Canoe Escape was founded in 1991 by the Faulk family (Joe, Jean, and Brian) who combined a love of nature and the outdoors with Joe's 20 years' experience in the hospitality industry to create a full-service outfitting company, offering environmentally-friendly, recreational paddling experiences on the Hillsborough River in close proximity to the Tampa Bay area's large population base.

Approximately 30 environmentally-sensitive miles along the Hillsborough River are included in Canoe Escape's offerings. An array of developed private and public park areas (including Crystal Springs Preserve, the Hillsborough River State Park, the Wilderness Park System [4 sites], Lettuce Lake Park, and Rotary Park) provide picnic and restroom facilities along the way. Canoe trips are available for two hours up to a full day.

Canoe Escape's philosophy is that a canoe or kayak is the ideal vehicle to observe wildlife and enjoy the peace and serenity the natural Florida offers. So paddlers can enjoy nature's symphony, no radios are allowed on any Canoe Escape. The trained staff is happy to give paddling pointers to those who have never canoed, as well as those who just need a refresher on the "J" stroke. An American Canoe Association instructor is on staff for those who would like to take lessons in the art of excellent canoe paddling.

In 1992 Canoe Escape initiated an interpretive guided trip program in response to requests from Tampa Bay area resorts and destination management companies for their incentive group travel clients.

Canoe Escape's paddling opportunities include self-guided, escorted, nature interpretive programs, and specialty trips along the Hillsborough River. Local residents as well as national and international visitors of all ages enjoy Canoe Escape's downstream paddles. The diversity of the Hillsborough allows paddlers to experience a variety of ecosystems including: a quiet-water section for wildlife observation through a tannin-stained, Spanish moss-draped cypress swamp; a hardwood hammock where crystal-clear, spring water and limerock outcroppings create small "mini-rapids"; an "Indiana Jones" trip through the untamed 17 Runs Swamp; and moonlight trips (October through April). Canoe Escape provides quality canoes and kayaks that are quiet, stable, roomy, and comfortable for their rentals.

In 1997 in an effort to expand its business base without diluting the Hillsborough River wildlife experience, Canoe Escape began retailing canoes, kayaks, and paddling accessories. This segment of the business, under Brian's knowledgeable tutelage, continues to grow as more and more folks discover the joys of paddlesport. Not only is canoeing and kayaking a great sport, it also offers an excellent way to view wildlife, do photography, fish, get exercise, socialize, instill teamwork, enjoy peace and serenity, reduce stress, and rediscover man's connection to the planet.

In 1999 with the increased interest in ecotourism and the resurgence of interest in the natural areas of Florida, Canoe Escape again expanded its paddling opportunities by offering a variety of guided tours of various other Tampa Bay area waterways including both salt and freshwater systems.

Canoe Escape is actively involved in promoting the Tampa Bay area. The successful growth rate of the company can be attributed to Canoe Escape's own marketing as well as its joint marketing efforts with the following:

Tampa/Hillsborough Convention and Visitors Association (THCVA) (www.gotampa.com) - Active membership since 1991. Canoe Escape is an added feature to the growing list of the Bay area's attractions and offers that "green" experience for the eco-traveler. Joe has been recently elected to the THCVA Board.

Visit Florida (www.visitflausa.com) - Canoe Escape is a founding partner of Florida's public/private partership for tourism promotion.

Tampa Outdoor Adventures - Canoe Escape is the founder. Tampa Outdoor Adventures is an ecotourism marketing cooperative consisting of canoeing, guided fishing, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, and a bed and breakfast. All member businesses are located in the Tampa area and are members of the THCVA.

Local affiliations - Good working relationships and cross-promotion of state and county parks, private campgrounds, hotels, and others.

Canoe Escape is actively involved with promoting paddlesports and is a member of the following:

The Florida Professional Paddlesports Association (FPPA) (www.paddleflausa.com) - FPPA is the not-for-profit trade association of paddlesports businesses in Florida. It is dedicated to the preservation of the vast recreational water resources available throughout the Sunshine State; to the education of the limited and fragile condition of our wetland environment and the need to protect it for future generations; and to recreational opportunities by providing a full array of paddling possibilities for both the novice and experienced paddler. Joe is the past-president of FPPA. Joe and Jean presently serve as the membership committee.

The Professional Paddlesports Association (PPA) (www.propaddle.com) - PPA is a not-for-profit trade association of paddlesports businesses worldwide. Jean is currently the Southeastern Regional Director.

The American Canoe Association (ACA) (www.aca.com). The ACA is the oldest paddling association in the United States. It represents the interests of private paddlers and sanctions instructors in a variety of paddling disciplines. Brian is currently the southeastern representative for the ACA Freestyle Committee.

