Post by radovic on Sept 7, 2008 14:11:27 GMT -5
Yakking with Kayak Montenegro
September 02, 2008
Amy Watson and Matthew Lane of Kayak Montenegro
What draws you to kayaking? And what enticed you to open Kayak Montenegro?
Amy: I’m from Laguna Beach, California and have been kayaking for some time. My love of kayaking came from growing up on the beach and kayaking out in the Pacific Ocean with the dolphins, seals and whales. I love the outdoors and being a part of nature. The area I grew up in is known for an abundance of marine mammals, and being out on the water so close to them is a magical feeling. I have traveled extensively around the world and have seen nature that one could only see from a kayak. For example, in Alaska I was able to get up close to bears eating salmon in rivers, pass by sea otters and sharks and watch birds such as the Bald Eagle soar by me as if I was a part of their world. I have kayaked in Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Midway Island, in many U.S. lakes and in Europe.
In California Matt and I enjoyed kayaking together. So, when we moved to Montenegro, we decided to buy a few kayaks to continue our love of the sport with our friends. It was after we bought the kayaks that so many people came to us and asked if they could rent them, or if we could take them on tours. So, we decided to buy more and start a business doing something we loved.
Matt: I’m originally from England, but have traveled extensively around the world and lived for many years
in both France and California. I’ve kayaked and canoed since I was very young and enjoy the proximity to the water and nature. It’s also a great way to stay in shape! I was originally a software engineering manager, but can’t spend days, weeks, months, etc. in front of a computer screen anymore.
How many people currently work at Kayak Montenegro? And what does one have to do to become a licensed tour guide?
Matt: There are currently no kayak certification programs operating in Montenegro. We looked into getting some foreign companies to come down and train people but this was met with a lot of influential resistance. We would like to work with other in-country kayaking groups in providing some level of certification here in Montenegro in the near future. There is a lot of kayaking talent in this country that just needs the structure in which to grow and succeed.
Is kayaking for all ages and demographics?
Amy: It is really an easy sport. One can take their time and not feel tired and because of this your age or fitness level doesn’t matter. Many people think it may be difficult and we would like to change their attitude. Anyone can do it. It’s great fun to take people on a tour, and at the end see them smile because they’ve gone so far and had so much fun without any pain…
Are most of the people that take kayak tours local? Where are most of the tourists that take kayak tours from traditionally?
Amy: This year is our first full season and we have had clients from all over the world and many locals too.
Are you open year-round? What's ideal weather for kayaking?
Matt: Amy and myself kayak all year round. We are happy to take people on tours no matter what the weather although most clients prefer the sunshine.
Amy: We have had rentals throughout the year. Of course, cold weather is not for everyone unless there’s thunder and lightning we’ll go!
What are a few exciting tours that you're hosting at the moment?
Amy: Our favorite tour at the moment is Rijeka Crnojevica. It is one of my favorite kayak trips in the world. The wildlife is amazing and everyone we take falls in love with it! I have a degree in environmental design and have worked extensively on watersheds and educational programs for the environment such as preservation. Our goal is to make this an educational tour about Montenegrin wildlife.
Who are your competitors? And what makes Kayak Montenegro more exciting?
Matt: There is very little in the way of kayak tour competition for us here in Montenegro just now, but we’d welcome some. We’re currently the only full kayak outfitter in Montenegro. Most people I talked to when we first got the kayaks thought we were crazy and probably still do since it isn’t a business that you get into to make money – you do it because you love the sport and want to share the experience with others.
How big is "adventure tourism" in Montenegro? And what can be done to make adventure tourism in the country more appealing?
Matt: Montenegro is not yet a world-renowned kayaking holiday destination, but I think this will change as word gets out.
Amy: Kayak Montenegro’s goal is to promote sustainable tourism in Montenegro and to educate both locals and tourists about the importance of protecting this spectacular country. Many tourists come to Montenegro and never see the country’s hidden beauty. We feel that Montenegro has great potential to become one of the best adventure tourism destinations in the world… Montenegro has all of the ingredients to live and breathe “wild beauty” and most importantly “adventure.” All we need to do is spread the word.
What's next for Kayak Montenegro?
Amy: One aim for Kayak Montenegro is to educate people about sustainable tourism and the importance of preserving nature. Currently, we are working toward uniting with NGO’s, ministries, tour operators and the private sector to help keep Montenegro wild, and to help educate locals and tourists about what they can do to help.
