Where Are The Best Places To Kayak In Florida?When people think about the tourist destinations in Florida, they usually picture palm trees, white sandy beaches, and Orlando theme parks. But Florida can certainly offer more. Itâs one of the top vacation destinations in the country for a reason, after all. The Sunshine State also has a diverse natural landscape thatâs perfect for kayakers, adventure seekers, sightseers, and nature lovers. You can relax, unwind, and enjoy the view of some of the most pristine paddling trails in the country. Since you're looking to make a trip to one of Florida's amazing waterways, consider reading this article, "What To Look For In A Roof Top Kayak Carrier" Here weâre listing down some of the best kayaking destinations you wouldnât want to miss. 1. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
At Ichetucknee Springs, you will find crystalline, ice-cold waters flowing from fresh water springs and feeding into the Ichetucknee River. Itâs a National Natural Landmark and is well known for having some of the clearest water in the world. It is located in the heart of agricultural flat lands in North Florida and is open all year round for kayaking and canoeing. Seasonally, Ichetucknee Springs is even open for tubing and swimming. But if you are more interested in taking your kayak and paddling through pristine, clear waters, then this is a great place to visit no matter what time of the year. Visit Ichetucknee Springs during the weekdays in off-season and you may catch a glimpse of river otters, blue herons, turtles, and more. You will also see ancient moss-covered Cyprus and limestone banks that are perfect for a few photo ops. Talk about a relaxing day in Florida. 2. Rainbow River
Rainbow Springs is very popular. And if you ever travel further west in North Central Florida, you should definitely stop by. This first magnitude spring pumps fresh water into Rainbow River. In a gentle current, it flows 6 miles into the Withlacoochee River. If you want to go on a refreshing water adventure, this is a great choice: there are plenty of flora and fauna to admire along the way, plus the moss-covered pine and Cyprus. Just like Ichetucknee Springs, Rainbow River has plenty of turtles and river otters. You will be launching at Rainbow Springs Park in Dunnellon, where the paddling trail will take you past the Ocala National Forest, and then cruise all the way back to a loop in Rainbow Springs. Rainbow Springs happens to be the fourth largest spring in the state. It was designated as a National Natural landmark in 1972. Although it was originally a tourist attraction in the 1930s, it is now a protected wilderness area, which only serves to preserve its beauty. Kayak rentals are available at the park if you want to explore this place of magnificent beauty. 3. Manatee River
Manatee River is situated in West Central Florida, and is one of the finest paddling trails in the state, flowing 46 miles through Manatee County to Tampa Bay. Itâs a popular spot among kayakers, and the Upper Manatee River Run is a great place to soak your paddles. The trail is a 9-mile paddle stretch that runs from Fort Hamer Country Park to Manatee Dam. This is actually the perfect pick for beginners because itâs not too challenging. The place is made more beautiful by the moss-covered mangroves, pine, and scrub. This is a great kayaking destination if you want to see even more wildlife. You can watch out for birds, manatees, and other wildlife. On the weekdays, the river is mostly empty, so you can feel like you have the whole place all to yourself. The experience is truly exhilarating. Bring your own gear or rent one for the day. If you get tired, there are sandbars along the way where you can stop off for a picnic and stretch your legs. 4. Cedar Key
The city life is fast-paced and stressfulâand if you want to shake off the stress, head to Cedar Key. Sometimes the top destinations are littered with tourists, and thatâs not really ideal. But this quaint fishing village off the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect getaway. It offers pink and purple hued sunsets if you stick around until the evening, and all throughout the day you can enjoy kayaking. Itâs a great place for paddling. It starts off as a 30-minute paddle to the historic Island of Atsena Otie, which is an ancient Native American water trail. After exploring and admiring the beauty of Cedar Key, you can paddle back to shore under a Florida coast sunset. Take your time to spot wildlife like blue herons and eagles. If you visit during the summer time, youâll get to see the return of Leatherback turtles. If youâre lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing around in the gentle blue waters. 5. Oleta River
This one is right in the heart of the bustling metropolis of Miami. You might be surprised to see this beautiful mangrove forestâit is the largest urban park in the US. Kayaking is a great way to explore all of the inlets of Oleta River, including the Haulover Inlet nearbyâthat is, if your arms are ready for a workout. Stop by the 200 ft. sandy beach for a swim. There are also plenty of nature trails to explore and enjoy. You will also find lots of local flora and fauna that are typical of South Florida. Even if youâre a beginner, you can enjoy the wonders of Oleta River because there are guided tours available. But this one is also suitable for those who want to explore on their own. The place is large enough to offer many different choices, and itâs up to you how you want to enjoy your adventure. Our Recommendation: The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System If youâre going to invest on a kayak carrier, why not go for one of the best in the market? With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourselfâand in just a little over a minute! EZ Rec-Rack makes the easiest to load, roof-mounted carrier, you can strap your kayak on and then easily slide it on top of the minivan. This piece of innovation was developed, crafted, and patented by Ira Mercurio after realizing that this has never been done before. With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc! This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: whether itâs a relaxing trip on peaceful lakes, or a more challenging adventure in twisting rivers.
