Biking/climbing/kayaking in the Clearwater / Dunedin area (Tampa, Bradenton: rent, home)

[ghuffster]

Hi, everybody! I'm pondering a relocation with my wife & our third & final son at home (15 yo) in the next 6-8 months to the Clearwater / Dunedin area. We're just starting to research specific locations & will likely rent for a year before settling in with a purchase.

I'm interested in learning from the "locals" about prime locations for some of my favorite leisure activities - road biking, kayaking & indoor rock climbing. Of course SCUBA diving is also part of the plan. I'd appreciate any input that you may have. Thanks in advance for your help!

[spainbrit]

Lots of biking on Pinellas Trail, kayaking all over the place we have tons (or should I say gallons) of water. Indoor rock climbing I know is at Y at St Pete, and sure its in other places too, I think there is one good one at Oldsmar or round there. Scuba, well we are surrounded by water here in Pinellas county, so I can't imagine that is difficult either!

[jessiegirl_98]

You should check out www.tampaadventuregroup.com
You don't have to join the group (I'm a member and love it), but you can look at their past/future events to get an idea about where they do all of those things.

[ghuffster]

Thanks for the great info, Spainbrit & Jessiegirl_98. The Tampa Adventure Group sounds like a terrific time. I checked out the Pinellas Trail online & it looks fantastic - just what I was hoping for! For SCUBA, I'm sure that we'll be able to find local groups that go out. Kayaking looks like a great time in the Gulf - and I learned about the Blueways on the Pinellas County Parks website. The Vertical Ventures climbing gym in Tampa looks terrific. I haven't yet found any more info on the other (local) climbing walls; but that will just be icing on the Dunedin cake. This place is looking better & better...

Thanks, again, for your valuable input!

[TampaKaren]

I just remembered this for another post and I thought you might be interested as well --> Friendship Trail Bridge - Tampa Bay

[spainbrit]

There is one at the Y in St Pete (climbing wall)

[ghuffster]

Spainbrit & TampaKaren - Thanks a lot for the additional information on the Friendship TrailBridge & the climbing wall in St. Pete. You've been very helpful.

With all of of the terrific adventures to be had in the area, I'm anxious for us to get down there soon.

[steph4716]

I go kayaking all the time around here...there are really nice springs all over the place, just do a search online for them (mainly up north). We really enjoy going around Caladesi Island (Dunedin). Very few people go to the beach there and it is fun, we've had dolphins come up to us on many occassions too. Scuba diving is especially nice north of here in the springs which you can do a search for...scuba divers' dream come true. On US 19 in St Pete has an outdoor store Bill Jacksons; they take scuba trips/kayak trips often. 9501 U.S. 19 North
Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
727.576.4169
Sweetbay in St Pete also does kayak trips too; they are off Gandy Blvd.
Biking on Pinellas trail (I've done the whole trail)...it's pretty nice for road biking

[AnotherDayInParadise]

I can't speak to indoor rock climbing or biking, but kayaking... you can't beat it on the Gulf Coast!

One of the best places I've ever spent the day on a kayak is off of the intercoastal side of Bradenton Beach. You can hit the channel in between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key. When the tide is low, you can pull your yak on to a sandbar and swim or look for shells/wildlife. Also had an encounter with a sea turtle there... its head was as big as a bowling ball. You can't launch off of the few public beaches on LBK, so it's as close as you'll get without staying at a resort there (which we've also done, and taking your boat out just before sunset is fantastic).

I also love (LOVE) Stump Pass State Park, which is a good day trip from Clearwater. Put in on the intercoastal side, get through the Pass (probably see a dolphin or two in the meantime) and paddle down the beach. AWESOME!

We are taking our boats to Bahia Honda in December for four days of camping, kayaking, and photography.... can't wait!!!!

[Miami_Dan]

Originally Posted by steph4716

I go kayaking all the time around here...there are really nice springs all over the place, just do a search online for them (mainly up north). We really enjoy going around Caladesi Island (Dunedin). Very few people go to the beach there and it is fun, we've had dolphins come up to us on many occassions too. Scuba diving is especially nice north of here in the springs which you can do a search for...scuba divers' dream come true. On US 19 in St Pete has an outdoor store Bill Jacksons; they take scuba trips/kayak trips often. 9501 U.S. 19 North
Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
727.576.4169
Sweetbay in St Pete also does kayak trips too; they are off Gandy Blvd.
Biking on Pinellas trail (I've done the whole trail)...it's pretty nice for road biking

Actually I think this post is referring to SWEETWATER Kayaks Co. Friends of mine who have been rated the best kayak shop in the state of Florida for the past 5 years running. World famous/renoun sea kayakers own the store and are very friendly and outgoing. They always have trips planned and classes for teaching certificates and the likes. Awesome people.
Sweetwater Kayaks The Premier Kayaking Center