5 Tips for Your Summer Paddling Adventure

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Follow these simple tips to keep your warm-weather paddling trip above water!




1. Plan Ahead

Yes, we know it sounds simple- but there's more to paddling in Florida than just showing up with a kayak. Some areas might be harder to paddle at low tide, some may require payment, and some you'll definitely need a map for. Make sure to look up the spot where you plan to paddle and find any maps and information you may need beforehand. 

Check out the Canoeing and Kayaking in Hillsborough County webpage for information on which Hillsborough County Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves make for the best paddling adventure, including where you can rent a canoe or kayak!


2. Bring Plenty of Sustenance

This tip also sounds simple, but it's very important! When you're out on the water, you may be a long ways away from your car and not realize how long it'll take to return. Make sure to pack more snacks and water than you think you'll need. 

It's easy to forget to stay hydrated when you're totally surrounded by water, so make sure you're reminding yourself and your friends or family to sip on that water bottle regularly! Paddling can be hard work, and the last thing you want is to be dehydrated in the Florida heat.


3. Know Your Safety Gear

By rule of the US Coast Guard, Florida boaters must have a PFD, or personal flotation device, with them in their boat at all times- and each vessel must have enough PFDs for every passenger. Paddlers must also carry a whistle or other sound-producing device, and if you'll be out after dark, you'll need a bright white light (which doesn't have to be on all the time- just available in case of collision). 

It's important to follow these boating safety regulations to keep our beautiful waterways a safe and enjoyable place for all Floridians!


4. Spray, Spray, Spray!

There's nothing worse than getting a few miles down the river and realizing you forgot to apply your sunscreen or, heaven forbid, your bug spray!

Although the breeze on the water often keeps them away, mosquitoes are everywhere this time of year, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure to carry your insect repellent of choice with you and re-apply as needed. Sunscreen is also a must- this close to the equator, a sunburn doesn't take long, and nobody looks forward to slathering on aloe for days after their paddling adventure.


5. Enjoy Wildlife Respectfully

It's alligator mating season here in central Florida, and although gators tend to be very aloof, it's always good to stay aware. Never approach an alligator, manatee, river otter, or dolphin too closely in a kayak- even the gentlest of large aquatic animals can cause problems when you get too close. Remember, manatees are protected by federal law, and interacting with them can make them a little too comfortable around people (read more here). Never touch, feed, or give water to any wild animal.

There are plenty of amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing along Hillsborough County's coastline and waterways- remember to bring your binoculars and you may see fledgling great blue herons being fed in their nest, river otters playing on the banks of the Alafia, or even a pod of manatees getting a breath of fresh air above the surface!

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