Meet Our Guides
Ryan Toler - Owner - Lead Guide, Instructor, Naturalist
Ryan is a Graduate of Montreat College where he studied and earned his Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education as a Naturalist. He has many years of experience as an environmental educator, ropes course facilitator, canoe/kayak instructor, and snorkeling instructor. Ryan has lead trips throughout FL, NC, TN and WY including Nantahala River, Appalachian Trail, Smoky Mountains, Grand Tetons NP, Ocala National Forest, & FL Keys. Other past times have included scuba diving, mountain biking, adventure racing and traveling. His adventure travels have taken him to 14 US Nat. Parks, Jamaica, Bahamas, the French and Swiss Alps, South Africa and Costa Rica. Ryan is a husband of 13 yrs. to his wonderful wife, Lisa, and a father to Emma (9) and Joshua (4).
Contact: ryan@discoverykayaktours.com
Ken Smithgall - Co-Owner - Instructo
r, Guide, Safety Coordinator
Ken is a Graduate of American Military University where he earned a Bachelors degree in Fire Science and is working towards his Masters degree in Homeland Security. Ken also has completed advanced studies in environmental conservation. He is a professional firefighter/EMT and an avid outdoor sports enthusiast. His outdoor background includes leading hikes in the mountains of NC, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. Ken has also kayaked rivers throughout central Florida and hiked and biked the greenway trails across Florida. Ken was the team leader for Eco-Rescue, an adventure racing team that participated in the FL coast to coast race (300 miles), leading his team to a 1st place finish. Contact: ken@discoverykayaktours.com
"We love the outdoors and spend as much time as we can in the mountains. Kayaking is a passion of mine and sharing the experience of being on the water and outdoors with others is very satisfying."
Tony Fekete - Guide, Instructor
Tony is a rare Florida Native and outdooor enthusiest. His passion has allowed him to become well versed with many adventure skills. He is a whitewater kayak instructor, rafting guide, kayak guide, rock climbing instructor and Eagle Scout. Tony has worked in the outdoor field for 5 years and has extensive knowledge of all outdoor gear and branding from within the retail industry. Tony was also employed, as a guide/instructor, by one of the largest outfitters and guide service companies in the east. In his free time, Tony enjoys mountain biking, 4 wheeling in his Jeep, kayak fishing, paintball, and backpacking.
