I am going to Orlando for an educational meeting in mid October...and would like to paddle a bit at some nice place...a big lake, river would be ok...but the coast would be better. Could someone recommend a place where I could rent a good kayak...and a favorite place to paddle. I am open to almost any place nice...including fishing from a kayak. If anyone wants to paddle with me and can provide an extra boat, paddle and flotation device I would happily spring for dinner anyplace you wish to go...and would be most greatful. I am an intermediate paddle...used to whitewater years ago, but due to time factors gave it up. I have a fair but not perfect roll, can do all braces reliably, and can do assisted and self rescues. If the paddling doesnot work out...i am always up for a good hike, or swim at the beach if anyone wants to make recommendations in those arenas! I currently paddle a Pygmy Coho...and like it a lot. thanks so much, Michael Orchard Vancouver, Washington *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
[Moderator's Note: Content unaltered. Excessive quoting (i.e. headers/footers/sig lines/comments from previous posts, etc.) have been removed. Please edit quoted material in addition to removing header/trailers when replying to posts.] We just got back from a similar trip. I did a three day conference in Orlando while my wife visited her nieces in Vero Beach. Vero is on the Atlantic, about a two hour trip from Orlando, east and then south. After the conference I joined my wife for a couple of days on the coast and we did a couple of paddles with an outfit called Adventure Kayaking. The first trip was their monthly full moon paddle. About 20 very friendly folks, many of them regulars for that trip. Beautiful scenery on the Indian River Lagoon, paddling quiet channels through a group of islands off the main channel, quite a bit of wildlife, and an incredible dinner cooked over a camp fire on one of the islands. Grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, fudge brownies. Yum! Did another trip the next day, just my wife and I, Steve (the proprietor) and his fiance (Rhonda). Went to a spot called Round Island, a little south of Vero Beach. They told us it's one of their favorite local spots. It's one of mine now too. The launch was at a county park / boat ramp, into a small "lake" that opens out onto the lagoon. There were two manatees, a male and a female it turns out, that we could see from the shore. As we got out into the lake, Steve told us to just sit for a minute. Sometimes the manatees come up to investigate, he said. Damned if they didn't. I got to pet the male on his head when he surfaced right next to me, looked me right in the eyes, let me scratch his head, and then submerged. Did it twice! The female surfaced next to Rhonda who proceeded to scratch her on the back with her paddle. The female then turned over on her back to have her belly rubbed. Then she came over and visited my wife and did the same thing!!! This went on for about 20 minutes. I've got pictures of it and memories that will last a lifetime. We paddled out into the lagoon and saw many ospreys and dolphins. Got another picture of a dolphin's fin 6 inches off the bow of my kayak as he/she was cruising up and down a channel, foraging I guess. A really neat trip. I'll never forget those manatees. These folks really gave us a good time and I will definitely use them again when we're back in that area. Their web site at www.paddleflorida.com has trip schedules. Michael wrote: > I am going to Orlando for an educational meeting in mid October... > Could someone recommend a place where I could rent a good kayak...and a > favorite place to paddle. I am open to almost any place > nice...including fishing from a kayak. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Michael, I live on the east coast of central Florida about an hour from Orlando. You will have MANY excellent paddling venue options; crystal-clear spring fed creeks, the bio-diverse Indian River Lagoon (EXCELLENT fishing for redfish or trout), the St. Johns (a wonderful American Heritage River), numerous lakes, or even surf or scuba kayaking on the coast. I have extra boats and gear and am happy to host Paddlewisers. Please let me know when you fix the dates and how to reach you. Michael wrote: > I am going to Orlando for an educational meeting in mid October...and > would like to paddle a bit at some nice place -- Al Vazquez KayakGuide.com tm Places to Paddle tm - Kayaking - Canoeing - Rafting - *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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