A GoPro image of Mike kayak surfing
Position: Paddlesports manager.
Location: Virginia Beach.
Specialty: Kayaking, camping, and kayak-camping.
When did you start at GOPC? 04/26/21.
A throwback photo of Mike with a box of fish
What (or who!) first introduced you to the outdoors lifestyle?
My grandmother on my mother’s side was really the first person who helped pique my interest in the outdoors. My grandparents had a camper trailer, and our family would go on camping trips all the time. They introduced me to fishing, paddling (on an 18ft aluminum canoe!) and lake swimming.
Mike and a friend after a sea kayaking trip
What's been your most memorable trip/outdoors experience?
My first time taking a sea kayak down a white water river was one of the highest outdoors-related achievements that I’ve had recently. I devoted my time to sea kayaking in the beginning of 2024 and quickly picked up the skills to pull it off. I’ve had such a blast doing it. That first trip was something I will never forget, and something that I have built on since then.
Mike & co. on the water
What first brought you to GOPC and what do you love about working there?
I first came to GOPC to buy my first brand new Hobie fishing kayak. I actually purchased it from the Chapel Hill location before finding out that there is a store in my city! I came to Zach's store as a customer to buy accessories for my new boat, inquired about employment because I wanted to change my life, and then got hired by Zach and quickly became the Paddlesports Manager here.
I love that I am directly connected to the community that I want to serve here at GOPC and as Paddlesports Manager. As a kayaker (and kayak angler before this) there was a very high probability that I would see our paddlesports customers on the water. I still do, and I do even more so now that I am paddling more than fishing! I have provided on-the-water support in person and on the phone with many customers who I know personally outside of GOPC. I have also become a sort of "face" for paddlesports in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, as we are one of the only full-service paddle shops in the greater area. This opportunity to serve the community has given me more "purpose" than I ever thought I would get from a job.
Mike taking in the sights of the ocean from his sea kayak
