Guided outings ‘designed to be accessible and welcoming’
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), in partnership with Wayne Adventures, “is offering free, therapeutic kayak tours for local veterans, with a special focus on those living with PTSD,” the organization has announced.
“These guided outings provide veterans with a peaceful opportunity to connect with nature, build camaraderie, and experience the restorative power of Sarasota Bay and its tributaries,” a news release explains.
“Designed to be accessible and welcoming, the kayak trips require no prior paddling experience,” the release adds. “All equipment, instruction, and on-water support are provided. The program emphasizes healing, connection, and shared experience in a safe and supportive environment,” the release emphasizes.
“I want to share with others what water means to me: its unique ability to calm my mind and nourish my spirit,” said Wayne Douchkoff, program guide and owner of Wayne Adventures, in the release. “These trips are about more than kayaking; they’re about creating space for healing, understanding and renewal,” he added.
“The kayak tours are made possible through a grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and sponsorship by Wayne Adventures, allowing veterans to participate at no cost,” the release notes. In addition to the hoped-for therapeutic benefits, “participants will learn about Sarasota Bay’s coastal ecosystems and the importance of protecting and preserving local waterways,” the release points out.
“Our estuary’s natural resilience offers healing and connection, and when we care for it, we all benefit,” said Ryan Gandy, executive director of the SBEP, in the release.
“Through our mission,” Gandy continued in the release, “we create meaningful opportunities for the community, especially those with limited access, to unwind, heal, and reconnect with this restorative space.”
Several outings will include coastal cleanup events, “giving participants the chance to give back to the environment while enjoying time on the water,” the release says.
Below is the 2026 schedule:
- Saturday, Jan. 17 — Whitaker Bayou, 10 a.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 14 — Bowlees Creek, 10 a.m.
- Saturday, March 7 — Philippi Estate Park, 10 a.m.
- Saturday, April 18 — Neal Preserve, 9 a.m.
- Saturday, May 16 — Ken Thompson Park, 9 a.m.
- Saturday, June 13 — Robinson Preserve, 9 a.m.
The program is seeking both veterans as participants and volunteers, the release adds. “Volunteers do not need to be veterans to participate,” it explains.
“Veterans and community members interested in learning more about the program, and those who would like to sign up for it, are encouraged to contact wdouchkoff@aol.com, the release notes.
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is “a cooperative partnership among communities, researchers, and governments that strives to improve the health of Sarasota Bay and enhance the area’s natural resources for public benefit. Learn more about it at www.sarasotabay.org,” the release adds.