Hidden Gems: Meet Jason Burton of Burton Outdoor Adventures

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Burton.

Hi Jason, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Jason has been attached to the water since he was a young child playing and fishing in creeks and lakes in Michigan to a teenager exploring the swamps, canals and ocean in SW Florida to finally discovering whitewater kayaking in Athens, GA. Jason’s love for the water and kayaking has taken him all over the United States, Canada, Chile and Norway learning from some of the best paddlers on the planet. With over 20 years of kayak experience Burton Outdoor Adventures looks to provide the best kayak and paddle board experience for all.

During out first year of business we added Lift e-foils to our offerings. E-Foiling and all foiing dsicplines have since grown on Lake Lanier. We now service all foiling discpines: e-foil, wake foil, pump foil (dock strat), wing foiling, foil assist, down wind foiuling and prone or surf foiling. We have focused plans to grow and emphisize the pump foil discpline specifically for it’s health, wellness, fitness and logevity impacts not to mention it is just plan fun! Learnig an amazing new skill that allows anyone to literally flying above to water an experience to magical sension of floating through the air.

We also hosted the first annual Atlanta Foil Fest, Making Waves, this past June 13-15 at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park. It was an amazing success. $16,000 in prize money, the best foil atheletes from the US and around the world competing with over 30 vendors and 16 sponsors. We look to build off last year sucess with the second annual Atlanta Foil Fest, Rise Up, this June 12-14 still at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park.

Jason is married to Christine Burton and has three children Gracie, Walker and Autumn. Jason is a Naval veteran. He served his counrty as Hospital corpsman. After his miltary service he used the GI Bill and the Georgia Hope grant to earn a BA in Science from Carson -Newman College and a Master’s Degree in Science Education from the University of Georgia. Jason was on the second season of NBC’s Fear Factor and lost specatularly in the first round. Jason retired from Teaching in 2023 and transitioned fulltime to Burton Outdoor Advetures. 2026 will be Burton Outdoor Adventue’s (BOA) 6th year in businesson on Lake Lanier. BOA was the first Kayak outfitter on Lake Lanier to be granted a Letter of Permission to do business by the Army Corps of Engineers (Bonnie Putney, Lake Lanier Sssociation).

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It actually been so much fun and empowering. I enjoy learning, problem solving and creating and that is pretty much what any successful business must to when providing good and/or services. It is the best, Cliche’ as it may sound but every problem is a learning opportunity. I do my best not to look at “anything” as a struggle…but an opportunity. My wife is so good at reconizing this in me and encouraging it. Having my wife as a business partner has definitely smoothed the road believe it or not.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Burton Outdoor Adventures (BOA), we’re dedicated to helping people experience the outdoors in a fun, accessible, and stress-free way. Based on Lake Lanier, Georgia, we specialize in Lift E-Foil lessons and sales, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals and instruction. Our mission is simple — to encourage and inspire everyone to get active, get outside, and enjoy nature.

What sets us apart is the combination of education, innovation, and authentic community connection. We’re one of the first dedicated foil schools in the Southeast, and our experienced team is passionate about guiding riders of all levels — from first-time beginners to advanced watermen — to new heights of confidence and skill on the water.

We’re also the proud hosts of the Atlanta Foil Fest, an annual event that celebrates the growing foiling community and brings together riders, brands, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. The 2025 theme, “Making Waves,” and the 2026 theme, “Rise Up,” both capture our belief that this movement is about more than just a sport — it’s about connection, progress, and shared adventure.

We’re continually expanding our “Outdoor Adventure” services, and we invite everyone to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on new activities, special events, and opportunities to experience the joy of being out on the water with BOA.

We provide Dagger and Perception kayaks for rent as well as Boardworks’ Riptide paddle boards. We carry a variety of foiling brands for purchase, demo and lessons: Lift, Waydoo, Foil Drive, KT, Cabrhina, Dakine, AFS and Appletree.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Catching frogs and snakes in the pond at the end of our street (145 Golderner Ave) in Pontiac, Michigan.

Pricing:

• Kayak and Paddle Board – $20/hr
• Lift e-Foils from $14, 495
• Waydoo e-Foils from $4399
• Efoil Lessons $325 for 90 minutes
• Efoil Mini Lesson $200 for 45 minutes

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kayaklanier.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burton_outdoor_adventures/ https://www.instagram.com/atlantafoilfest/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BOALakeLanier
• Youtube: In the process of transitioning videos from my personal account to a business account
• Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34947-d23404432-Reviews-Burton_Outdoor_Adventures-Flowery_Branch_Georgia.html