The Best Easy To Use, Single Person Capable, Kayak Roof Rack
If you want to be able to quickly transport your kayak from one place to another, youâre gonna need a kayak carrier. But before you go out and buy one, you have to know what to look forâand what it does in the first place. A car rack lets you get the most out of your kayak. It allows you to easily transport your boat with minimal fuss. You wonât need much effort to enjoy your hobby, and you can spend more energy on actually having fun in the water. It is also necessary to maintain the safety of your car, as well as your kayak. Safe transportation is the key, and so a good roof rack should be able to secure the boat onto the car properly. Now if you have multiple kayaks that need to be transported, then a single roof rack wonât be enough. You will probably need a trailer or a truck for that, but at least a kayak carrier can carry up to two or more kayaks at once. If you donât want your kayaking trip to feel like a chore, we suggest going for the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System, created and patented by Ira Mercurio. This simple innovation allows kayakers to load their kayak safely onto the top of the car without any fuss. But we will discuss that in detail later on. Hereâs what you need to look for when you have an SUV and you want to choose the right kayak carrier for it. The Problem with SUVs and Older ModelsTrying to do everything on your own is a hassle. Itâs a tiring thing to do. But itâs even more challenging if your vehicle isnât right for the task. There are cars, SUVs, and other vehicles that just arenât up for the challenge. Older cars, SUVs, minivans, etc, donât have racks or a rail system. This makes it impossible to set up the kayak without proper tools. Most car owners donât even think of roof racks when buying a new carâthatâs just the least of their worries, and it certainly doesnât help the situation we have here. For kayakers, a roof rack is important because it is the framework for carrying luggage, boats, and other equipment that theyâll need in their trip. The good news is that many newer models either have rails on them, or can be configured to have a rack later on. First Option: DIY Roof RacksFor those without a rail system, you can install a rack yourself. If youâre determined to go the DIY route, there are a lot of tutorials online that will teach you how to get it all done. You still need some basic welding skills, a shop, and plenty of time on your hands to pull this off. You also may have to invest on tools, etc. But this is great for those who want to put in the work and learn how to do it by themselves. Now if you want a safer and easier option, you can always just hire a professional to install a roof rack for you. This also ensures that there wonât be any leaks later on. The process involves drilling into your roof, so hiring a professional is something worth considering. Your other option is to buy a roof rack thatâs compatible with your car, even if it doesnât have a rail. What You Need to Know When Buying a Roof Rack
The first thing you need to know is how wide your SUV is. This allows you to look for roof racks that are compatible with your vehicle. Check the width at the front, about 6 to 12 inches from the top of the windshield, and at the rear, about 6 to 12 inches in front of the rear of the roof. Not all roof racks will fit all cars. Most racks are adjustable for 6 to 12 inches, but you still need a rack that will comfortably fit the width of your car. Next, check if your car has a rain gutter or a fixed point system. Some cars have these narrow channels that allow rain to run off the front and rear of the carâs roof. These can be helpful because there are plenty of roof racks that can attach to rain gutters permanently, making installation a breeze. On the other hand, a fixed point system is built into your minivanâs roof to allow you to attach a rail system. You also need to consider the heaviest weight that will be carried on the rack. Consult the car manual or call the car manufacturer and describe what you intend to use the car rack for. This is to avoid damaging your car. Make sure the largest weight can be accommodated. On top of all these considerations, you need to think about your budget. There are many options out there, but your choice will ultimately depend on what you can afford and how much you are willing to spend. There are affordable roof racks and there are ones that are on the more expensive side. Keep in mind that just because itâs inexpensive doesnât mean itâs worth buying, and that even expensive ones can be low quality. You need to be a bit more analytical when it comes to these long term investments. Our Recommendation For Loading Kayaks Into SUV's: The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System
If youâre going to invest on a kayak carrier, why not go for one of the best in the market? With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourselfâand in just a little over a minute! EZ Rec-Rack is changing the game and revolutionizing the industry by being the first and only kayak carrier that lets you load and unload your kayak by yourself! With this roof-mounted carrier, you can strap your kayak on and then easily slide it on top of the minivan. This piece of innovation was developed, crafted, and patented by Ira Mercurio after realizing that this has never been done before. With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc! This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: whether itâs a relaxing trip on peaceful lakes, or a more challenging adventure in twisting rivers. Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today! Previous Articles Choosing a Roof Rack for Your Minivan: Why You Should Pick the EZ Rec-Rack Top Loading System1/10/2019
