Dan has a Bachelor degree in Recreation and Sports Management with emphasis on Outdoor Recreation.  While in school, he held the position of Fundraising Chair on the board of directors for the Winyah Chapter of the Sierra Club.  He was awarded South Carolina Student Conservationist of the year in 2006 for his services.  He has been a guide, naturalist, and camp leader in the area for several different kayaking companies; Coastal Expeditions, Flipper Finders, Charleston Kayak Company, and Adventures in Florida.  He has learned a great deal from surfing, kayaking, fishing, and recreating up and down the East Coast.