- August 5, 2026
-
-
Loading
Loading
When husband-and-wife duo Shane Catts and Holly Rolls started testing the waters with a kayak rental business, they didn't have a brick-and-mortar location. Rather, they had the equipment on hand and would launch from public access points wherever possible.
They could tell in those first two years of operating there was strong interest in their services, which enabled paddlers to get out and explore what nature has to offer off Longboat Key's shores.
So, they decided to go all in on building a local brand, signing a lease as Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & Ecoventures at Whitney Plaza in 2015.
"Commercial waterfront property is hard to come by, so to have our own private launch was key," Catts said. "Launching from public spaces is always tricky because you don't know what's going on that day. We're very blessed to have this location — it's served us well."
Now, a decade after opening, the owners say they are proud of the legacy they've built. Catts said it is a privilege to have facilitated the most memorable part of countless families' trips to Longboat and helped locals gain confidence in their skills on the water.
Catts can often be found running the office on the north end when he isn't out leading tours. He and Rolls met when they both attended the University of Florida.
He is a Florida master naturalist, and she is a marine biologist with a Ph.D. in fisheries.
By happy coincidence, the headquarters are located straight across the canal from his grandparents' home.
Gesturing to a photo on the wall, he said, "That's my little brother and I, and the building in the background is the building that you're in right now."
Catts said he appreciates getting to showcase what makes the wildlife of his home so special while guiding adventurers through mangrove tunnels, pointing out where a wave could conceal an approaching dolphin and other unique sights.
One of the most satisfying moments is seeing new paddlers gain confidence on the water. He said visitors will often take a tour on their first few visits, then grow confident enough in their navigation abilities to opt for a kayak rental and strike out on their own.
"I'd say the most rewarding part of the job is providing that experience to folks," he said of giving people a glimpse of Southwest Florida's iconic flora and fauna. "We get to make a living doing something that is going to impact people. We love when folks say this is the highlight of their vacation."
Running a local business isn't always easy, especially when the first decade of operation brought a tourism-devastating pandemic, hurricanes, and other challenges.
Fortunately, Happy Paddler enjoys a generally more even keel of business throughout the year than some seasonal sectors. During the summer, more vacationing families will sign up for tours. During the winter, the more populated local market will rent kayaks.
Catts said he is proud of how the team has taken it all in stride, becoming a strong part of the fabric of Longboat Key's business community.
One of the island's strongest assets is that, even with being a popular tourist destination, it maintains a close-knit, small-town feel, he said. Especially among the businesses at Whitney Plaza, residents look out for one another.
"Everybody helps each other out," he said. "Especially after the hurricanes, that was such a blessing to have. Everybody helped tear out what needed to go and really pulled for each other."
Pointing to another photo on the wall, he added, "My son is 9 now, and that's him up there. He's the third generation to paddle, swim and surf here."
Services include single kayak rentals for $45 for four hours, tandem and triple kayak rentals for $65, and paddleboard rentals for $55. Guided tours lasting about two hours are $65 per person for adults and $55 for kids. For full details, see HappyPaddler.com.
