Sea Kayaking in Florida

Rating:
Summary: He should be paddled
Review: I am a kayak instructor and guide in Florida, and also an avid reader. At a recent get together with other guides and instructors, someone got out this book and suggested that we read some sections out loud to each other- (she said we would see why soon).After we stopped laughing, I became somewhat concerned- some of the information regarding paddling skills, equipment use, and safety were flat- out WRONG AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. I would highly recommend against anyone ever using this book!

Rating:
Summary: Good read for armchair and real explorers of Florida's coast
Review: Imagine yourself gliding past palm-studded hammocks surrounded by salt marshes teeming with wildlife. An 85 mile stretch of the Big Bend coast makes up the state's first officially designated kayak trail that runs from St. Marks Lighthouse to the mouth of the Suwannee River.A "sea" (the term touring kayak probably better describes the craft referred to here) kayak offers people of all ages a quiet way to explore Florida's protected coastal waters, larger lakes and rivers. A well-designed kayak can readily track through calm waters or choppy seas. The longer, narrower craft also handles much easier than its shorter, wobblier whitewater counterpart. Best of all, touring kayaks allow you to explore waterways without harming the creatures that live in them. Tallhassee attorney and lobbyist David Gluckman offers many tips on kayaking our state's vast coastline. He presents spirited accounts of his adventures in Everglades National Park and the Big Bend Sea Grasses Paddling Trail. He tells how to choose a boat and paddle and touches on safety equipment and learning to read tides and weather. Gluckman discloses how a kayak can be used for camping and fishing. Lastly, he gives us tidbits about early coastal history, critters--including mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds--and Florida geography. The book ends with six appendices that may prove helpful to kayakers. This work should be an invaluable introducution to anyone interested in learning more about the nation's fastest growing water sport. Much of what the author covers also will be useful to general readers whof find themselves irresitibly drawn to Florida's diverse shorelines. Reviewed by Michael Wisenbaker, Tallahassee, Florida