Our Story

Every teacher has to have a side hustle in the summer (unfortunately).  In the summer of 2015, our owner Austin was painting houses during summers as his teaching side hustle (and hating every minute of it).  With a couple of kayaks, a lot of friends who would let him borrow theirs, and a lifetime of coastal North Carolina outdoor knowledge, he decided to try doing a few kayak tours. He loved it, the guests loved it, and Cape Fear Adventure Company was born.

Over the years, boat charters, summer camps, and other adventures were added, but it all goes back to the same thing that started it all......a big love for the NC coast and a desire to share it with visitors and locals in our area!  We can't wait to share that love with you!

The Team

Austin Adams
Owner, Outdoor Guide, Captain, Camp Director/Counselor, Accountant, Promoter, etc.

An elementary school teacher for fifteen years and a Wilmington local for over 20 years, Austin has worked really hard to make Cape Fear Adventure Company into an affordable way for families to make memories, locals to explore the area in which they live, and kids to have a great summer in the outdoors at camp!  He isn't a teacher anymore but still brings a teacher's mentality to every tour by educating our customers about the importance of the beautiful ecosystems around us. He also loves to share with our customers all of the things he grew up doing on the NC coast, such as kayaking, boating, crabbing, and exploring the marsh.  He and all of our employees are OBSESSED with you having a great time!

Certifications- US Coast Guard certified captain (OUPV), Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid

Jenny Adams
Office Manager/Afterschool and Camp Counselor

Jenny is a 3rd generation Wilmington native and has spent her life on the beaches and waters of Wrightsville Beach. Her childhood memories of boating, playing on the beach and swimming, exploring marshes and islands, and collecting shells are her most precious, and she still loves making these memories with her family. Jenny finds peace and joy in the beauty of nature and in the adventure of exploring, whether at the beach or in the mountains. She enjoys hiking, gardening and collecting plants, cooking, and reading. Jenny works behind the scenes answering calls and emails, booking excursions, supporting staff, and organizing camp. She also fills in as a camp counselor when needed. 

CPR/First Aid Certified

Sarah Reers
Lead Camp Counselor

• Grew up in Graham, NC 
• Current 5th-grade teacher at Forest Hills Elementary 
• A dance instructor for 4 years working with children from the ages 4-16 
• A Nanny for 4 years spending summers coordinating fun outdoor activities and memories  
• Lived in the mountains of Boone, NC where many days were spent outdoors hiking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, tubing, and snowboarding. 
• Has traveled to 16 different countries
• ​CPR/First Aid Certified

Darryle Watkins
Lead Camp Counselor

• Grew up in Raleigh, NC
• Teaches music at Forest Hills Elementary
• Violin is his favorite, and the first instrument that he learned to play
• Current violin/viola instructor at Music and Arts
• Loves to rollerblade in his free time
• ​Huge Marvel fan!
• ​CPR/First Aid Certified

Megan Heacock
Camp Counselor

• Grew up in Ohio and moved to Wilmington 8 years ago
• 8 year teaching career in NHCS as a 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher and 6 year High School Cheerleading Coach
• Currently obtaining Master's Degree in Professional School Counseling 
• Loves sports (especially football and basketball), live music, going to the beach, and spending time with family/friends
• Favorite place is Seneca Lake, Ohio where extended family spends summers boating, swimming, fishing, and having fun!
• CPR/First Aid Certified
  

Shane Smith
​Outdoor/Kayak Guide

Shane is a United States Marine Corps Veteran who came to the area in 2010. More recently however, he has worked as a Paramedic since 2015.  In his free time Shane enjoys fishing, hiking the local trails and playing guitar. Originally from the muddy waters of Lake Allatoona just north of Atlanta Ga, Shane has grown up on the water and would love to show you everything it has to offer.

Certifications-Paramedic, Basic life support, Advanced Stoke Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Louise Kooiman
Camp Counselor/Kayak Guide

Louise is a 7th grade math teacher in New Hanover county. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina and her master’s degree in Math and Science Education from College of Charleston. She has worked as a camp counselor on Catalina Island, a lifeguard/swim instructor, and a beach volleyball coach. Louise has a passion for outdoor education that she looks forward to sharing with CFAC. 

Alyssa Haase
Afterschool/Camp Counselor

​Alyssa is a 25 year old student at UNCW, majoring in Art and minoring in Education.  On her free time, she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and reading.  She's volunteered with kids with special needs and found a deep passion for working with children.  After serving 6 years in the military, she's now focused on builiding a career that combines her love for art and education to make a positive impact on kids' lives.

​CPR/First Aid Certified

Dana Kirwin
​Afterschool Counselor

Dana is majoring in Recreation, Tourism, and Sport at UNCW, specifically Sport and Recreation. With a lot of camp counseling experience in the Northeast and Catalina Island (CA), she loves helping kids explore their local environment, get outside of their comfort zone, and try new activities.  In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, and journaling.

CPR/First Aid/Wilderness First Aid Certified

Miles Adams
Junior Camp/Afterschool Counselor

• From Wilmington, NC
• Loves to be on and driving a boat. Also love to fish.
• Has been in Boy Scouts of America for 4 years
• ​Entering high school next year

Jamison Painter
Outdoor/Kayak Guide

Jamison is a UNCW chemistry major, doing research on the impacts of oceangoing plastics on NC phytoplankton.  She's originally from Charlotte, NC and, in her free time, loves being outdoors, kiking, going to the beach, traveling, and playing tennis.  She's grown up going to and exploring NC waterways!

Tayshaun Cheek
Afterschool Counselor

 • A proud military kid who’s been on the move since age 6 and learned to call adventure home
 • Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a love for getting others outside and connected to nature
 • Worked with Muddy Sneakers leading outdoor lessons and helping students explore the environment
 • Helped host the National Environmental Summit at Catawba College, guiding hikes, games, and hands-on learning
 • Big fan of fishing and kayaking — nothing beats a quiet morning on the water
 • Believes that kids are the future and loves showing them how fun and meaningful nature can be
 • CPR/First Aid Certified

Causes that we care ​about
A portion of our profits are donated to these great organizations