Return to Nature was founded in January 2005 on two basic premises. The first was that neither of us wanted to work indoors. The second, more important, was that we wanted to help people reconnect with the outdoors. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore nature and for this reason we are not driven by money. Our stance is that we'd rather charge less and expose as many people as possible to nature rather than get rich. Hence why we try to be flexible in our pricing, allow young children to paddle for free, and donate numerous trips each year to charity and nonprofit groups. It is not unheard of for us to provide free trips to people staying in the campground areas in many Maryland State Parks. Our goal is for anyone who wants to paddle to be able to do so and to have a great time on the water. We're just two guys trying to do what we love...kayak! Come join us... 

So, who are "WE"?

Matt Ritter graduated from Frostburg State University with a bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries and minors in Forestry, Biology, and Chemistry. He has a Master's Degree from Frostburg in Education: Curriculum and Instruction. Matt is also the Leave No Trace advocate for the State of Delaware. He holds too many certifications and qualifications to list here.

Jon Wickert also completed his academic work at Frostburg State. He holds a bachelor's degree in Social Science, teaching certification for grades 6-12, and concentrations in History and Economics. His Master's Degree is in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, with concentrations in Geography, History, and Psychology and a focus on adolescent learning and development. Jon learned to kayak while studying in Australia and currently teaches Problems of Democracy and Economics at Caesar Rodney High School.

When you paddle with Return to Nature, you are guaranteed that one of us will be your guide. You will have fun and be in safe, capable hands. We are both CPR and First Aid certified as well as fully insured in accordance with the State of Maryland Nature Tourism requirements. Both of us also hold American Red Cross Canoe and Kayak Instructor Certifications.  Each also has a minimum of 6 years paddling experience.