Our Story
J & L Kayaking was founded in 2009 as the first full service kayak tour & rental agency in Cherry Grove. Justin and Laurie had a concept to share their passion of providing a unique experience to visitors and locals alike through engaging kayak tours. J & L kayaking was founded on the principles of offering the best quality equipment, providing real experiences, and serving all of our customers with integrity. We are committed to being our best in every interaction.
Justin is a Navy veteran who is still serving in the Navy reserves. He joined the Navy in 1998 and served on active duty completing 2 deployments overseas before being stationed stateside at Whidbey Island in Washington state. After 7 years of active duty he joined the civilian world to pursue other passions. In 2009 he returned to service in the Navy Reserves and continues to serve. He is passionate about helping others in anyway he can and always providing positive interactions. Justin is currently deployed to Djibouti Africa serving the US Navy needs in a Joint Military environment (Aug 2018-Aug 2019). Through his military career his has come to have the upmost respect for those that are in service to our country. When he founded J & L Kayaking he wanted to make sure to have a way to giveback to fellow service members. As such, J & L Kayaking is an avid partner to providing free kayak tours to disabled veterans through the Wounded Warrior program and always discounts any service member that has honorably served.
Laurie is the true “southern charm” of J & L kayaking. With her slight Alabama draw and exceptional hospitality she is always a joy to see. Her passion for kayaking is more of a healthy obsession. Her passion spills over abundantly in the business making sure that we are sharing a true authentic kayaking experience with every guest. She is the brains of the operation ensuring that every guest receives the absolute best experience possible. With her warm hospitality and southern charm she is the face of the business and the first interaction that most of our guest receive.
(Top Photo by: Mark Head, Calabash, NC)
