Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Weston.
Hi Taryn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started in Augusta, Georgia-I was born and raised there. After eighteen years I graduated from the Academy of Richmond County and started working towards a liberal arts degree at Georgia Southern University. I’ve always had an affinity towards the water. Growing up looked like playing mermaid in the pool or water skiing on Clarks Hill Lake, walking down the the creek in the backyard and vacationing on Tybee Island or Hilton Head. I always knew I loved the beach, but never did I think I would live on a sailboat, fall in love, become a eco tour boat captain, and raise a family on the beach- all in that order. It just happened to be on Tybee Island. From there I naturally found my community- all while serving tacos and margaritas at a local taco joint and fixing up a little 22ft sailboat. The love for my natural environment around me grew with every encounter I had with the wild -whether that was on the water, in the maritime forest, at the beach, or playing disc golf at the local park.
My curiosity grew so much that I took the advice from my friends and pursued a captain’s license that allows me to take up to six passengers in the inland waters of the Georgia Coast. This was a career change that allowed me to unplug from the hustle and connect people from all over the world with the natural environment we call the low country. I got my start working with Sundial Charters- an eco tour company that’s been around for quite some time. Being able to share my love and passion for fossil hunting has been so much fun. The look on people’s faces when they find a prehistoric fossil coming off of the Savannah River is priceless. Discovering the wildlife and zigzagging around new sand bars and creeks that’s been etched out by the current and tide is all part of the fun out here! Spotting whimbrels and red knots eating horseshoe crab eggs on Little Tybee, shelling on Wassaw Island, spotting bottlenose dolphins, etc. I could go on and on, but I suggest booking a ride through one of the many charter companies I work for and finding out for yourself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Rarely are things always smooth on the water. It is the water and boats will be boats. Hitting a sandbar with the keel of a sailboat is a right of passage when navigating out here, and I have definitely earned this. I can always count on the tide to come right back up though. With a positive attitude and preparation tribulations are overcome.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When people feel connected to what is around them then naturally they want to take care of it or at least see that no harm is done. Well if I can participate in helping others feeling connected with an environment that deems respect and wonder then sign me up. I love seeing someone’s face brighten by the simple beauty of outdoors. I love curating a special time for anyone’s needs or wishes on the water too. If you’re looking for a fishing captain I’m not your girl. I’ve helped curate ceremonies that celebrates life and honors death, marriages, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
If you just want to get out on the water and relax that’s my specialty. Here are a list of charter companies you can check out to see what fits your needs! If I’m available I’d love to take you out. Also if you like quirky whimsical magnets. Check out my etsy link for a cute gift idea for fossil lovers! https://floraandfossil.etsy.com
Joyride Boat Club
https://www.joyrideboatclub.com/
(912) 712-1272
Sundial Charters
https://sundialcharters.com/
(912) 786-9470
Georgia Coast Charters
https://www.georgiacoast-charters.com/
(912) 777-0820
Old Coast Adventure Company
https://www.old-coast.com/
(912) 231- 7242
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There are so many opportunities to connect with like minded tour guides on the water.
I am so grateful for the Coastal Awareness Responsible Eco Tourism group specifically. It is a course funded by University of Georgia’s Marine Extension, The Sea Grant, and the Department of Natural Resources that promotes responsible eco tourism by gathering relevant information gained at a scientific level and being able to relay it at a level the general population can relate to. It has been monumental with connecting me to fellow captains and naturalists of all different levels of expertise. There are so many opportunities even after completion of the course for recertification through events coordinated through non profits such as 100 Miles and Manomet. The communication within the CARE community is immense and on going. The water provides a constant state of change and it’s important to stay up to date to be able to inform each person I can reach that comes out on a tour with me. When all the tour guides and captains sign up for this course then we can quantify roughly how many people we are reaching a year with information that has the capacity to better our shoreline and wildlife.
Pricing:
- $220 Dolphin Twilight
- $360 Little Tybee Island
- $450 Joyride Electric Boat tour (picnic style)
- $600 Wassaw Island
- $500-700 Fossil Hunt
Contact Info:
