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Paddle power
Want to smell salt air instead of gasoline, hear the waves lap instead of an engine's roar, see a dolphin up close instead of fleeing in the opposite direction? Try a kayak.
By WILMA NORTON
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 7, 2000
[Times photo: Times photo (1997)
Caladesi Island is a favorite spot of many kayakers.
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Patricia Howerter was inline skating in Fort DeSoto Park six years ago when she saw a man carrying a funny-looking boat.
"I said, "What is that thing, and where are you going?' " Howerter said. He told her it was a sea kayak, and he was heading for Egmont Key, about 11/2 miles away.
It was the beginning of her own kayak adventure.
By the time she had watched the man paddle to Egmont and back in about 90 minutes, Howerter had decided she needed one just like his.
She has been kayaking year-round in a plastic, sit-on-top model ever since.
Growing numbers of people are getting into kayaking for the same reasons Howerter enjoys it:
Kayaking in one of the sit-on-top models is simple, and the lightweight boats are easy to get in and out of the water. It's relaxing and good exercise. It's relatively inexpensive. It can be done alone or in groups.
And it takes advantage of Florida's biggest assets: the water and wildlife.
"I've had dolphins come so close to me, I thought I was going to get tipped," Howerter said.
Howerter, 45, who lives in Treasure Island, most often kayaks near her house, frequently with a group of friends. But she and her husband also love the Hillsborough River and Fort DeSoto. And she hopes soon to explore the canoe and kayak trails at Weedon Island Preserve in northeast St. Petersburg.
Bob Meers, owner of Nobleton Canoe and Boat Rentals on the Withlacoochee River in Hernando County, said the sport is so popular that he has trouble keeping the 10-foot sit-on-tops in stock.
Lots of kayak outfitters offer lessons, though Meers said he thinks 30 seconds of instruction are enough.
"Anybody who can walk down the street and stay on the sidewalk can do a kayak," he said.
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Prices for sea kayaks start in the $300-$400 range. The cost of rentals varies. Businesses offering rentals, classes and trips include:
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Adventure Kayak Centers, 3011 Alt. U.S. 19, Palm Harbor. Sales, rentals, lessons and outings. (727) 784-6357.
Agua Azul Kayaks, 343 Dunedin Causeway (Marker 1 Marina), Dunedin. Sales, rentals, lessons and outings. (727) 738-4576 or http://www.getpaddled.com.
Bill Jackson's, 9501 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. Sales, classes and outings. (727) 576-4169.
Canoe Country Outfitters, 6493 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg, Sales, rentals and lessons. (727) 545-4554.
Canoe Escape, 9335 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Sales, rentals, kayaking trips on Hillsborough River. (813) 986-2067 or http://www.canoeescape.com.
Crystal River Manatee Dive and Tour, 267 NW Third St., Crystal River. Limited number of rentals. (352) 795-3337.
Homosassa Kayak & Expedition Company, 5300 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa. Sales, rentals, kayak tours to private island on the Homosassa River. (352) 628-3183 or http://www.manateetours.com.
It's Our Nature, 929 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater. Lessons and tours on Hillsborough River and at Fort DeSoto Park south of St. Petersburg. (727) 441-2599 or toll-free (888) 535-7448 or http://www.itsournature.com.
McFarlane's Kayaks & Scuba, 8381 Northcliff Blvd., Spring Hill. Sales, rentals, lessons, sunset paddles and tours. (352) 666-0206.
Nobleton Canoe and Boat Rental, 29196 Lake Lindsey Road (on the Withlacoochee River), Nobleton. Sales, rentals. (352) 796-4343 or toll-free (800) 783-5284.
Osprey Bay Kayaks, 17910 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. Sales, rentals, lessons and trips. (727) 524-9670, toll-free (877) 529-2572 or http://www.ospreybay.com.
Plantation Inn Marina, 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River. Limited rentals. (352) 795-5797.
Sweetwater Kayaks, 1130 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde. Sales, lessons, rentals and tours. (727) 906-0708 or http://www.sweetwaterkayaks.com.
Weeki Wachee Marina, 7154 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee. Limited rentals. (352) 596-2852. Withlacoochee River RV Park & Canoe Rental, 39847 State Road 575, Lacoochee. Rentals. (352) 583-4778.
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