Meet Our Guides

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.
• Captain Matt Menke: Matt has been a captain all over the US and most recently has made Charleston home. His experience in multiple ecosystems give him a fun perspective on the lowcountry.
• Captain Dominic Montelaro: From California but now calls the Lowcountry home. With over a decade of experience as a captain in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Maui, and more; his attitude and enthusiasm for the local environment is unparalleled.
• 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.
• Naturalist Wil Mayfield: Born and raised on Pawley’s Island, SC, Wil is an all-around waterman, avid surfer, and firefighter. His enthusiasm makes his guided tours enjoyable for all guests.
• Naturalist Emily Elkins: Coming all the way from the Midwest, Emily has spent her life exploring the outdoors. Her background in wilderness survival gives her a unique guiding experience!
• Naturalist Jianna Wankel: Jianna grew up surrounded by farmland in Illinois but has always felt a pull toward the ocean. She is an expert in cetacean research and provides excellent information on her tours!
• Naturalist Sunni Stevens: Sunni grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC and spent a lot of time at the beach and in the ocean. Her local experience makes her a fantastic guide.
• Naturalist Max Tuten: Max has over 10 years of experience in Marine Science, and his work on a maritime search and rescue team gives him a unique insight to multiple levels of our waterways!
• Naturalist Max Votta: From an early age, Max developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, fostering a profound connection with water and the Earth’s history.
• Naturalist Erin Burgess: From Virginia, Erin has grown up kayaking, and her degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership sets up for an enjoyable tour through the saltmarsh.
• Naturalist Aiden Raheb: Aidens background in riparian ecology and unique background and degree from James Cook University in Australia give him a fun perspective on our ecosystem.
• Naturalist Jack Alexander: Jack earned a B.S. in Biology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he first fell in love with birds while adventuring along California’s central coast. His interest in ornithology makes him a fantastic guide for birders in the lowcountry!
• Naturalist Josh Daniel: Josh Daniel was born and raised in Charleston and growing up, he spent every spare minute he had on the water or in the woods. His local background and love for this region makes his guided tours memorable!
• Naturalist Mason Meredith: Mason was born and raised in Colorado where he learned about fishing and hiking at a very young age. As he got older he continued to live life with a passion for the outdoors, and joy educating groups on the water!

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.

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 exploring the woods 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.

Office Manager Hannah Shapiro 

Hannah grew up catching crawdads and following deer trails in the woods of Kentucky, inspired by her hippy-homesteader grandparents. She earned a biology degree from Western Kentucky University and spent time in Costa Rica working with leatherback sea turtles and researching cloud forests. After moving to Charleston and visiting a sea turtle nesting beach on Edisto, she knew she wanted to work with Lowcountry wildlife. Now part of the COA crew, you’ll find Hannah welcoming you for your tours or out exploring every wild corner South Carolina has to offer.

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 Dominic Montelaro

Dominic is from California but now calls the lowcountry home. With over a decade of experience as a captain in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Maui, and more; his attitude and enthusiasm for the local environment is unparalleled. Be on the lookout for his corgi Sullivan keeping watch of our office while he is on the water as well!

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 Matt Menke

Raised in Colorado, Matt developed a deep connection to the natural world early on. After earning a degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology, he pursued his passion for the water, working as a guide and captain across the U.S. His wide-ranging experience and scientific background give him a distinctive perspective on Charleston’s unique ecosystems.

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 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 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.

Naturalist Mason Meredith

Mason was born and raised in Colorado where he learned about fishing and hiking at a very young age. As he got older he continued to live life with a passion for the outdoors. Growing up Mason was involved in Scouting, and at age 15 he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouting allowed him to continue a life outdoors. Mason moved to Oregon when he was 10 and that broadened his outdoor experiences. Living within close proximity to one of Oregons best fisheries Mason became heavily invested in fishing. He fished for every thing he could in Oregon. This lead to his love for fishing, and pursuing a career in the outdoor industry. In 2022 Mason moved to the Florida keys to work as an outdoor educator and fishing guide. He spent a little under two years in the keys working, and during his off time he was competing in kayak fishing tournaments. Around 2020 was when Mason started visiting South Carolina and the low country. He fell in love with the fishing opportunities and wildlife the lowcountry has to offer. He settled down in Charleston during the fall of 2024 and is pursuing a career as an outdoor professional.

Naturalist Sunni Stevens

Sunni grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC and spent a lot of time at the beach and in the ocean. She recently graduated from the University of South Carolina earning a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies with a special interest in climate and marine conservation. After moving to Charleston in 2023 her passion for nature and being outdoors has thrived being a naturalist for COA!

Naturalist Josh Daniel

Josh was born and raised in Charleston and growing up, he spent every spare minute he had on the water or in the woods. He attended three years at Bennington College in Vermont and plans to return in the fall of 2025, where he will finish out a degree in environmental science before hopefully getting a Masters out west and then working for the NPS or USFS. Back home in Charleston his main passion has always been saltwater fishing, but since expanding his horizons to the north he has delved into almost all facets of recreational outdoorsmanship including skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, birding, and even spelunking. He is so excited to spend the summer at COA and share with others the beauty of the waters he calls home.

Naturalist Max Tuten

Max spent over ten years as a marine scientist and five and a half years on a maritime search and rescue team before swapping big ships for kayaks. As a boat driver, diver, and protected species observer, he’s seen the ocean from every angle — and now he shares that love for the water on every tour. Off the clock, Max can usually be found at the beach with his wife and their energetic puppy.

Naturalist Jack Alexander

Jack grew up (landlocked) in rural Idaho, where he developed a love for wildlife from an early age. Since then, he has not strayed far from the ocean, exploring his passion for coastal ecosystems across the U.S. Jack earned a B.S. in Biology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he first fell in love with birds while adventuring along California’s central coast. After graduating, Jack worked to conserve endangered forest birds on the island of Kauai, Hawai’i. Jack is a new resident of Charleston and has loved getting to know the area’s waters from his kayak. When he’s not on the water, you can find Jack looking for birds, cooking up a big meal, playing soccer, or enjoying the sun. Jack is beyond stoked to spend the season guiding with COA!

Naturalist Erin Burgess

Erin is originally from a small town in VA. She grew up on the water being able to go fishing, crabbing, and especially kayaking. She has a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership and has a background of working in State Parks. She loves teaching others about nature, history, and showing them the beauty of kayaking!

Naturalist Emily Elkins

Coming all the way from the Midwest, Emily has spent her life exploring the outdoors. After graduating from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelors in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management, she has spent the last several year moving around the country as an outdoor educator. Her love for coastal environments solidified when she spent time kayaking on the coast of Maine. When not on the water, Emily can be found rock climbing, making art, and doing yoga.

Naturalist Aidan Rehab

Aidan grew up on the New Jersey coastline studying marine and riparian ecology from a young age, furthering his studies at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on the ecologically unique Sandy Hook Bay, NJ, and graduated with a Bachelor of Marine Biology in Townsville, Australia at James Cook University. He loves tying together the greater ecology of the Earth’s aquatic systems and learning as much as he can through field based study.