 2023, bringing with him a passion for wild places and a deep curiosity for the natural world.

An experienced outdoor adventurer, Luke has explored high country trails, climbed rocky peaks, and off-roaded through rugged landscapes. He’s a seasoned backpacker, world traveler, and an excellent camp cook who loves sharing stories and meals around a fire. As a certified Wilderness First Responder through NOLS and trained in CPR, Luke brings both adventure and safety to every tour.

With a calm presence and a naturalist’s eye, Luke is excited to help guests experience the unique beauty of Tomales Bay and beyond.

I’ve been with Blue Waters for two seasons and I live here in point Reyes. When I’m not guiding kayak tours, I’m either a tour guide flying gliders up in Truckee or flying my vintage airplane around Marin. And I love eating and catching seafood.

Our Equipment

At Blue Waters Kayaking, your safety, comfort, and performance on the water are our top priorities. That’s why we invest in top-tier gear to ensure every guest enjoys a smooth, stable, and enjoyable paddling experience—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned kayaker.

Paddles

High-quality, lightweight paddles designed for efficiency and ease

Comfort-fit PFDs

(Personal Flotation Devices) in a range of sizes for all-day wear

Spray skirts

Designed to keep you dry and comfortable during your journey

Waterproof paddle jackets

Available by request, for wind and splash protection

Book Your Adventure Today!

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