HISTORY

Take it Outdoors Adventures was founded in 2009 by Doug Chapman, who established the business as a means to share his passion for the outdoors. With little more than a handful of kayaks, a pickup truck and an infectious enthusiasm for adventure, Doug began offering weekly Wednesday evening paddles on local waterways. By keeping the mood light and encouraging exploration, Doug attracted a growing number of paddlers to his events.


He was determined not to create an ordinary kayak livery service that used the Schuylkill River as “a conveyer belt.” Instead, Doug pursued a vision of fostering a community of outdoor enthusiasts who respected nature and loved the outdoors. Under his leadership, TIOA created an atmosphere of fun and adventure that appealed to people of all backgrounds, ages and levels of expertise.


As the TIOA community grew, more events were organized, vans and trailers were purchased to provide shuttles, and a few dedicated volunteers and staff members came on board to help guide trips and outings. Not content to limit TIOA to a kayaking operation, Doug began hosting ski trips, climbing treks and backpacking tours, as well as trips outside the region, including tours of the Adirondacks, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Algonquin National Park in Canada and a 10 day tour of Switzerland.
In 2011, TIOA was contracted to serve as the outfitter for the Schuylkill River Sojourn, an annual 7-day, 112-mile guided kayak tour managed annually by the Schuylkill River Greenways NHA. TIOA was tasked with renting kayaks, shuttling gear, and helping to guide 100-plus sojourners safely down the river. It was quickly apparent that Doug’s enthusiasm for connecting people to nature aligned perfectly with SRG’s goals of encouraging environmental advocacy through recreational events. What’ more, Doug’s facility for organizing outdoor events proved valuable to SRG, and over time TIOA became a key component in SRG’s plan to launch biking/kayaking hubs along the Schuylkill River
In 2014, Doug met his now wife on a ski trip hosted by TIOA. Doug continued to run TIOA even after moving with his wife to her home country, Switzerland, returning every summer for the Schuylkill River Sojourn and other events. However, in 2020, COVID-19 made it impossible for him to return.


While COVID-19 presented a huge challenge to TIOA it also led to a valuable opportunity. In 2020, the SRG offered TIOA a strategic partnership. Through that partnership, TIOA works to fulfill the mission of SRG by connecting people to the waterway through paddling and cycling adventures. This relationship has set TIOA up for long term success within the Schuylkill Watershed. SRG recruited Noah Phillips, a long-time member of TIOA who regularly assisted with the Schuylkill River Sojourn, to continue the work that Doug Chapman began.


While Doug isn’t with TIOA full-time anymore, you’ll still find him on trips when he returns to the states, investing in the programs that he fostered, including Schuylkill River Acts and Impacts, which takes high school students on a kayak adventure every summer. Doug now operates Your Switzerland Vacations, a premier Swiss touring company for individuals and groups seeking to experience everything Switzerland has to offer.
Take it Outdoors Adventures began as a community of paddlers enjoying various adventures together. While its size has grown, its purpose and mission has stayed the same. Take It Outdoors exists to serve the paddling and adventure community by promoting and connecting people to the Schuylkill River Watershed.