Katya Drayton: The Rising Star of Oak Island – Figure Skater, Treasure Hunter, and TV Personality (Age, Height & More)

Katya Drayton’s journey is one filled with discovery, dedication, and passion. Whether she’s dazzling audiences with her graceful figure skating routines or carefully scanning beaches for lost treasures alongside her father on The Curse of Oak Island, Katya has found her way in two very different worlds. Her ability to thrive in both reflects her adventurous spirit and determination. With appearances on both The Curse of Oak Island and The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down, Katya has become a familiar face to fans of exploration and history, showcasing her skills as a treasure hunter while embracing her family’s adventurous roots.

This article takes you through Katya’s remarkable story — from her early family adventures and skating achievements to her memorable TV appearances and her interests off the ice. Along the way, you’ll get a closer look at her family background, notable milestones, and the qualities that make her stand out as a rising talent.

Early Life and Family

Katya Drayton was born on August 6, 2003, and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, to Gary Drayton and Jennifer Gail Sauve. Her father, Gary, is a renowned treasure hunter and television personality best known for his appearances on The Curse of Oak Island. Originally from Grimsby, England, Gary worked as a bottle digger in the UK before relocating to the United States, where he became a skilled metal-detecting expert. With his signature style and keen eye for historical artifacts, Gary earned the nickname “The Metal Detecting Ninja.” He married Jennifer on December 17, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Katya grew up alongside her older sister, Anya Drayton, forming a close-knit family with shared interests in adventure and exploration.

From an early age, Katya’s life was filled with memorable outdoor adventures and travel. Her father often referred to Katya and her sister as “trainee pirates,” reflecting their early exposure to metal detecting.

Katya began metal detecting before the age of 5, frequently joining her father on treasure-hunting trips along Florida’s beaches and riverbanks. By the age of 11, Katya successfully discovered a beautiful silver ring from the wet sand at low tide, a proud family discovery that her father celebrated in his Treasure Talk blog. Over the years, these family outings evolved into memorable vacations that blended exploration with fun. Notable family trips included visits to Stonehenge, Moscow’s Red Square, and various coastal regions in Florida, where they searched for Spanish treasures. In December 2024, Katya won her family’s Christmas Mudlarking Contest by discovering an old grenade at a local river, showcasing her knack for discovery. Additionally, Katya has been an active participant in her father’s treasure-hunting activities, often using a GO-FIND 40 metal detector during beach outings. These experiences sparked Katya’s curiosity, deepened her bond with her father, and instilled in her a love for adventure.

Figure Skating

While treasure hunting played a significant role in her upbringing, Katya’s passion for figure skating emerged early in her childhood. After attending a sister friend’s birthday party at a skating rink, Katya fell in love with the sport and soon began training seriously at the Glacier Ice and Snow Arena in Pompano Beach. Balancing her school commitments at Somerset Pines Academy, Katya practiced six days a week, dedicating around 2-1/2 hours each day to refining her skills on the ice.

In May 2016, at the age of 12, Katya claimed victory in the Pre Juvenile Free Skating Division at the Sunshine State Games Figure Skating competition held at the Florida Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. This win secured her a spot at the national games later that year and marked a pivotal moment in her skating journey.

Katya’s technical expertise became evident as she advanced in her skills, particularly excelling in her signature move—the cannonball sit spin—a challenging element that demands flexibility, strength, and control. Her father frequently celebrated her achievements, proudly sharing moments of her progress online. In May 2019, Katya’s photo was even used to promote a skating competition, a testament to her growing presence in the sport.

Beyond her technical skills, Katya distinguished herself through her expressive performances. She consistently worked to establish a strong connection with judges and audiences by infusing emotion and energy into her routines. Whether executing intricate spins or powerful jumps, Katya’s determination to improve was evident in her dynamic yet graceful performances.

Television and Metal Detection

In addition to her achievements in skating, Katya continued to pursue her early passion for metal detecting. In 2025, she appeared as a metal detectorist in eight episodes of The Curse of Oak Island, following in her father’s footsteps. She also appeared in one episode of The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down in 2024. Her appearances showcased her skill and reinforced her bond with her father, blending her family’s adventurous spirit with her growing public presence.

Katya Drayton on The Curse of Oak Island: A Rising Star Amidst Legends

Katya Drayton’s debut on The Curse of Oak Island sparked significant discussion in the r/OakIsland Reddit community in 2025. As the daughter of seasoned metal detection expert Gary Drayton, Katya’s entrance occurred in the middle of Season 12, a strategic move that surprised fans. While some fans were enthusiastic about her presence, others viewed her as just another participant standing silently in the background with minimal contributions — sparking comparisons to other cast members, particularly Emma Culligan.

Early Appearances and Transition into the Main Show

Katya’s introduction to the Oak Island universe actually began earlier than her Season 12 debut. In Season 10, Episode 1 of The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down titled Driven to Discover (2024), Katya appeared as herself. This episode, part of the companion series Drilling Down, seemed to serve as a soft introduction to viewers, potentially hinting at her future involvement.

By Season 12, Episode 7 of The Curse of Oak Island titled It’s All Your Vault (2025), Katya returned to the main series with an official role as a Metal Detection Expert. This marked a significant shift, as she was no longer just a family guest but was actively participating in fieldwork and treasure-hunting efforts alongside her father, Gary Drayton.

