Get to Know Our Guides and Captains!
Embark on your next adventure with one of our professional naturalists leading the way. At Charleston Outdoor Adventures, our staff is dedicated to providing safe, fun, and unforgettable experiences.
Meet Our Team:
- Captain Joe Lotts: Founder of COA with over 25 years of guiding experience. An expert in local waters and wildlife, Joe brings unparalleled knowledge and passion to each tour.
- Manager Tanner Malkasian: Born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Tanner moved to Charleston in 2014 to study Biology and has a love for wildlife.
- Captain Tripp Copeland III: With a degree in Wilderness Leadership and extensive guiding experience in Beaufort and Charleston, Tripp’s laid-back attitude and enthusiasm for the Lowcountry’s estuaries make him a favorite among guests.
- Captain Josh Coleman: A South Carolina native and outdoor enthusiast, Josh’s time in the Marine Corps deepened his passion for conservation. He now guides tours with a focus on instilling this passion in others.
- Captain George Werfelman: A Long Island native, George has 35 years of experience captaining vessels, his experience gives him a unique perspective leading trips into the salt marsh.
- Captain Chris Rapchick: Born and raised in the creeks of James Island, Captain Chris brings a contagious sense of positivity and enjoyment of Charleston’s unique waterways.
- Captain Craig Burke: With a background in environmental studies from Macalester College and experience in invasive plant research, Craig brings a keen eye for the interconnectedness of nature to his tours.
- Captain Bo Franklin: A Clemson University graduate with a background in aerospace, Bo combines technical expertise with a lifelong passion for boating and environmental education.
- Naturalist/ Fossil Expert Cade Kaufmann: A South Carolina native and marine biology enthusiast, Cade specializes in the region’s rich fossil history and brings a deep understanding of the local ecosystem to each adventure.
- Naturalist Megan Cummings: With a B.S. in Marine Science and a Master of Arts in Biology, Megan’s extensive knowledge and passion for the outdoors make her an exceptional guide.
- Naturalist Wil Mayfield: An avid surfer and firefighter, Wil’s background in marketing and business administration, along with his love for paddleboarding and spear fishing, enrich every tour.
- Naturalist KD Wood: Originating from Utah and raised in Wilmington, NC, KD’s affinity for the ocean and its ecological wonders has been a lifelong passion, making her a fantastic guide.
- Naturalist Maddy Kuhn: A plant enthusiast and environmental education graduate from the University of Georgia, Maddy’s passion for the outdoors and unique knowledge make her a beloved guide.
Like Someone in Particular?
Our guides love to be requested! If you’ve connected with one of our naturalists, don’t hesitate to ask for them when booking your next adventure.
Join us and let our passionate team lead you on an unforgettable journey through the Lowcountry’s natural wonders.
Captain Joe Lotts
With 16 years of experience in outdoor adventure activities like outdoor survival skills, swift water rescue certifications, AMGA top rope climbing certifications, wilderness first responder, spelunking guide, mountaineering, climbing guide, class V whitewater kayaking and instructor, raft guiding trip leader, 5th generation farmer and mechanical knowledge and knowhow under his belt at the age of 27, Joe branched off using his knowledge and experience to create Charleston Outdoor Adventures in 2009. Joe honed his kayaking and guiding skills in the whitewater rivers and Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forest where he grew up on his family farm. When he turned 18 he moved to North Carolina where Pisgah National Forest and Green River served as his daily playground before moving to Charleston, where he mastered the skills of business management and renewed his passion for natural history and wildlife necessary to provide the best guiding service in South Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education from Brevard College a leading higher education school in the outdoor industry. Despite his role in running the business, you can frequently find him leading trips on the water, sharing his passion and expertise firsthand. It’s no surprise that Joe has been guiding since he was fifteen, given his deep love for the outdoors. Joe dedicates himself to COA staff, wife Jordane and two boys, Jon and Jake.
