Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Pyke.
Hi Tiffany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with Get Up and Go Kayaking started with a simple love for being on the water. I am a Miami native, I live right on the bay and Kayaking has always been part of my routine. I’ll often paddle out to Picnic Island just to unwind, reset, and enjoy the quiet. The water has always given me a sense of peace and balance, and that connection is what drew me into this business in the first place.
About 13 years ago, I met my now-business partner, Zack Neeld, while we were both working for the same company, and we’ve been friends ever since. He lives in Central Florida and knows the founder of Get Up and Go Kayaking through his brother. When he found out the Miami location was available to franchise, he reached out and asked if I’d want to partner up and could handle the operations side of the business. It felt like perfect timing, combining my love for the water with an opportunity to build something meaningful here at home.
We secured a permit for our first location at East Greynolds Park. Everything was going really well — but just two months after opening, tragedy struck when my boyfriend passed away in a car accident. It was one of the hardest moments of my life. During that time, Zack really stepped in to help keep things afloat until I was able to function again. Looking back, I truly believe this business helped me heal, it gave me purpose, routine, and a reason to keep moving forward.
Today, I’m a proud owner of two locations for Get Up and Go Kayaking—North Miami Beach and our newest spot in South Beach on 24th and Collins Ave. It’s been so rewarding to watch it all come together, from launching our first tours to reading all the reviews online with great guests experiences.
Most recently, I welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Olivia with my spouse, Cris, who now helps me manage our locations. It’s been an incredible new chapter— balancing motherhood, partnership, business and it reminds me every day why I started: to build something that brings peace, joy, and connection to others, just like the water has always done for me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a business is a lot like being in a relationship, it has its ups and downs. You think things are going smoothly, and then suddenly you’re faced with challenges you didn’t expect. For us, it’s been everything from operational issues to weather setbacks. A string of bad weather can really affect tours and schedules, and early on, we had to figure out how to manage equipment, staffing, and logistics.
Those challenges have taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. You learn to plan for the unexpected and stay focused on your goals even when things get tough. At the end of the day, it’s those moments that make the successes feel even more rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Get Up And Go Kayaking ?
Get Up and Go Kayaking offers clear kayak tours that let you see Miami from a whole new perspective. We focus on creating personal, fun, and memorable experiences, guided by a passionate team who love sharing the city’s beauty. I’m proud to make kayaking accessible, authentic, and unforgettable for both locals and visitors alike.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Miami is its energy, diversity, and natural beauty, especially the water. What I like least are the inevitable frustrations of a busy city, like traffic and occasional delays. Even so, the city’s vibrancy and unique character always make it worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://getupandgokayaking.com/locations/florida/miami/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getupandgokayakingsouthbeach and https://www.instagram.com/getupandgomiami
