kayaking advice - safe place to kayak? (Orlando, Ocala: movies, living)

[ccbay]

We just moved here from NY. My husband loves to kayak and brought his kayak down. He always brought the kids with him but I have to say I'm a bit scared of the gators.

Where is a safe place to kayak? We live in central Florida, Winter Springs. He's willing to drive anywhere.
Thanks!

[Alphaman]

here is a link there are plenty of places have fun!

Main Page - Wekiwa Springs State Park » Florida State Parks

The link goes to one of the closest places but you can browse around to other parks.

[pianogal]

Agree with alphaman. While most lakes around here probably have a gator or two, the only place I would avoid is Lake Jesup in Seminole County. Although two of my husband's friends kayak out to the little island in the middle alot and have had no problem. Also have friends who live on the lake. They usually have a couple of gators sunning in their backyard in the mornings, but just chase them back into the lake.

Almost any of the area parks, especially the state parks would be good. In addition to Wekiva (check out the Rock Springs Run) mentioned in the post above, there are Blue Springs and De Leon Springs, both off I 4 north of Orlando in Volusia County - they are 2 of my favorites. Also in the area are Hontoon Island State Park, and a little further away
the gorgeous waters of Silver Springs and Juniper Springs in Ocala and Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. There are many more. There is also a local kayaking club is he's into it that much. That have about 175 members and regularly plan trips.

Have FUN!

[Granny Sue]

If he really doesn't mind a drive....Ft DeSoto park. Voted best beach and has lots of areas for Kayaking.

[CURT]

Originally Posted by ccbay

We just moved here from NY. My husband loves to kayak and brought his kayak down. He always brought the kids with him but I have to say I'm a bit scared of the gators.

Where is a safe place to kayak? We live in central Florida, Winter Springs. He's willing to drive anywhere.
Thanks!

I live in oviedo and have been kayaking all over the place in central florida the past few years and have had no problems. It is worth reading up on gator habits as most of a northerners gator knowldge, such as myself, came from tarzan movies).

[Metallisteve]

The thing to avoid about gators is the nesting season. They will attack if you enter their comfort zone. Any other time of the year, they swim away. I will say however, I've seen quite a few monsters out there that could very easily make a dinner out of a small watercraft. Anything over 8' long starts to get my attention...I've seen 14'+ on Lake Jessup and at the southern edge of Lake George on the St. Johns (I think it was the gator that was photographed a few years ago by helicopter with the buck in it's mouth...no joke).

Another thing to remember in low-hanging tree branch areas is snakes in the trees. I never came across it, but it's a very real possibility. So take your paddle and run it through the branches before running your head through it!

My favorite place to kayak was La Playa Linda Beach...specifically, the Mosquito Lagoon side of the beach (not the ocean). It's like being at Sea World...the water is crystal clear and only about 3-5' deep...you see crabs, sharks, fish, birds, etc...plus the scenery is great too, especially when a shuttle is on the pad (the launch pads are only about a mile from the lagoon's southern end). One of the things I miss most about FL is this area (and that list of things missed is very short!).

[ccbay]

thanks everyone. Just one more question. Are there gators in the springs? Because I also wanted to swim with/see Manatees, and I heard springs are a good place to see them.

[Alphaman]

Where there is food you find gators.

[Metallisteve]

Originally Posted by ccbay

thanks everyone. Just one more question. Are there gators in the springs? Because I also wanted to swim with/see Manatees, and I heard springs are a good place to see them.

Springs within state parks are off limits during manatee season. New rule passed sometime in 2006. It's a crock of poop if you ask me. A few bad seeds ruin it for the rest of us. There are a few privately owned manatee spots (Crystal River) that do allow swimming with them. You can still see them at Blue Spring, you just can't get in the water. And technically speaking, I think there is a law that you can't touch them. The problem is usually that they're so friendly and curious that they swim up to you and won't go away!

As far as gators being in springs, I can speak for Blue Spring and say that I've NEVER seen a gator further than a 100' or so into the spring run. Take note that the total spring run is 0.5-1 mile long. The water is too cold and the current too strong for them to be comfortable in the spring. Plus, there's just too many people. Wekiva springs, I have seen them in the run...even nesting. This is outside of the swimming area, but still int he popular canoeing area.

[ccbay]

Thanks again, I appreciate the information in my venture to learn about living with the gators.