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The definition of "kayaker" according to any number of online wikis and dictionaries is simply: One who kayaks.
I'm afraid that's just way too simple. According to the Aardvarktionary, a kayaker is one who kayaks, knows and obeys
boating rules and regulations, is familiar with both his skills and equipment and respects other users and the natural world
around him. That definition implies that a kayaker has knowledge, skills, and abilities. To call oneself a kayaker without at
least some basic knowledge, tarnishes the image of the sport and those who participate in it.
Here are just few things I've seen of people paddling around in a kayaks that prompted this rant.
(1) The city has placed signs at Hunter Springs Park, directing kayakers to a launch area and another directing swimmers to
another area. Time after time people with kayaks ignore the Uniform Waterway Markers designating the swim area as a
boating exclusion zone and launch and paddle through it. There have been several attempts to ban kayaks from this park
and this type of behavior simply adds to the argument. As a kayaker, it frustrates me when I see others using kayaks and
ignoring the law. (You can be cited for this by the way.) It especially irritates me when "outfitters" don't bother to inform their
clients of the law.
(2) Outfitters and "guides" who don't practice safe (read professional) paddling and allow their clients to participate without
wearing PFDs. While the law currently only requires that a PFD be aboard and accessible, most insurance companies will
not cover an accident if the client was not wearing a flotation device. That means these outfitters don't care about your
safety and are probably not carrying any insurance. According to Florida boating statistics, 70% of the people who died in
Florida boating accidents would have lived had they been wearing a life jacket.
(3) People who paddle kayaks that somehow think they are invisible to the natural world and that because they are in a
paddle boat, they don't have any impact on the environment. This is simply a matter of not being in tune with what goes on
around you. Paddling too close to wildlife can have an impact. Stay a respectful distance and watch the animal's behavior.
It will be obvious when you are getting too close.
Use some common sense, gain some common knowledge, and practice common courtesy to others: Be a Kayaker.
I'm afraid that's just way too simple. According to the Aardvarktionary, a kayaker is one who kayaks, knows and obeys
boating rules and regulations, is familiar with both his skills and equipment and respects other users and the natural world
around him. That definition implies that a kayaker has knowledge, skills, and abilities. To call oneself a kayaker without at
least some basic knowledge, tarnishes the image of the sport and those who participate in it.
Here are just few things I've seen of people paddling around in a kayaks that prompted this rant.
(1) The city has placed signs at Hunter Springs Park, directing kayakers to a launch area and another directing swimmers to
another area. Time after time people with kayaks ignore the Uniform Waterway Markers designating the swim area as a
boating exclusion zone and launch and paddle through it. There have been several attempts to ban kayaks from this park
and this type of behavior simply adds to the argument. As a kayaker, it frustrates me when I see others using kayaks and
ignoring the law. (You can be cited for this by the way.) It especially irritates me when "outfitters" don't bother to inform their
clients of the law.
(2) Outfitters and "guides" who don't practice safe (read professional) paddling and allow their clients to participate without
wearing PFDs. While the law currently only requires that a PFD be aboard and accessible, most insurance companies will
not cover an accident if the client was not wearing a flotation device. That means these outfitters don't care about your
safety and are probably not carrying any insurance. According to Florida boating statistics, 70% of the people who died in
Florida boating accidents would have lived had they been wearing a life jacket.
(3) People who paddle kayaks that somehow think they are invisible to the natural world and that because they are in a
paddle boat, they don't have any impact on the environment. This is simply a matter of not being in tune with what goes on
around you. Paddling too close to wildlife can have an impact. Stay a respectful distance and watch the animal's behavior.
It will be obvious when you are getting too close.
Use some common sense, gain some common knowledge, and practice common courtesy to others: Be a Kayaker.
| Aardvark's Adventures in Kayakland August/September 2010 1st Edition |
| ANCK Club Trip List |
| Group paddles are Aardvark's time to socialize and paddle with both old and new friends. Skill levels vary so the trips are typically not very strenuous unless so noted (Advanced/Long/Offshore). Need a rental? We'll bring one for you at base rental rates. We now require that you pre-pay for rentals. Sign up early. You can always cancel out and that way you are in the loop from the beginning. If you decide you don't want to go at the last minute, just let us know so we don't wait on you. Don't expect an immediate response when you sign up. The e-mails go into a bin and a message is generated, usually the Friday before the trip. |
| Interactive Trip Selector is now located here: Group Paddle Trips 1. Make sure to fill in the contact info box with an e-mail address so that we can contact you with trip details. 2. Check the boxes next to the trips that interest you. 3. When everything is filled in hit the Send Button. I have to ask that you please sign up through the webform using a valid e-mail address and please check the waiver. In order to keep these trips free, I have to keep it as simple as possible. |
| That's all for now folks. See You on the Water Aardvark's |
| Upcoming Events August 14, Sept 11 Second Saturday Market Days Heritage Village August 22 Demo Day Wallace Brooks, Inverness September 4 DRC Sprint Triathalon and After Race Paddle September 20 Save Our Waters St. Martins Marsh AP |
The Environment
| Take an online boating safety course for free. Click here to Start then click on Florida on the Map |
| St. Martins Keys |
| Sunday |
| ALL |
| Sunday |
| Demo Day Wallace Brooks, Inverness |
| LONG |
| DATE |
| NOTES |
| Very Long |
| Beyond Beginner |
| TRIP |
| SKILL LEVEL* |
| September 5 |
| ALL |
| Ozello Lunch at Sandy Hook |
| Lake Henderson Sunrise |
| August 22 |
| Sunday |
| DAY |
| August 8 |
| Sunday |
| Sunday |
| September 12 |
| Intermediate |
| Withlacoochee Bay |
| Gum Slough |
| Sunday |
| August 15 |
| August 29 |
| ALL |
Paddling Tips The True Meaning of "Kayaker"
* Skill Level. Please Note: None of these are float trips which means you will need to actually paddle. These
classifications are meant to give you some idea whether you should consider going on the trips. All generally means that the
trip is suitable for any skill level, including first timers but as with any outdoor activity, you may encounter unexpected conditions
that can make the trip more strenuous than you thought. Kayaks must be at last 10' long. Beyond Beginner means that you
should at last have some idea of how to paddle and have been on at least a few outings or taken a basic class before trying this
trip level. Kayaks need to be at least 12' long. Strong Beginner means that in addition to having some basic skills, you need to
have the endurance to paddle distances longer than 6 miles, spend up to 4 hours sitting in a kayak and handle less than
optimal conditions (wind/current). Kayaks need to be at least 13.5' long. Intermediate means that in addition to having some
basic skills and physical ability, that you have some knowledge of basic rescue techniques and can perform at least an assisted
rescue as both rescuer and rescue. Kayaks need to be at least 13.5' long. Advanced means that in addition to the
intermediate skills you can successfully perform a self rescue in adverse conditions and have the proper equipment necessary
for offshore paddling. Kayaks need to be at least 13.5' long.
