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Old 02-23-2014, 06:41 AM
 
15 posts, read 21,545 times
Reputation: 11

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I will be visiting soon and plan to do both SUP and kayaking. I plan to rent a SUP from Holidaze and just try it out. I have never tried it but I am dying to! Is there anywhere that you suggest that I kayak? Are there any must try spots? and....this may be a silly question, but how likely is it that I will encounter gators? If so what are you supposed to do? What about any other creatures that might scare the heck out of me, like say a shark? I love the water but I am also a bit fearful of it without knowing what to expect or what the safety protocols are when encountering these creatures.
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Old 02-23-2014, 07:12 AM
 
Location: Palm Island and North Port
7,511 posts, read 22,930,209 times
Reputation: 2879
Quote:
Originally Posted by Going Coastal View Post
I will be visiting soon and plan to do both SUP and kayaking. I plan to rent a SUP from Holidaze and just try it out. I have never tried it but I am dying to! Is there anywhere that you suggest that I kayak? Are there any must try spots? and....this may be a silly question, but how likely is it that I will encounter gators? If so what are you supposed to do? What about any other creatures that might scare the heck out of me, like say a shark? I love the water but I am also a bit fearful of it without knowing what to expect or what the safety protocols are when encountering these creatures.
If you didn't already have it scheduled I would highly recommend taking a tour with my buddy and fifth generation Floridian Jamie Hooks-http://www.jamiehooksoutdoors.com

Here's the deal, if you are coming in May-June and you go in the rivers--Myakka, Peace, etc (not the bay part but the rivers) there is 100% chance you'll see thousands. That is alligator mating season. As a kid, I used to swim in the rivers with the gators. I don't recommend this at all but my point is that if you stay to yourself and don't feed them, it's not likely they will pay much attention to you. If you do see them on the banks and they see you they do usually slip into the water because they feel threatened. If you don't want to see them then stay out of the rivers.

Probably the best place for kayaking and SUP is Brushy Bayou in Sarasota Bay. Here's a report and some pictures of one time we went out there: //www.city-data.com/blogs/blog2...ayou-lido.html

If you're a bit fearful of Florida critters you might want to check out my blog on this subject: //www.city-data.com/blogs/blog1...ldnt-want.html

It's highly unlikely that you'll see a shark while SUP, not that they're not there but just like gators, if you're not feeding them they don't wanna hang around. Also the water at Brushy Bayou is generally a bit low for their liking. You will possibly see manatee and dolphin hanging out in that area though. You have a .000001% chance of seeing a gator out in the bay. The water is too salty for them.

Hope this helps and happy paddling!
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Old 02-23-2014, 10:57 AM
 
Location: Port Charlotte
1,721 posts, read 2,788,997 times
Reputation: 387
there also grande tours in placida
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grand...93536857450435
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Old 02-23-2014, 11:23 AM
 
15 posts, read 21,545 times
Reputation: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoFLGal View Post
If you didn't already have it scheduled I would highly recommend taking a tour with my buddy and fifth generation Floridian Jamie Hooks-http://www.jamiehooksoutdoors.com

Here's the deal, if you are coming in May-June and you go in the rivers--Myakka, Peace, etc (not the bay part but the rivers) there is 100% chance you'll see thousands. That is alligator mating season. As a kid, I used to swim in the rivers with the gators. I don't recommend this at all but my point is that if you stay to yourself and don't feed them, it's not likely they will pay much attention to you. If you do see them on the banks and they see you they do usually slip into the water because they feel threatened. If you don't want to see them then stay out of the rivers.

Probably the best place for kayaking and SUP is Brushy Bayou in Sarasota Bay. Here's a report and some pictures of one time we went out there: //www.city-data.com/blogs/blog2...ayou-lido.html

If you're a bit fearful of Florida critters you might want to check out my blog on this subject: //www.city-data.com/blogs/blog1...ldnt-want.html

It's highly unlikely that you'll see a shark while SUP, not that they're not there but just like gators, if you're not feeding them they don't wanna hang around. Also the water at Brushy Bayou is generally a bit low for their liking. You will possibly see manatee and dolphin hanging out in that area though. You have a .000001% chance of seeing a gator out in the bay. The water is too salty for them.

Hope this helps and happy paddling!
Thanks for all the details, SoFLGal. You won't find me feeding any gators so I feel lots better just having the knowledge that they generally are fearful of us. I can't wait to get on the water! To see a manatee or dolphin woule be amazing!!!
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Old 02-23-2014, 11:32 AM
 
Location: Palm Island and North Port
7,511 posts, read 22,930,209 times
Reputation: 2879
If you go out with Jamie he can probably lead you in the right direction. No guarentees though
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Old 02-23-2014, 12:00 PM
 
1,917 posts, read 2,633,448 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeM8560 View Post
Found this on the link above

Hi folks, this is Ashlee Doot. I am sorry to announce that due to health reasons, Grande Tours Kayak & Paddleboard Center will be closing on December 1st. Capt. Marian has requested the facebook page be closed.

Gary
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Old 02-23-2014, 12:53 PM
 
Location: Palm Island and North Port
7,511 posts, read 22,930,209 times
Reputation: 2879
Quote:
Originally Posted by MartyGras View Post
Found this on the link above

Hi folks, this is Ashlee Doot. I am sorry to announce that due to health reasons, Grande Tours Kayak & Paddleboard Center will be closing on December 1st. Capt. Marian has requested the facebook page be closed.

Gary
That's too bad. I heard they were a decent company
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Old 02-23-2014, 06:41 PM
 
Location: Port Charlotte
1,721 posts, read 2,788,997 times
Reputation: 387
sorry to hear good wishes
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Old 02-24-2014, 03:09 PM
 
Location: Port Charlotte, Florida
165 posts, read 254,245 times
Reputation: 77
Ok I give what is SUP?
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Old 02-24-2014, 03:40 PM
 
15 posts, read 21,545 times
Reputation: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by PCHI View Post
Ok I give what is SUP?
Stand Up Paddle-boarding.
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