Traveling to and from your kayaking destination often feels like a chore. But driving your kayak and then carrying it to the shore is unavoidableâunless you live near the water. The difficult part is strapping on your kayak and setting all the gears and accessories on top of your car. And as most kayakers would know, those things are heavy. Older cars, SUVS, minivans, certain models or makes just donât have racks or a rail system, making it impossible to set up your kayak without the proper tools. And to be honest, most car owners donât even think of roof racks when buying a new car. You need a roof rack because it is the framework for carrying luggage, boats, and other equipment that youâll need in your trip. A lot of the newer models either have rails on them, or can be configured to have a rack later on. Two Options for Kayakers With Minivans or Vehicles without a Rail System
You have quite a few options here. First, you can install a rack or hire a professional to install it for you. To ensure that there wonât be any leaks later on (because it will involve drilling into your roof) you may want to consider hiring a professional to do it. If youâre really determined to go the DIY route, there are plenty of tutorials online that you can follow. You will still need some basic welding skills, a shop, and plenty of time on your hands in order to pull this off. Your other option is to buy a roof rack thatâs compatible with your car, even if it doesnât have a rail. Things to Consider When Buying a Roof Rack
First of all, you want to know how wide your vehicle is. Check the width at the front, about 6 to 12 inches from the top of the windshield, and at the rear, about 6 to 12 inches in front of the rear of the roof. Not all roof racks will fit all cars, so this step is important. Most racks are adjustable for 6 to 12 inches, but you still need a rack that will comfortably fit the width of your car. Next, you have to check if your car has a rain gutter or a fixed point system. Some cars have these narrow channels that allow rain to run off the front and rear of the carâs roof. These can be helpful because there are plenty of roof racks that can attach to rain gutters permanently, making installation a breeze. On the other hand, a fixed point system is built into your minivanâs roof to allow you to attach a rail system. You also need to consider the heaviest weight that will be carried on the rack. Consult the car manual or call the car manufacturer and describe what you intend to use the car rack for. This is to avoid damaging your car. Make sure the largest weight can be accommodated. Lastly, think about your budget. There are many options out there, but your choice will ultimately depend on what you can afford and what you are willing to spend. There are affordable roof racks and ones that are on the more expensive side. Regardless, your choice of roof rack is a long term investment, so you need to be smart about it. Purchase from a reputable seller. Our Recommendation: The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System If youâre going to invest in a kayak carrier, why not go for one of the best in the market? With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourselfâand in just a little over a minute! EZ Rec-Rack is changing the game and revolutionizing the industry by being the first and only kayak carrier that lets you load and unload your kayak by yourself! With this roof-mounted carrier, you can strap your kayak on and then easily slide it on top of the minivan. This piece of innovation was developed, crafted, and patented by Ira Mercurio after realizing that this has never been done before. With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc! This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: whether itâs a relaxing trip on peaceful lakes, or a more challenging adventure in twisting rivers. Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today! Previous Articles Kayaking and Drinking: Is Kabrewing Safe?2018 was a great year for kabrewing as it continued its steady rise in popularity. But what exactly is it and why are more and more kayakers trying it? Well, for starters, it mixes the beautiful and relaxing atmosphere of the great outdoors with the fun vibe of drinking with your friends. This unlikely mixture of fun activities has provided many friends, colleagues, and couples with the most unforgettable experience. If you’re particularly fond of paddling and casual drinking, then there’s nothing better than kabrewing. Now let’s move on to the most important question of all: What is Kabrewing?Kabrewing is just a clever name for kayaking and drinking beer. You wouldn’t actually be brewing anything—you’ll be more focused on beer tasting, actually. But a KaBrew tour is a kayaking and brew tour that will surely excite the most adventurous thrill-seekers. The earlier version of “kabrewing” is actually named “cabrewing” and this is a combination of canoeing and brewing. There’s a slang term called cabrewing, but it simply refers to the act of drinking while canoeing. That’s not what happens here. You kayak to your next destination and then have a pint or two. Many people wonder: is kabrewing safe? And the answer is yes! Believe it or not, these tours are well planned out. These are guided tours that won’t let you get too drunk before you get to the next destination. And yes, most brew tours are famous for multiple brew locations that you get to access by paddling! PaddleTC in Traverse City in Michigan, for example, is one of the most popular kabrewing businesses, with its many unique breweries accessible via their guided tours. The Boardman River in Traverse City is one place you can take a kayak trip on the way to some of the best craft breweries in Northern Michigan. Kabrewing is Growing in Popularity: What to Expect from Your Guided Tour
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AuthorHey! It's Ira Mercurio the creator of the EZ Rec-Rack. I'm making this blog to keep you all updated on everything going on with us, Enjoy! Archives
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