This is that magic time of year to paddle! (Jacksonville: to rent, tax return) - Florida (FL) - City-Data Forum

bobsim · 03-12-2012, 04:56 AM

We looked all over Cedar Creek for you folks yesterday. I'm sure some of have a legitimate reason for not being on the water but there's a few (and you know who you are) that should have been there. It won't be long until we're hunting shade and air conditioning, these are the days we're sorry we wasted in the summer.

We call this River City, drive over bridges all the time and forget why. Not just the big bridges, those little humps in the road with a guard rail on each side are there to remind you - there's water down there! Some of these smaller waterways offer another dimension in boating, imagine drifting through your neighbors backyard and it's OK to be nosy. Meet them, their children and dogs. Drift through the smells of bacon, barbeque and jasmine. Take a moment to watch the water birds and search the trees for owls, chances are they're watching you. Feeling adventurous? Follow a feeder or branch creek as far as you can and get back into the canopy where you're the outsider. There's more wildlife, scenery and solitude back there than you can shake a paddle at! So much this area has to offer, and you just drove right over it, we were down there and heard you...so don't deny it.

Folks, if you don't play on the water you're missing out on our greatest resource. There are several places to rent and a good used market in Jacksonville.

Have kids? Were they wasting away in front of the TV or video game yesterday? If they can handle a remote it's a safe bet they can figure out a paddle. Give it a shot one day - it may stick to their hands.

Here's our trip yesterday, we don't have a high quality camera so bear with the photos. Set the map to satellite view, zoom in a tad and imagine yourselves on the water. Cedar River to Wills Creek - 031112 - Kayaking / Canoeing trip | EveryTrail

I'm not soliciting but there is a clean-up at Pottsburg Creek this Saturday. All Wet Sports has equipment to rent and I believe they're putting out eats too. Sounds like opportunity is pounding at the door.
St. Johns River Cleanup & Celebration » Events » St. Johns Riverkeeper

Here's the fine print: I can't imagine being on the water without a proper flotation device. There are inflatable ones so comfortable you will forget you have it on. Plenty of other models too and they can be very reasonable, find one you can wear and wear it. Please.

GadgetRick · 03-12-2012, 05:00 AM

Interesting you posted this now. Been wanting to get a kayak since we moved here a year and a half ago. My friend--who moved here about a year ago--and I went and picked up a kayak for him (it's a 2-person) yesterday. I'm hopeful I can get one for myself once my tax return arrives.

I also have a wife and two boys (9 and 6) whom I want to enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, the boys don't know how to swim yet (yes, we'll all be wearing vests but I'd like them to know how to swim before heading out on a boat themselves--with us in another boat).

Might be going out with my buddy on his next weekend. We don't know what we're doing. If you're free, maybe you can show us around.

LilMikey · 03-12-2012, 06:09 AM

My *** arrives Tuesday! Unfortunately the paddle and PFD will take another few days and we have family coming in over the weekend so I probably won't be able to hit the water until the following weekend but I'm really looking forward to it. We are real close to the intracoastal so I'll be paddling there most of the time.

BabyBoomers2 · 03-12-2012, 06:50 AM

No "paddling" for us, but will be firing up the 5.7L/350 hp engine on the old "cuddy cabin" very, very soon! It will be........PARTY TIME!!

fsquid · 03-12-2012, 07:18 AM

I paddle my kid year round

bobsim · 03-12-2012, 12:51 PM

GadgetRick, We're on the water almost every weekend. This Saturday we'll be chipping in to clean up the pottsburg. You should be able to get my email address from the forum - let me know a few days before you want to splash and we'll work out a location. I'm also free during the week now and then... just let me know when it's good for you.

LilMikey, I can't help with the paddle but do have a few vests, let me know if you want to borrow one or two.

I forgot to mention in the post the colors are busting out there too. Azaleas, Wisteria, small white lily type flowers all over the place.

LilMikey · 03-12-2012, 06:05 PM

Thanks Bob, the gear will be here before I'll have time to use it so, no worries. In fact, the paddle itself arrived to day but the boat was delayed until Wed.

GadgetRick · 03-13-2012, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsim

GadgetRick, We're on the water almost every weekend. This Saturday we'll be chipping in to clean up the pottsburg. You should be able to get my email address from the forum - let me know a few days before you want to splash and we'll work out a location. I'm also free during the week now and then... just let me know when it's good for you.

LilMikey, I can't help with the paddle but do have a few vests, let me know if you want to borrow one or two.

I forgot to mention in the post the colors are busting out there too. Azaleas, Wisteria, small white lily type flowers all over the place.

I'll pm you my contact info.

Not looking good for Saturday. Long story. Maybe Sunday at this point.

Looking forward to getting out there.