Manager Tanner Malkasian
Tanner is from Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he grew up sea-glass hunting on the beach with his mother, golfing with his brothers and father, and watching Animal Planet in between. He then moved to Charleston in 2014 to pursue a degree in Biology from the College of Charleston. Prior to joining COA in March of 2025, Tanner was a naturalist and guide, as well as a biologist for the SCDNR. Much of his research revolved around oyster ecosystem rehabilitation and their environmental impacts. He is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys being able to teach others about the intricacies found in the salt marsh that encapsulates Charleston. When not in the office, Tanner is either on the golf course, flying his drone around the lowcountry, or taking pictures of birds through his binoculars.
Captain Tripp Copeland III
Hailing from Winton, NC, Tripp discovered his love for the outdoors at an early age. Spending summers in the Outer Banks, he developed a deep appreciation for the East Coast and its waters. Tripp pursued his passion at Brevard College, earning a degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. He began guiding kayak eco tours in Beaufort, NC, in 2003, and later moved to Charleston, where he has been guiding ever since. Tripp’s extensive experience and relaxed demeanor make him a cherished member of the COA team, known for his enthusiasm and knowledge of Lowcountry estuaries.
Captain Josh Coleman
A South Carolina native, Josh grew up in the tidal waters of Charleston, fostering an early love for the outdoors. This enthusiasm quickly evolved into a passion for preserving fragile ecosystems. During his service in the United States Marine Corps, Josh traveled to many exotic locations, further deepening his commitment to conservation. Now, as an eco-tour guide, he aims to instill this same passion in others. When not guiding, Josh enjoys hiking and delving into American history. He’s also a concert enthusiast, particularly when his idol, Dave Matthews, is playing near Charleston!
Captain Geroge Werfelman
Captain George Werfelman grew up on the marshes and bays on the South Shore of Long Island NY and now is a proud a resident of Charleston, SC. A life spent on the water in many aspects. George has been a licensed captain for 35 years, and now is a dolphin chasing, bird watching, pluff mud loving captain of the salt marsh.
Captain Chris Rapchick
Capt. Chris Rapchick grew up on James Island, running around the creeks of Clark Sound as a boy. Chris recognized that a life sitting behind a desk was not for him and spent 15 years fishing in the Florida Keys, Southeast Alaska and the US Virgin Islands. After many aquatic adventures all over the world, he recently moved back to Charleston to be close to family and plant some roots. He has tapped into his passion of showing folks the marsh he grew up in and educating them why it is so critical that we protect this incredible environment.
Captain Craig Burke
Craig recently moved to Charleston after spending the last 5 years in Minnesota, where he graduated from Macalester College with a degree in environmental studies. Originally from Connecticut, Craig grew up exploring the forests of his hometown, and quickly developed a curiosity for the abundance of life around him. After spending a few summers conducting invasive plant research in college, he solidified his passion to work outdoors and continue to explore the interconnectedness of nature. In his free time, Craig loves to bike, ski, climb, camp, or find any other excuse to get out, travel, and explore the outdoors.
Captain Bo Franklin
Captain Bo is an avid outdoorsman who grew up in Clemson, SC, and spent his youth fostering a lifelong passion for the inland and coastal waters of Georgia and SC. After graduating from Clemson University with a Mechanical Engineering Degree, Captain Bo dedicated 35 years to the aerospace industry, leading technical and business teams in the development of the world’s most advanced military and commercial aircraft. Upon retiring, Bo sought a new path to create and add value. Boat captaining, safe boating instruction, and educating others on the majesty of the saltwater marsh now allow him to live his passion every day. When not at COA, you will find him “on a boat somewhere,” enjoying Charleston with his wife, or playing with his grandkids—often all three at the same time!
Naturalist Cade Kaufmann
Cade was born in South Carolina, where he grew up kayaking, fishing, and exploring the creeks and marshes of the Lowcountry. His passion for the outdoors carried into his education, as he studied marine biology and ecology in high school and continued his studies at the College of Charleston. Cade is our go-to guide for anything paleontological, with extensive knowledge of South Carolina’s rich fossil history. His enthusiasm for the ecosystem and everything in it is evident in his attitude here on Bowens Island.
