Kayaking Florida's Waterways
Long before car keys ever jingled in my pocket, small boats gave me the freedom to roam and explore Florida's waterways. There, along the mangrove-covered channels, I found peace and purpose as I discovered yet another part of the natural world. Now, when I've grown tired of the urban and the urbane, I escape to my kayak and to Florida's natural highway system.
Kayaks originated in the cold, inhospitable waters of the planet’s northern seas. These early crafts evolved from three simple needs: to get from here to there, to keep the cold water out, and keep the paddler and his gear safe and dry. Baffin Bay, Greenland may be a long way away from South Florida, but South Floridians can take great pleasure in using the boats Greenlanders invented out of necessity.
The kayak is a simple machine. Because only the boat, the paddle and its paddler are needed, kayaking is boating in its purest form. The kayak doesn't require motors, sails, lines or gas. It makes no noise, and emits no exhaust. These qualities are what make kayaks the easiest, and quite possibly the best, way to dip into Florida's vast waterways and get to know them for all their beauty, diversity, and wilderness.
The best thing about kayaking is that it's easy to do. Just as the gear required to get started is minimal, so are the skills required to enjoy the sport in its most basic form. Although a paddler could easily spend a lifetime perfecting his skill, taking up kayaking is easy.
Beginning kayakers should stick to shallow, warm water until they are comfortable kayaking in deeper waters. Beginners may also want to consider taking a lesson. Shake-A-Leg Miami, located in Coconut Grove, is a handicap accessible, public access, community water sports center that offers kayaking lessons and rentals. For $25, you can get a lesson and a two-hour tour of the beautiful Biscayne Bay coast.
If you own gear already or have friends that do, then all you need is access. Miami's Hobie Beach, just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, is a good place to start. You can drive right to the water’s edge and access is totally free.
As you unload the car, turn your back to the traffic and gridlock. Take a deep breath, feel the sun on your face and get ready for an adventure.
Originally Published June 13, 2008
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