Career on Oak Island

Despite her initial appearances being low-key, Katya gradually earned the nickname Metal Relocation Expert, a tongue-in-cheek reference to her role in metal detection and artifact identification. While some viewers felt she added little beyond nodding silently in team meetings, others appreciated her involvement in key discovery scenes.

In Episode 7, the show’s narrator explained that Katya had joined the Oak Island team temporarily, possibly during her college break. This limited involvement initially fueled skepticism, with some questioning her credentials. However, Katya’s active participation in searches helped her carve a distinct presence, contributing to finds that kept the audience intrigued.

Comparison to Emma Culligan

Katya’s arrival reignited debates about female cast members’ contributions, drawing inevitable comparisons to Emma Culligan. Emma, a decade older than Katya, is a well-established civil engineer and archaeologist known for her meticulous artifact analysis and strong presence in the War Room. Fans noted that Emma’s technical expertise brought a scientific edge to the team’s investigations.

In contrast, Katya’s presence appeared to focus more on fieldwork, aligning closely with her father’s metal detection expertise. While Emma excelled in detailed examination, Katya’s role seemed to center on identifying and retrieving potential artifacts directly from dig sites. This contrast divided fans — some admired Katya’s boots-on-the-ground role, while others viewed her as an entertainment-driven addition meant to attract younger viewers.

Fan Reactions

Reddit discussions reflected a wide range of reactions:

• Some praised Katya’s presence, joking that her involvement doubled the show’s chances of uncovering “random buttons and rusty nails.”
• Others felt Katya was simply filling screen time, with one Redditor quipping she had “more head nods than words.”
• A few fans viewed her as a promising successor to Gary Drayton, suggesting she was being groomed for a more prominent role in the show’s future.

Legacy and Future

Katya Drayton’s path on The Curse of Oak Island demonstrates the show’s evolving approach to engaging audiences. Her initial appearance in Drilling Down allowed viewers to connect with her, while her subsequent role as a Metal Detection Expert added new energy to the series. Although her contributions remain debated, Katya’s involvement underscores the show’s commitment to blending family legacies with historical exploration. Whether she emerges as a pivotal figure in the treasure hunt or remains a supporting presence, Katya’s journey has already left a mark on the show’s narrative.

Personal Interests and Physical Appearance

Katya’s upbringing merged the focus and discipline of figure skating with the spontaneity and excitement of treasure hunting. Her ability to excel in both worlds reflects her resilience, creativity, and drive. Whether competing on the ice or exploring new discoveries with her father, Katya Drayton’s journey continues to inspire admiration and pride.

Beyond her professional life, Katya enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s exploring coastal sites, hiking, or visiting historical landmarks. Her love for nature is evident in her appreciation for scenic beauty, often pausing to capture memorable moments with her camera during her travels.

Katya has a slender and athletic physique, well-suited for figure skating. She has dark brown hair with subtle light brown highlights that add warmth and dimension. Her hair appears lighter in outdoor settings, creating a dynamic look that enhances her expressive features. Katya has brown eyes, with a fair complexion that reflects her active outdoor lifestyle. Standing approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, Katya’s poise and elegance are evident both in her performances on the ice and in her public appearances. Katya’s natural sense of style often combines comfort with casual elegance, reflecting her relaxed yet confident personality. Born on August 6, Katya’s zodiac sign is Leo, which aligns with her bold, energetic, and passionate character. Known for her warm smile, lively expressions, and vibrant energy, Katya naturally draws attention, whether dazzling audiences on the ice or sharing moments of discovery with her father.

Katya Drayton’s Love Life and Social Media Presence

Katya Drayton maintains a private personal life, with no public details about her current relationship status. Her social media presence, particularly on her public Instagram account katyadrayton_detecting, focuses on her treasure-hunting adventures and family moments, especially with her father. With over 2,000 followers, her single post about gold hunting has garnered 124 likes and heartfelt comments, reflecting her engaging and positive interaction with her audience. Katya balances her public persona by keeping her personal Instagram account private, allowing her to share her adventures while maintaining privacy in her personal life.

Katya Drayton – Wiki Bio Facts Table

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Katya Drayton
Date of Birth	August 6, 2003
Age	21 years old
Place of Birth	Pompano Beach, Florida, USA
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Height	Approximately 5 ft 4 in (162 cm)
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Eye Color	Brown
Skin Tone	Fair
Father	Gary Drayton
Mother	Jennifer Gail Sauve
Sibling(s)	Anya Drayton (Older Sister)
Education	Somerset Pines Academy
Occupation	Figure Skater, Metal Detectorist
Known For	Figure Skating, The Curse of Oak Island
Achievements	Gold Medal in the 2016 Florida State Games (Pre Juvenile Free Skating Division)
Hobbies/Interests	Figure Skating, Metal Detecting, Adventure
Significant TV Appearances	The Curse of Oak Island (8 episodes in 2025), The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down (2024)
Special Skills	Cannonball Sit Spin in Figure Skating
Notable Discovery	Found a grenade during a family mudlarking contest in 2024

References:

https://www.minelab.com/community/treasure-talk/go-find-some-treasure-at-the-beach https://observernewspaperonline.com/tag/katya-drayton/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16727410/