September 02, 2008
Amy Watson and Matthew Lane of Kayak Montenegro
What draws you to kayaking? And what enticed you to open Kayak Montenegro?
Amy: I’m from Laguna Beach, California and have been kayaking for some time. My love of kayaking came from growing up on the beach and kayaking out in the Pacific Ocean with the dolphins, seals and whales. I love the outdoors and being a part of nature. The area I grew up in is known for an abundance of marine mammals, and being out on the water so close to them is a magical feeling. I have traveled extensively around the world and have seen nature that one could only see from a kayak. For example, in Alaska I was able to get up close to bears eating salmon in rivers, pass by sea otters and sharks and watch birds such as the Bald Eagle soar by me as if I was a part of their world. I have kayaked in Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Midway Island, in many U.S. lakes and in Europe.
In California Matt and I enjoyed kayaking together. So, when we moved to Montenegro, we decided to buy a few kayaks to continue our love of the sport with our friends. It was after we bought the kayaks that so many people came to us and asked if they could rent them, or if we could take them on tours. So, we decided to buy more and start a business doing something we loved.
Matt: I’m originally from England, but have traveled extensively around the world and lived for many years
in both France and California. I’ve kayaked and canoed since I was very young and enjoy the proximity to the water and nature. It’s also a great way to stay in shape! I was originally a software engineering manager, but can’t spend days, weeks, months, etc. in front of a computer screen anymore.
How many people currently work at Kayak Montenegro? And what does one have to do to become a licensed tour guide?
Matt: There are currently no kayak certification programs operating in Montenegro. We looked into getting some foreign companies to come down and train people but this was met with a lot of influential resistance. We would like to work with other in-country kayaking groups in providing some level of certification here in Montenegro in the near future. There is a lot of kayaking talent in this country that just needs the structure in which to grow and succeed.
Is kayaking for all ages and demographics?
Amy: It is really an easy sport. One can take their time and not feel tired and because of this your age or fitness level doesn’t matter. Many people think it may be difficult and we would like to change their attitude. Anyone can do it. It’s great fun to take people on a tour, and at the end see them smile because they’ve gone so far and had so much fun without any pain…
Are most of the people that take kayak tours local? Where are most of the tourists that take kayak tours from traditionally?
Amy: This year is our first full season and we have had clients from all over the world and many locals too.
Are you open year-round? What's ideal weather for kayaking?
Matt: Amy and myself kayak all year round. We are happy to take people on tours no matter what the weather although most clients prefer the sunshine.
Amy: We have had rentals throughout the year. Of course, cold weather is not for everyone unless there’s thunder and lightning we’ll go!
What are a few exciting tours that you're hosting at the moment?
Amy: Our favorite tour at the moment is Rijeka Crnojevica. It is one of my favorite kayak trips in the world. The wildlife is amazing and everyone we take falls in love with it! I have a degree in environmental design and have worked extensively on watersheds and educational programs for the environment such as preservation. Our goal is to make this an educational tour about Montenegrin wildlife.
Who are your competitors? And what makes Kayak Montenegro more exciting?
Matt: There is very little in the way of kayak tour competition for us here in Montenegro just now, but we’d welcome some. We’re currently the only full kayak outfitter in Montenegro. Most people I talked to when we first got the kayaks thought we were crazy and probably still do since it isn’t a business that you get into to make money – you do it because you love the sport and want to share the experience with others.
How big is "adventure tourism" in Montenegro? And what can be done to make adventure tourism in the country more appealing?
Matt: Montenegro is not yet a world-renowned kayaking holiday destination, but I think this will change as word gets out.
Amy: Kayak Montenegro’s goal is to promote sustainable tourism in Montenegro and to educate both locals and tourists about the importance of protecting this spectacular country. Many tourists come to Montenegro and never see the country’s hidden beauty. We feel that Montenegro has great potential to become one of the best adventure tourism destinations in the world… Montenegro has all of the ingredients to live and breathe “wild beauty” and most importantly “adventure.” All we need to do is spread the word.
What's next for Kayak Montenegro?
Amy: One aim for Kayak Montenegro is to educate people about sustainable tourism and the importance of preserving nature. Currently, we are working toward uniting with NGO’s, ministries, tour operators and the private sector to help keep Montenegro wild, and to help educate locals and tourists about what they can do to help.