At iROCKER, we believe time on the water builds connection — and connection builds stewardship.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our ambassadors, Alexa Putillo (@ocean_alexa), a PhD student in Biological Oceanography at Florida State University, whose research focuses on understanding and protecting sea turtles along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Her journey blends exploration, science, and a deep love for the ocean — something many fellow paddlers share.
The Moment That Sparked a Passion
Her love of science and the ocean began early, but the defining moment came during an undergraduate travel course to Costa Rica. She witnessed her first Olive Ridley sea turtle haul herself onto the beach to lay eggs. Watching this ancient, marine-adapted animal navigate the shore was awe-inspiring. Volunteering at a sea turtle rehabilitation center soon after exposed her to the very real threats these animals face — from entanglement and boat strikes to habitat loss — and she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to protecting them.
Beneath the Surface: Science, Sea Turtles & the Ecosystem
The world above the water is the one we tend to know best. The ecosystem beneath your board is another story entirely — quietly shaping the waters we paddle. For Alexa, these aren’t just facts — they’re the foundation of her research:
-
Seagrass is more than scenery: It stabilizes the seabed, supports marine life, and keeps the water clear.
-
Turtles are ecosystem engineers: Their grazing maintains healthy seagrass meadows, benefiting fisheries and water quality.
-
Feeding habits shape the coast: What turtles eat affects growth, reproduction, and the overall health of coastal waters.
-
Multiple threats exist: Pollution, boat traffic, and disease can stack, impacting both turtles and the habitats they rely on.
-
Small actions make a difference: Staying in no-wake zones, packing out trash, and giving wildlife space all help protect these ecosystems.
-
Paddling builds awareness: Being on the water lets you notice subtle changes in clarity, wildlife behavior, and habitat health — and connect your experience to stewardship.
Sea turtle photos taken during permitted research activities, authorized by NMFS Permit # 19496 and FWC Permit # 243, do not attempt to recreate.
Science in Action
On the water, every paddle stroke counts. By observing how sea turtles forage in seagrass meadows and monitoring habitat conditions, she contributes critical data that guides conservation efforts along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Her findings help shape local policies, ensuring that protected areas remain healthy and accessible — and that future paddlers can continue exploring responsibly.
Exploration, Stewardship, and Advocacy
For Alexa, paddle boarding is more than recreation — it’s research, reset, and responsibility. Gliding quietly through nearshore habitats allows her to observe wildlife without disturbing it, while freediving teaches presence, humility, and respect for the ocean.
She also shares her knowledge with the community, inspiring others to take stewardship seriously — whether through workshops, social media, or ambassador programs. Her story reflects core values we hold dear at iROCKER: curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to protecting the waters we love.
Sea turtle nesting and hatching photos taken during permitted monitoring activities.
What Sea Turtles Teach Us
Sea turtles have survived over 100 million years of climate shifts and mass extinctions, yet human activity has pushed many populations toward threatened status. The hopeful part? Where protections are in place, populations recover. Their story is one of resilience — and a reminder that our choices matter.
At iROCKER, we believe the more time we spend on the water, the more we understand what’s at stake. By exploring, observing, and acting thoughtfully, paddlers can help protect the oceans we love — one paddle stroke at a time.
