We are thrilled to share that Luisa Hyatt is stepping in as the new Interim Co-Director of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
Luisa is an ocean woman through and through.
With her husband Mark, she has spent decades building deep connections to the Santa Barbara Channel and its community. Together, they brought Paddle Sports to the harbor from lower State Street, introducing countless locals and visitors to the wonders of kayaking in our Channel and the Channel Islands, and helping to pioneer the start of stand-up paddleboarding along our coast.
They also owned and operated the beloved vessel Spirit before it was sold and relocated to Morro Bay. The Spirit not only carried passengers but served as a vital platform for education and conservation – transporting rescued and rehabilitated marine life, and hosting programs for groups like the Audubon Society, SBCC, and UCSB, inspiring students and ocean-lovers alike.
For over a decade, Luisa and Mark also owned Santa Barbara Outfitters on State Street, providing gear, clothing, and guidance to local adventurers and visiting explorers. Today, Luisa continues her passion for connecting community and ocean as the owner of Rincon Brewery, and as one of the original members of the Whale Heritage Area Steering Committee.
In fact, at the very beginnings of SBCWHA, Rincon Brewery brewed a special “Cetaceans” beer, featuring artwork by local artist Liz Brady of a mother humpback whale and her calf — a creative celebration of our whales and the community that cherishes them.
Her lifelong dedication to the ocean, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her deep roots in our community make her the perfect person to help guide us forward. Luisa has always understood that celebrating whales and protecting our ocean is something we do best when we come together.
We are so grateful for her willingness to step into this role, and we’re excited for the heart, energy, and vision she will bring as we continue to grow the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
Please join us in welcoming Luisa Hyatt and in celebrating this next chapter for our community and our ocean.
