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after the Storm
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in your Bag?
On
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Wear or Not To Wear
Paddling Florida's Crooked River
Shuttling Secrets
The Joy of Local Paddle Trips
It's wet. Now what?
Keep Anclote Key Beautiful
It's HOT. HOT. HOT.
Spring Fling
Winter Paddling
Autumn Rants & Raves
Summertime Storms
Welcome to Club Kayak
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SPRING 2001 - TAMPA, FLORIDA USA
 On
Easter Sunday in 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon landed on the sunny
shores of "Pascua de Florida". His primary objective,
besides the usual gold and silver, was to find a mystical spring
where one drink of its elixir-like water would bring health and
eternal youth. Unfortunately for Ponce, he never did find his
Fountain of Youth and ended up dying from a poison arrow.
But who can blame Ponce de Leon for trying (and failing)? With
Florida's 300+ springs finding just the right one would be difficult
at best. Most of the springs in the State are artesian, meaning
that water is forced up through the ground from tremendous pressure.
This causes a "boil", giving the water a bubbling like
appearance at the spring head. Water at the springs is typically
72 degrees Fahrenheit and crystal clear. Numerous species of fish,
plants, invertebrates and birds live in or near the clear, cool
water. During the spring and summer, you can also find many Floridians
and tourists in and around the springs too! The springs range
in size from a slight trickle to the immense Silver Springs pumping
out over 550 million gallons a day.
Florida's springs are ideal for many activities including swimming,
diving, canoeing and kayaking. Paddling along the springs and
spring-fed rivers is an incredible experience where a view beneath
the water's surface is like looking down into an aquarium. Some
of the most popular springs on the west coast of Florida are Homosassa,
Weeki Wachee, Manatee, Silver and Rainbow (all ending in Springs).
On the east coast look for Wekiwa Springs, Blue Springs and De
Leon Springs.
To begin your spring fling, start with a short boat. Navigating
twisty, tight turns can be a real chore in your 17 foot ocean
going sea kayak. A 12 foot plastic kayak or short canoe is ideal
for spring trips. Pack a good paddle, PFD, swimsuit, diving mask,
camera, suntan lotion and bug repellent. Located close to many
of the popular springs you should be able to find canoe outfitters
eager to rent equipment or provide guide services. Most outfitters
will also provide a map if you ask nicely.
Don't expect class III or IV rapids on a spring run (or any rapids
at all). Most often the water meanders its twisty course at a
leisurely 1 or 2 miles per hour. The biggest challenge is usually
avoiding sunburn or pesky mosquitoes. Have fun on your spring
trip and wherever you put-in, be sure to check the water. It just
might be the Fountain of Youth.
Enjoy your spring fling.
Ed Schessl
FloridaKayaker@gmail.com
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