Campfire

Rediscover Florida on a River

Rediscover Florida on a River
Cool off in a kayak or canoe
By Christopher Harper

When the summer heat tops one hundred degrees, and the humidity is so thick you can cut it with a knife, leaving our air-conditioned homes can be intimidating.
Overcome the summertime blues by taking a canoe out on a local spring-fed river or stream with water clear enough to see bottom. A visit to one of Florida’s many spring-fed lakes and rivers can provide a enjoyable break from the heat at any time of day. When the temperatures start to climb, take a quick dip at the shoreline before launching and begin to observe the beauty around you while paddling.
The St. Marks, Suwannee, Wakulla and Withalacochee rivers are popular destinations for both locals and tourists alike seeking outdoor fun during the heat of the summer. If you plan your trip early or late in the day, the wildlife will be more active and the temperatures moderate. Be sure to pack your camera-the soft whites of early morning mist floating across the surface of the water provide spectacular photo opportunities.

Remember to bring life jackets while paddling. Each person should wear one at all times while on the water. In addition, children under the age of six are required by Florida law to wear them. Life jacket technology has improved dramatically, and there are new inflatable life jackets that are quite comfortable. When temperatures start to heat up, be sure to bring plenty of ice water. Other handy items to have are sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and, if you are fair-skinned, a long-sleeved shirt for sun protection. Do not forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin surfaces to avoid that red-lobster look typical of bad sunburn.
Remember to bring along some food or snacks. Depending on the duration of your trip, you will get hungry, and you will need to keep your energy up. You never know when that perfect “spot” will appear to have lunch or set up camp for the night.

Bring a set of binoculars and your camera. You never know when you may get a close-up look at wildlife, and you want to avoid approaching the animals to closely. If they notice your approach, you are probably to close and need to back off.

As Florida summertime settles into the daily afternoon storm pattern, time your trips to end by early afternoon. It is always a good idea to check the weather reports the day prior to your trip. If you are caught on the water with lightning nearby, get off the water immediately, avoid being near tall objects, and crouch on the balls of your feet.
There are local outfitters located throughout Florida that offer kayaks and canoes to access our beautiful rivers. Many of these outfitters also lead guided trips and provide nighttime excursions, another way to enjoy our rivers, and to gain another perspective that many people do not experience.
So pack your gear, and head on down to a river, and create a memory that will last a lifetime as you rediscover Florida