WOA Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet our team: Guiding you through nature with knowledge, safety, and stoke for adventure!

Owner/Guide
Kay Lynn Hernandez
Kay Lynn brings 20+ years of expertise in eco-tourism and outdoor adventure, having guided thousands through the biodiverse waterways of Wilmington and surrounding areas. As a certified ACA Kayak Instructor and Wilderness First Aid provider, Kay Lynn ensures both an adventurous and safe experience for all guests. Her guiding expertise extends beyond Wilmington, including leading kayak tours in the Florida Keys.
Before launching Wilmington Outdoor Adventures in 2021, Kay Lynn managed three nature parks on a small Caribbean island, overseeing a marine park, a national park, and a botanical garden. She then transitioned to southern Louisiana, where she worked as a Biologist/Project Manager for a leading consulting firm. Kay Lynn spent over a decade directing environmental education programs for a nonprofit in southern North Carolina. She also served as Preserve Manager for The Nature Conservancy at Palmyra Atoll, the second largest Marine Protected Area on the planet.

Kayak Guide/Summer Camp Coordinator
Vic Salvesen
Vic believes the Earth is our playground and loves facilitating group learning through play and curiosity. She is passionate about environmental stewardship and hopes to inspire others to care for our planet through adventure and knowledge.
With a background in Elementary Education and working in traditional classroom settings, Vic has found she feels most alive and inspired when learning and teaching in the classroom of nature. She spent two and a half years in South East Asia, guiding “voluntourism” group trips, where she worked with hundreds of teens and young adults, to work on locally led and sustainable projects. Through this work she has seen, in both herself and other participants, how much growth can happen when people leave their comfort zones.

Lead Kayak Guide
Hanah Bergman
Hanah is passionate about wildlife and inspiring others to appreciate the natural world through education and hands-on experiences. Growing up on the water in Charleston, South Carolina, she developed a deep connection to nature from an early age. Her journey began by leading kayak ecotours in Charleston, where she discovered how powerful it can be to help people connect with their environment. Hanah is CPR and First Aid certified, as well as kayak rescue trained, ensuring every paddle is both safe and memorable. When she’s not on the water, you can find her practicing yoga, running outdoors, capturing moments through photography, or roller skating with friends.

Lead Kayak Guide
Tonya Silva
Ryleigh is passionate about exploring the natural world and sharing its wonders with others. A Wilmington, NC local for over a decade, she blends her knowledge of the area’s ecosystems with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science with minors in Marine Biology and Sustainability from UNC-Wilmington. With hands-on experience working with birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as conducting research on both native and invasive species, she has gained a deep understanding of local wildlife and habitats. Certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and ACA Kayaking, she ensures every kayak tour is both safe and engaging. Growing up kayaking the lakes of Michigan, Ryleigh developed an early love for water, which continues to inspire her work. When she’s not leading eco-guided tours, she enjoys nature photography, gardening, and hiking. She is dedicated to helping others connect with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, and creating unforgettable experiences on the water."

Kayak Guide
Melissa Sanborn
Bio coming soon!
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Kayak Guide
Ryleigh Williamson
Ryleigh is passionate about exploring the natural world and sharing its wonders with others. A Wilmington, NC local for over a decade, she blends her knowledge of the area’s ecosystems with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science with minors in Marine Biology and Sustainability from UNC-Wilmington. With hands-on experience working with birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as conducting research on both native and invasive species, she has gained a deep understanding of local wildlife and habitats. Certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and ACA Kayaking, she ensures every kayak tour is both safe and engaging. Growing up kayaking the lakes of Michigan, Ryleigh developed an early love for water, which continues to inspire her work. When she’s not leading eco-guided tours, she enjoys nature photography, gardening, and hiking. She is dedicated to helping others connect with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, and creating unforgettable experiences on the water."
Making Waves in the Media
VoyageRaleigh Magazine

As seen on the cover of Wilmington Magazine
We’re grateful to have our owner, Kay Lynn Hernandez, recognized in Wilmington Magazine. As a certified Wilderness First Aid provider and ACA kayak instructor, Kay Lynn is committed to providing you with a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Click on 'full article' below to learn more."


