[Paddlewise] Paddling View of Cape Canaveral Launches

>From time to time, I get requests for information about the best places
to see rocket launches from a kayak or canoe near Cape Canaveral,
Florida. Security zones for all watercraft have been expanded after
September 11, so here are my suggestions based on the latest information
for the upcoming shuttle launch.

To the north, much of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is off
limits during a launch, though you can still see the shuttle from quite
a distance up there. The ocean and Indian River are too open and subject
to waves and clapotis (though surf kayakers would enjoy that).

On the south, the Haulover Canal
(http://www.kayakguide.com/Haulover.htm) is right at the southern border
of the current launch security area, so that's as close as you can get.
The one issue with that site is that it is usually be packed with motor
boats, making it less than scenic and somewhat hazardous to paddlers.

I believe the best option for viewing from a kayak might be the UlaMay
bird sanctuary (http://www.kayakguide.com/Ulamay.htm). The northern area
of UlaMay is only a little farther away to the west of Haulover. But it
is ONLY accessible by paddlers and it is a beautiful, natural paddle.
Paddlers should be able to see the shuttle clearly behind a foreground
of grasses, mangroves, and birds on a number of channels and small
lakes. And you'll be close enough to hear (and probably FEEL) the sounds
of the space shuttle engines! You'll probably want to start early so you
can paddle to the north end to be as close as possible to the shuttle
and a larger lake that is often the site of many birds roosting (see
attached photo of my wife there).

Unfortunately, launch shuttle time windows are no longer announced as
far in advance for security, so you should also plan to start early to
help your chances of being in the right place at the right time.
--

Al Vazquez
KayakGuide.com tm
Places to Paddle tm


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