Canoe Escape is committed to the protection and preservation of the Hillsborough River. River clean-ups are performed on a regular basis in order to put the best possible "face" on the resource and to keep that once in a lifetime photograph from being spoiled by trash. Canoe Escape is actively involved with the following groups to aid in resource protection and preservation:

Hillsborough River Greenways Task Force (www.hrgtf.usf.edu) - Active membership since the Task Force's second meeting in 1992. The cooperative efforts of task force members have led to designation of the river corridor as an Outstanding Florida Water, State Canoe Trail, and Sesquicentennial Greenway. Other protection efforts include team permitting, developing core and buffer areas, and coordinated linear infrastructure plans.

Friends of the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department - Active member since 1992. "Friends" raises money to augment the park and recreation department's budget. Through Friends we were able to institute an aluminum recycling program at the county parks along the river that has resulted in the river corridor staying cleaner and funds being raised to help "Friends'" efforts.

Canoe Escape is also a member of the Tampa Audubon Society, the EcoTourism Society, and the National Association for Interpretation.

Canoe Escape was chosen as The Best River Rental in 1996 and the Best Canoe Outfitter in 1997 by "Weekly Planet" readers in their Best of the Bay surveys.

The Faulks

The Faulks' story has been featured on "The Good Life", a Scott Craig Production, airing on the Home and Garden Network (HGTV).

Joe is a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry where he served as controller, corporate controller, general manager, and regional vice-president for a Florida-based hotel franchise group and hotel management company. His past accomplishments include helping found the Central Florida Hospitality Accountants' Association and past-president of the Tampa Hotel/Motel Association.

Since co-founding Canoe Escape in 1991, Joe has co-founded Tampa Outdoor Adventures (a marketing cooperative), has served a term as President of the Florida Professional Paddlesports Association, was the state coordinator for the Professional Paddlesports Association, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tampa/Hillsborough Convention and Visitors' Association.

Joe's hobbies are paddling, birding, and photography.

Jean has a diverse background. She has been a homemaker, an executive secretary, and founded her own typing service business. Since co-founding Canoe Escape, Jean has taken an active role in the Hillsborough River Greenways' Task Force, is a former Florida Recreational Trails Council Member, an invited participant in the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Hillsborough River Watershed Management Plan process, co-chair of the Florida Professional Paddlesports Association membership committee, and is presently the Southeastern Regional Director of the Professional Paddlesports Association. Jean loves spending her off hours with her grandson, RJ.

Brian has been an integral part of Canoe Escape since its inception. He is a certified fire fighter and first responder. As his love of the sport grew he became an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructor in Flatwater, Moving Water, and Freestyle solo and tandem paddling. Brian is the current southeastern representative for the ACA Freestyle Committee and heads up Canoe Escape's group and private instructional programs.

Brian worked at the Bell Canoe Works plant in Zimmerman, Minnesota for six months where he learned all aspects of composite materials, canoe construction, and design. He is the Southeastern Sales Rep for Bell Canoe Works.

Brian is currently Canoe Escape's Retail Manager where he has successfully launched a full-service, retail paddlesports shop. His philosophy on "How to Choose the Right Boat" has aided many customers in finding their way through the confusing maze of the number of canoes and kayaks available.

Brian's hobbies are paddling, pool, and people.

Joe and Jean's daughter, Michele DeKinder-Smith, owns and operates her own highly successful business, Linkage Research. linkage_research@yahoo.com Linkage is a marketing research and consulting firm. Michele's expertise in customer surveys and market development strategies has been invaluable to Canoe Escape.

The Canoe Escape Team

Fabian is Canoe Escape's rental manager. He is a recent graduate from the University of South Florida. Growing up in the Tampa area and having a degree in environmental science gives Fabian a comprehensive view of the river and its inhabitants. He enjoys fishing, scuba diving, surfing, and prefers spending his time outdoors.

Louis graduates from the University of South Florida in December 1999 with a degree in criminology. He has been with Canoe Escape almost four years. In his spare time Louis enjoys fishing, working out, and watching football with his friends. His goal is to become a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer.

Dave has been with Canoe Escape since he was in high school. He is in his final year at the University of South Florida where he is earning a double major in biology and interdisciplinary social science. Dave has recently returned from a one year study program in England. Besides studying Dave likes to work outside in the Florida Sunshine.

David has been working at Canoe Escape for almost one year. He hails from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where he obtained a degree in Recreation Management at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. David loves watching "Sports Center", being outdoors, and is an active sports participant.

Beau has been with Canoe Escape since February 1999. He is a sophomore at the University of South Florida majoring in Public Health. Beau enjoys moonlight paddles through the local swamp and Mountain Dew. He plans to rule the health care industry.


Brian is a senior at the University of South Florida studying finance and economics. He is an avid saltwater angler and also enjoys surfing. Brian has been with Canoe Escape for one year.

Self-Guided River Trips, Rentals & Shuttles • Interpretive Guided Trips
What to Bring • Canoe/Kayak Retail Sales • Special Events
What Might I See? (list) • What Might I See? (list & thumbnails)
Brochure Request • Links • Home

Canoe Escape, Inc.
9335 E. Fowler Avenue
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
ph: 813-986-2067
e-mail: info@canoeescape.com
www.canoeescape.com