Naturalist Megan Cummings
Born and raised in South Carolina, Megan spent most of her childhood exploring the outdoors. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Marine Science in 2015, she began her career as a naturalist in Charleston. In 2019, she graduated from The Citadel with a Master of Arts in Biology. Megan loves sharing her passion for the outdoors with others and showcasing the beauty of the Lowcountry. When she is not guiding, you can find her crabbing, hiking with her dog Beau, listening to her record collection, or spending time with her family and friends.
Naturalist Wil Mayfield
Born and raised on Pawley’s Island, SC, Wil is an all-around waterman, avid surfer, and firefighter. He holds a Master’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. Wil dedicated six years to serving as a local firefighter and was once a semi-professional skateboarder. Among his favorite pastimes is spearfishing, and he also enjoys paddleboarding with his beloved dog, Penni. You’ll often find him at Folly Beach or exploring Charleston’s waterways, deeply immersed in his passion for the ocean and outdoor adventures.
Naturalist Jianna Wankel
Jianna grew up surrounded by farmland in Illinois, but always felt a pull toward the ocean. She spent much of her childhood foraging, climbing trees, and running around barefoot. She began searching for anywhere with an ocean and landed in Charleston in 2019 and earned her bachelor’s degree in marine biology at the College of Charleston in 2024. There, she focused on underwater soundscapes, which has since evolved into studying marine mammal bioacoustics, specifically in dolphins and whales. She loves being in remote nature, whether it’s camping, hiking, kayaking, or scuba diving. One of her favorite parts of being a kayak guide is returning to the same place every day and getting to know the true locals—especially the resident dolphins.
Naturalist Maddy Kuhn
A recent graduate of the University of Georgia, Maddy brings a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to Charleston Outdoor Adventures. Growing up in Athens, GA, she developed a deep appreciation for nature through frequent backpacking and camping trips in the southern Appalachian mountains. Maddy graduated with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, specializing in environmental education. Her passion for the outdoors is infectious, and she loves sharing her knowledge with others. When she’s not guiding, Maddy can be found spending time with her ferret, tending to her houseplants, or enjoying live music with some headbanging!
Naturalist Max Votta
Hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Max Votta has been immersed in the vibrant coastal landscapes of Charleston since childhood. From an early age, Max developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, fostering a profound connection with water and the Earth’s history. His academic journey led him to pursue a dual degree in Biology and Anthropology at the College of Charleston, where he delved into the intricate ecosystems of both living organisms and human cultures.
Max’s perspective was further enriched by a transformative study abroad experience in Hong Kong and Bali, where he studied Tropical Ecology and gained invaluable insights into global environmental dynamics. Now, as a naturalist with Charleston Outdoor Adventures, Max delights in sharing his wealth of knowledge and captivating stories with fellow adventurers. Outside of guiding, Max’s passions extend to travel, culinary exploration, nurturing plants, and embracing spontaneous escapades. Whether he’s traversing new landscapes or diving into aquatic adventures, Max’s boundless enthusiasm for the natural world shines through in everything he does.
Naturalist KD Wood
Originating from Utah and raised in Wilmington, NC, KD’s affinity for the ocean and its ecological wonders has been a lifelong passion. Early on, KD served as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard, safeguarding beachgoers and instilling in them a reverence for the sea. As the junior guard captain, she imparted valuable lessons on ocean stewardship to aspiring young minds, emphasizing the importance of respecting marine life and ecosystems. KD’s academic pursuits led her to Colorado, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a specialized focus on Ecology and Evolution. Despite the allure of the mountains, KD’s heart remained tethered to the coast, eventually drawing her back to the shores of the East Coast and settling in Charleston.
When she’s not immersed in coastal exploration or guiding adventures on the water, KD can be found cherishing moments with her vizsla companion, indulging in the art of baking artisanal bread, honing her photography skills, or engaging in spirited video game sessions with her partner.