Meet our team of experienced open ocean kayak guides
meet the Managers
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President/CEO
Egmar Klemmer grew up in Southern Germany, in the foothills of the Alps, as an outdoor enthusiast, mountain climber, and windsurfer. Since most of his family lives in Kailua, he started spending summers here as a teenager and became a competitive windsurfer. He quickly discovered Hawaii and Oahu’s Kailua Beach as an ideal location to live and train. Since then he has continued to compete in windsurfing races as well as become an avid surfer, stand-up paddler, kayaker, kite surfer, and all-around waterman. He can be found at the shop or in the water nearly every day of the year, with the same passion and enthusiasm when he first came here in 1983.
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Operations and General Manager
Devin grew up in a family of kayakers near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. He canoed down his first Class IV waterfall at age 10 and spent much of his childhood camping, kayaking, and on ocean adventures. He became an ACA (American Canoe Association) certified whitewater instructor by 16 and led trips in his father's whitewater and sea kayaking businesses. He graduated with a Bachelors in Resource Management from the University of Georgia, where he was the coordinator for the Georgia Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) and led kayak and canoe camping trips. Devin moved to Hawaii in 2004 and became an avid surfer, windsurfer, kitesurfer, stand-up paddler, sailor, free diver, and anything else that gets him in the water. He is also the Marketing Director, Webmaster and Wind sport Coordinator for Kailua Beach Adventures.
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Retail Manager/Buyer // General Manager
Marty has always had the passion and admiration for the ocean. He became a lead Mokulua guide for the company and then a trainer. “My life revolves around the water, and salt runs through my veins. I am in the water daily, whether it be surfing, snorkeling, or just for a swim." Once becoming a manager for the company, he then took on the job as a buyer. His love of his family shines through trying to make each day better than the next.
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Manager / 300 Club Member
Jamie is a fun-loving, goofy gal who loves to live life with a smile. She’s had the amazing pleasure of living and traveling all over the world. She moved to Hawaii at the young age of 17 in 2001 to go to college at Hawaii Pacific University, fell in love with the ocean, and has since lived on the island of Oahu. Her life is pretty much summed up by this quote: “Changes in latitude, changes in attitude; nothing remains quite the same.” - Jimmy Buffett. Here's what our guests said about Jamie's tour: "Jamie was great! Recommend this (2 hour tour) for families and 1st timers. She was patient, energetic, knowledgeable, and, most of all, fun. Kids said, 'best day ever!' Thanks!!" - Brad "Jamie was awesome. Felt safe, confident, and in good hands. Great attitude and customer service." - Wendy "Tour guide was excellent! Very knowledgeable about equipment and tour area. Bottom line: Jamie was a blast to be with"! - Vanessa
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Manager
Originally from Virginia, Chad moved to the Hawaiian Islands to continue pursuing his marine science degree and to enjoy the hiking, surfing, and diving that Hawaii has to offer. When he isn’t making the shop the most cheerful place, he is playing his ukulele, taking care of his plants, catching waves, and traveling.
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Assistant Manager / Guide Trainer / 800 Club Member
Born in Japan and raised in Oregon, Tomo visited the Hawaiian Islands and fell in love with all that they have to offer. In 2009 he made the leap and moved to the island of Oahu. His fluency in both English and Japanese, combined with his management experience, makes him a great asset to Kailua Beach Adventures. When he’s not at work, you’ll find Tomo DJing, surfing, hiking, or cruising on his motorcycle around beautiful Oahu.
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SUP Tour Guide / Guide Trainer / Lifeguard / 1000 Club Member
Matt was born and raised in Kailua and is a crucial part of our team. He is very outgoing and personable, making him perfect for customer service. Matt enjoys surfing, paddling, and most ocean activities. He is also well traveled, and after visiting Japan a number of times, he is picking up the language! Matt is a junior lifeguard and paddles outrigger canoes for Kailua Canoe Club, and is one of our most seasoned kayak guides.
Meet the team
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A Midwestern girl from KC (there’s no place like home) now in sunny Oahu, Brandi loves being outside with people! When she’s not kayaking with KBA, she instructs for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Wyoming & beyond. Hobbies include running, reading, & rummaging around thrift stores. She hopes to become a better surfer & learn lei making while also continuing to learn the flora, fauna, & history of Oahu!
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Kayak Tour Guide/Lifeguard
Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, Maggie traded the cold for the sunny shores of Hawaii and hasn't looked back since! She graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a degree in Business Administration, but when she’s not guiding tours, you’ll likely find her exploring the island in all sorts of fun ways. Whether it’s hitting the trails for a hike, catching waves surfing, or getting creative with drawing and painting, Maggie loves staying active and inspired by nature.
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Kayak Tour Guide / Lifeguard
Alex is one of our newest recruits, don’t let that fool you though. He has amazing knowledge of the bay living in Hawai’i for a year but spends all his time in the water.
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Coming from colorful Colorado, Avery is forever chasing the outdoors and all that nature has to offer. Moving to Oahu in 2022 to pursue a degree at University of Hawaii Mānoa for Marine Biology, she loves the sea and all it has to offer. You can mostly find her hiking, climbing, free diving, and taking up all the free weight space at the gym; but most of all you’ll find her baking on the beach because she firmly believes the sun and sea cure all.
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Tupre
Guide Trainer / 300 Club Member
Born in Portland, OR, and did most of my growing up in Washington State. I spent a lot of time playing sports and competed in Track and Field through college. I’ve always had a love for the outdoors and water. I spent plenty of time kayaking while I was growing up and now have the pleasure of doing it for work.
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Kayak Tour Guide / 600 Club Member / Lifeguard
Mike is our captain of fun. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri (Go Chiefs) and moved to Hawaii in 2003. He loves any activity that involves the ocean or being outside, but his favorite activity is sharing his knowledge of Hawaii, Kailua Bay, and sense of humor with anyone that will listen!
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Aloha, my name is Justin and I’m part of the guide team here at KBA! I grew up always on the ocean and love to have a chance to share it with others. Although I keep a calm demeanor, I spend my time seeking a rush, usually through surfing, skating, or snowboarding.
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Stewardship Director/ Marketing Manager / Guide Trainer / 200 Club Member
Born in California then moved to México & Texas. She is our 1st Spanish speaking guide. Evelyn moved out to Oahu to pursue her passion in marine biology & to run cross-country at Hawai’i Pacific University. After her studies, she worked with Hawai’i Marine Animal Response, where she rescued Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds. She is excited to share all she has learned from HPU & HMAR with her guest and future guides! When she isn’t kayaking, she loves shooting film photography, rock climbing, & for some reason running marathons!