Greetings from N Central FL!

[TylertheTrout]

Greetings all!

I joined this site many mango seasons ago and for whatever reason it fell off my radar for awhile. None the less, I'm glad to have found my way back and thanks to the site admin for helping me get my log in back on track!

Originally from SW Florida, grew up in Dad's canoe from a young age fishing all over the glades and surrounding coastal wilderness zones, fishing and chasing waterfowl. Had a pretty long stint rocking the double blade and paddling long skinny sit insides doing touring trips and charging rough water in my late teens/early 20s. Stumbled upon a Swift Shearwater about 10 years ago or so and just fell in love with the solo boat, a surge of nostalgia blasted over me from my younger years from being in the bow of Dad's canoe and I never looked back. Had a Bell North wind until Hurricane Ian took her from me in '22. Recovered the Esquif Heron though so still have a tandem to take the wife and soon, our 3 month old son (how soon is too soon to take a newborn on a canoe mission?).

Happy to be here and looking forward to reconnecting with the crew! Cheers.

 

[bartcanoed]

They're never too young. My now grown children took many a nap nestled in an infant PFD in the bottom of a canoe. Although, kids love to dangle little hands and fingers in the water, so you might have to be careful with those gators down there.

 

[Neophyte]

Welcome! That Shearwater looks fun, did it survive?

Every time we get a new member from Florida all I can think is there is no way I’m getting in a canoe with all those gators. I guess you get used to it, but you’re braver than I would be.

 

[TylertheTrout]

Welcome! That Shearwater looks fun, did it survive?

Every time we get a new member from Florida all I can think is there is no way I’m getting in a canoe with all those gators. I guess you get used to it, but you’re braver than I would be.

Yes, the Shearwater did fine, it was hanging high in my garage during the storm.. we had 14ft of storm surge around our ground level home during Ian, so we lost most all of our worldy possessions. We moved North to start our lives over.

The gators a really not an issue to paddlers and most all wild alligators don't let you get very close to them, they are weary of humans. The most concerning alligator is one that's been fed by people, they'll hang around a dock or fillet table, those are dangerous gators.

We camp in their presence pretty regularly in the colder months without issue. I'm more worried about Cottonmouths than gators to be honest with you.

 

[Erica]

Welcome from south central Florida. My biggest fear now are the Burmese pythons, but you’re far enough north to avoid that.

 

[Neophyte]

Yes, the Shearwater did fine, it was hanging high in my garage during the storm.. we had 14ft of storm surge around our ground level home during Ian, so we lost most all of our worldy possessions. We moved North to start our lives over.

That's rough, I suppose a canoe is small consolation after that. Hope things are going well.

We camp in their presence pretty regularly in the colder months without issue. I'm more worried about Cottonmouths than gators to be honest with you.

Ha, was that supposed to be reassuring? Ok..so I'm being intentionally melodramatic about the gator thing. My wife and I visited Florida a while ago and had a good time. Visited some beaches and had a really fun airboat ride. I even held a baby gator. If I were with someone who knows the waters I would give Florida paddling a try.

 

[Gamma1214]

Welcome back. I'll agree that it's never "too soon" to take kids along. I'm certain that I recall some here (@scoutergriz?) being in canoes since infancy.

I tend to go North instead of South when paddling but I may make it that far someday. In the meantime, I appreciate the pictures and I am willing to live vicariously.

 

[canoekevin]

Yes, the Shearwater did fine, it was hanging high in my garage during the storm.. we had 14ft of storm surge around our ground level home during Ian, so we lost most all of our worldy possessions. We moved North to start our lives over.

The gators a really not an issue to paddlers and most all wild alligators don't let you get very close to them, they are weary of humans. The most concerning alligator is one that's been fed by people, they'll hang around a dock or fillet table, those are dangerous gators.

We camp in their presence pretty regularly in the colder months without issue. I'm more worried about Cottonmouths than gators to be honest with you.
View attachment 156018

I moved to Bradenton, FL 9 years ago and really enjoy the “all year” paddling here. (much better than the few months a year growing up on Lake Champlain).
I agree with Tyler that the gators tend to avoid you. I do make a point to bang my paddle on the side of the canoe occasionally when I am in a narrow remote section of a river to avoid surprising a gator.
With that said, I usually skip the fresh water and paddle in the Intracoastal or Tampa Bay even though I am only 10 minutes from a nice launch on the Manatee River.

 

[Robin]

Welcome to the site.

really enjoy the “all year” paddling here. (much better than the few months a year growing up on Lake Champlain).

I have rented canoes in Florida, just not for me I guess. How much paddling can you do during the summer months in Florida with the oppressive heat? 8-9, maybe 10 months?
I’ll take 7 months of Adirondack paddling any day.

 

[TylertheTrout]

Welcome to the site.



I have rented canoes in Florida, just not for me I guess. How much paddling can you do during the summer months in Florida with the oppressive heat? 8-9, maybe 10 months?
I’ll take 7 months of Adirondack paddling any day.

Summer paddling is very doable, dress for the occasion to keep the sun off ya, I still favor the old wicker wide brim hat as it keeps your head cooler than Polyester..

Also, the key is to plan your trip around an area that is shaded and this time do year I like to paddle in or near springs so you're always able to take a dip in constant 72-74 degree, crystal clear water..(helps you see the gators better too ). But I will admit.. those of us here who summer trip don't mind when you guys fuss about the heat, we get the rivers (mostly) to ourselves!