I moved to Florida in 2017 and soon joined the Venice Area Audubon Society (VAAS). That’s when my birding took off! Today, I lead birding tours for VAAS, Lemon Bay Conservancy, Peace River Audubon Society and the Venice Area Birding Association. My love for animals also led me to volunteer for Save Our Seabirds in Sarasota. There I spent most of my time in the baby bird room; raising them for release. When I moved from Venice to Englewood, I switched from SOS to the Venice Wildlife Center. First volunteering in their baby bird room and now going on wildlife rescues.
Hunter Melvin
Kayak Tour Guide &
Paddle Board Instructor
Hunter’s connection to kayaking
began in childhood, fishing with his
dad. But it was here in the waters
of Englewood, that his passion for
paddlesports truly took off. After
joining the SUP Englewood team,
kayaking and paddle boarding
became more than a hobby, it
became a calling.
Now a Certified PaddleFit
Instructor and a Coastal Florida
Master Naturalist, Hunter brings
both technical skill and
environmental insight to every tour.
Hunter’s favorite part of the job is
sharing his love of the outdoors
with others.Whether it’s guiding
f
irst-time paddlers to spot dolphins
and manatees or leading groups to
to secluded island beaches. His
calm demeanor, focus on safety,
and love for Florida’s natural
beauty create a welcoming,
educational, and fun experience on
the water.
Hunter finds paddling offers peace,
clarity, and a chance to recharge
CERTIFICATIONS
