Paddling Safety Tips Spring is alligator mating season. Just about any body of water in Florida, stream or river, has an alligator population. They normally will not attack canoes or kayaks, but during breeding season they tend to be territorial and more aggressive. Watch for hidden obstacles, low branches, fallen trees, and snakes. State law requires a life jacket (PFD) for each person in the boat. In fast current, wear it, don't sit on it. If you flip over and the PFD floats away, it won't matter how hot you were. Take a cell phone along if you have one. Put it in a waterproof zipped freezer bag. Carry a first aid kit in a dry bag or large freezer bag. Tie essential items to the gunwales of your canoe, or stow in a kayak hatch so they don't sink or float away in a spill. Notify someone of your trip plans so they will know to organize a search or notify authorities if you haven't checked in by an agreed upon time. Maps Maps for more than 100 designated canoe runs in Florida can be downloaded and printed from: Office of Greenways and Trails 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. 500Tallahassee, FL 32303-4124 850/488-3701 Maps for runs in National Forests can be obtained by writing to: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service Division 325 John Knox Rd., Suite F-100 Tallahassee, FL 32303 You can also obtain maps and outfitter information by contacting:Florida Professional Paddlesports Association PO Box 1764 Arcadia, FL 34265 Local organizations Wilderness Trekkers is a volunteer Central Florida group committed to responsible use of the outdoors. They organize canoe trips and other outings throughout the year.
Local organizations Wilderness Trekkers is a volunteer Central Florida group committed to responsible use of the outdoors. They organize canoe trips and other outings throughout the year.
