With 2013 behind us, and 2014 already upon us, I find myself reminiscing about experiences on my “kayaking journey” through life. I usually think of myself as being quite adventurous, but I still have the tendency to be a creature of habit, as well.
In closing, all of us at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions enjoy showing people how much fun kayaking can be. It is very special and rewarding for us to see our guests experience for the first time how peaceful and relaxing kayaking really is. We enjoy sharing our passion, and in this New Year, we encourage you to not miss the opportunity to pursue the things you really love, and make special memories of your own! I also want to take this opportunity to thank my Heavenly Father for making all of this great adventure possible for me.
Wow! Talk about being at the right place at the right time! On a recent Amelia River paddle, not only did we see a pod of dolphins, but as we were returning from our tour, we saw the SpaceX Satellite launch from Cape Canaveral. Not sure if it gets better than this, but we’re on the lookout!
Since there are many factors involved in choosing the right kayak before your purchase, I will address some of the more important ones. First, decide where you will be paddling. A kayak that might be suitable for flat water such as rivers, creeks, and lakes, is not the best choice for paddling in the surf […] The post Choosing Your Kayak appeared first on Amelia Island Kayak Excursions.
Quip
If it seems too good to be true, you must be kayaking!
Here at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, we continue to find new ways to have fun! Kayaking is proving to be a doable activity with our guests from 2 years old to 93 years young! Whether we are paddling with couples, families, or groups, we are having a blast sharing the first-time kayaking experience with so many! Seasoned kayakers have joined in on our fun, as well.
This recreational “adventure” that was just a hobby for me, has now become a wonderful and exciting business! There are two things that I dearly love – meeting people and kayaking. Now, I get to enjoy both!
With its cooler weather, the month of October turned out to be our busiest month so far. Now, we are into November, and our tours continue. There’s nothing more invigorating than being out on the water on a cool morning, and seeing the mist rise in the early morning sunlight. This makes getting up early worth the effort! No worries if you aren’t an “early bird”! Our late morning, afternoon, or sunset paddles are available for you.
An exciting addition to our excursions has been the Sunset Tour. We often see curious dolphins swimming nearby, and watch birds flying to their evening roosts. Now, add a beautiful sunset while paddling the Amelia River, and you have an unforgettable experience! I invite you to click on our website’s Facebook link, to see pictures of guests on our Sunset Tour, as well as the other tours we offer.
In closing, I want to thank everyone who has come and paddled with us. We truly appreciate you. And, for those of you who are thinking about kayaking, I encourage you to put us on your “to do” list. We would love to be a part of your visit to our area. Let’s go KAYAKING!
On our recent Sunset Tour, our paddlers were treated to a surprise guest appearance. One paddler exclaimed, “Not sure if we were checking out the dolphins or they were checking us out!” When paddling with us during our Sunset Tour on the Amelia River, keep a look out for dolphins. They are very curious, and exciting to see when they appear! Let’s Go Kayaking!
An exciting part of a kayak trip is seeing wildlife. Typically, the best times to view wildlife are sunrise or sunset. Also, kayaking at low tide provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching, as they are usually feeding along the exposed banks.
Kayaking is a quiet way to get close to wildlife without frightening them. Quiet paddling combined with right timing will increase one’s chances of viewing wildlife. Happy Paddling!
Quip Don’t be so focused on the destination that you miss out on the joy of the journey.
Tip: Some of our paddles are on waterways that are tidal influenced. Many of our guests have little paddling experience; so my goal is to make their paddling as easy as possible. Doing this is quite simple.
I look at the tide chart for my area to determine the times for high and low tides. For example, if I am planning a 2-hour paddle, I launch my kayak one hour before the tide changes, and paddle with the current. One hour later, the tide will change and I can return with the current. This same technique will allow me to increase or decrease my planned paddle times, and also will allow me to paddle in either direction at high or low tide. Happy Paddling!
Quip: As long as we are having fun, paddle out and paddle back the same day. It’s all GOOD!
How to Choose the Right Paddle for You and Your Kayak
Step 1: Measure the beam of your kayak, (the center of the cockpit at its widest point). If the width of your kayak is 25 inches or less, and you have an average torso length, the following rule of thumb, (Step 2), should get you close to your proper paddle size.
Step 2: Hold the paddle upright and stand next to it while extending your hand to the tip of the paddle. If you can curl your fingers over the tip of the paddle, the paddle is the right length for you.
Quip: A bad day kayaking is better than a good day at work!
“Kayaking changed my life!”
Madison Tipton: Kayak Guide
“As a lover of the outdoors and physical activity, becoming a part of my family’s business was a “no brainer”. I explore nature every day! As a Guide I regularly get to share nature and all of its wonders with our guests, so when the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating state became available, it was also a “no brainer”!
By completing all three core modules of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) through UF/IFAS, I explored and learned about the state of Florida from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast, from the smallest coastal invertebrates to the largest uplands mammals, and everything in between! Along the way I met some amazing people who have proven to be a support group of knowledge with a passion for educating. This program enhanced my knowledge of the outdoors, and it has opened an exciting new perspective of this beautiful creation for me. I look forward to sharing it with others. So, now that I am a certified Master Naturalist… Go ahead, ask me anything!!” ??
“I was also nominated and served at Vice President and President for the NorthEast Florida Master Naturalist Chapter. It was an honor for me to have the opportunity to meet the man who started it all, Dr. Mary Main!”
“Anyone can float down or camp on a river – but discovering how to live life while enjoying the passion of adventure, taking risks, and experiencing peace is a life well lived.” -the Saltwater Cowboy
Bartam Trail at Egan's Creek
Kids and Teens Camp
Everytime I am out on the water, it feels as if time stands still, and there is always something new to discover. Hope to see you out on the water!
Favorite quotes: “Dream Big and Celebrate Always” & “Life is a Special Occasion”!