PADL, the leading company in self-service paddle sport rentals, announced today that Eric Draper has joined its Advisory Board. Draper is the former Director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks.
A Leader in Conservation
Draper brings decades of experience in conservation and outdoor recreation.
He managed Florida’s 175 state parks and trails. He also led more than 1,000 employees and worked with nearly 15,000 volunteers.
Together, they welcomed more than 30 million visitors each year across 800,000 acres of protected public land.
He retired after leading the Florida Park Service to an unprecedented fourth Gold Medal as America’s Best State Park System.
During his tenure, he expanded safe public access to Florida’s waterways and supported major water restoration projects.
A Lifetime of Environmental Advocacy
Before joining the Florida Park Service, Draper served as Executive Director of Audubon Florida.
He led campaigns that secured public and legislative support for conservation funding.
He also became a leading advocate for Everglades restoration, clean water, and land conservation.
His efforts helped secure billions of dollars for environmental projects.
Earlier in his career, Draper spent five years in Washington, D.C. He led grassroots campaigns that shaped national environmental policy.
Today, he advises agencies, businesses, and local organizations on water resource projects.
Eric Draper on Joining PADL
“While leading Florida’s award-winning state park system, I helped expand safe recreational water access.
I love seeing people swim and paddle.
People who enjoy our lakes, rivers, and bays become champions for parks and clean water.
I am excited to work with PADL because it gives more people access to the water.
PADL pioneered self-service paddle sport rentals. I believe it will become America’s favorite way to rent paddleboards and kayaks.”
Building a Paddle Community
PADL continues expanding throughout Florida and into new markets.
The company is also building a community around outdoor recreation.
One recent initiative is a monthly paddling challenge. Riders compete for the most miles paddled each month.
PADL also hosts Demo Days at its stations.
These free events include paddle lessons, guided tours, and educational activities.
Local businesses often join the events by providing food and beverages.
A Shared Vision
“Our vision is to make outdoor recreation accessible to everyone,” said Andres Avello, PADL’s Co-Founder and CEO.
“We started with paddleboarding and kayaking. Self-service bike rentals are also coming soon.
“Eric’s experience and passion for conservation make him an ideal addition to our Advisory Board.
“Our stations operate with solar power and require very little infrastructure.
“We are also testing sensors that will collect environmental data. In the future, we plan to share that information with municipalities and conservation partners.
“Our Demo Days and cleanup events teach people about paddling while protecting the places they enjoy.
“We want to grow responsibly. Every expansion should benefit both our customers and the environment.”