classifications are meant to give you some idea whether you should consider going on the trips. All generally means that the
trip is suitable for any skill level, including first timers but as with any outdoor activity, you may encounter unexpected conditions
that can make the trip more strenuous than you thought. Kayaks must be at last 10' long. Beyond Beginner means that you
should at last have some idea of how to paddle and have been on at least a few outings or taken a basic class before trying this
trip level. Kayaks need to be at least 12' long. Strong Beginner means that in addition to having some basic skills, you need to
have the endurance to paddle distances longer than 6 miles, spend up to 4 hours sitting in a kayak and handle less than
optimal conditions (wind/current). Kayaks need to be at least 13.5' long. Intermediate means that in addition to having some
basic skills and physical ability, that you have some knowledge of basic rescue techniques and can perform at least an assisted
rescue as both rescuer and rescue. Kayaks need to be at least 13.5' long. Advanced means that in addition to the
intermediate skills you can successfully perform a self rescue in adverse conditions and have the proper equipment necessary
for offshore paddling. Kayaks need to be at least 13.5' long.
| LONG |
| Copyright ©2003 Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company All Rights Reserved |
| Manatee Interaction Guidelines |
| Blue Spring |
| Current |
| Sunday |
| September 19 |
| Beyond Begginer |
| Manatee Interaction Guidelines from US Fish & Wildlife "Observe from a distance and practice passive observation." |
| Manatee Interaction Guidelines from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission "Look, but don't touch." |
AVG1C - Introduction to Recreational Kayaking
Start your adventure the right way. Learn about the basics of recreational kayaking from a professional paddler. Matt
Clemons is the owner of Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company in Crystal River and has been paddling professionally since
2001. Prior to that, Matt served as a Biologist for the State of Florida. He has degrees in Marine Biology specializing in marine
mammals and Forest Resources & Conservation with an emphasis on aquatic systems.
Reservations Required Call Aardvark's at 352-795-5650 or Register at Whispering Pines park in Inverness. Stop by the
administrative office or call 352-726-3913.
MEET UP - Cris Richards has set up a MEET UP groups and is looking for strong, experienced kayakers, especially ladies for
her group. You can e-mail her with questions at crisrich@bellsouth.net I've know Cris for sometime now and she is probably
one of our most improved paddlers and has done a lot to promote the sport. Maybe one day I'll get to go to.
Stand Up Paddle Boards - We are now renting the Tahoe Rubicon. We only have two rental boards right now, but we'll be
adding more as budgets allow. Hurricane is coming out with a good reasonably priced board very soon and it will probably
become the staple of our rentals with the Tahoe's doing the majority of our guided tours. Sue and I have been out a number
of times and this Sunday's paddle over to celebrate the victory at 3 Sisters was great. These boards are fast and stable and it
doesn't take long to get comfortable. I found a pretty good youtube channel by QuickbladePaddles
Jim Terrell, a 4 time Olympic canoeist knows a little about paddling, here he shares what he feels are the 4 most important
components of paddling. Thanks. I learned a lot and you can too.
Save Our Waters Week - We'll be participating again with our St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve Ecotour. We'll be running
several short tours through out the morning and early afternoon. The date is September 20th, 2010. Call us at the shop for
reservations as group size is limited. 352-795-5650
Demo Kayaks for Sale - We still have a few kayak demos for sale at very good prices. Freedomhawk 14' SOT fishing
kayak for $800. Save $895 Current Designs Nomad (18'10") GTS (Kevlar) $1999. Save $1500 Current Designs Kestrel 140
SOT Kevlar Hybrid $1399, Save $300. Current Designs Double Vision Kevlar Hybrid $2399 Save $500 Current Designs
Vision 140 Kevlar Hybrid $1599 Save $500, Current Designs Vision 130 $1499 Save $500 Eddyline Merlin XT $1599 Save
$600
All are in excellent to pristine condition except the Freedomhawk which is in good to average condition.
Come on down and visit us at the Shoppes of Heritage Village. Be sure to check out the rest of the Shoppes and stop by for
the Second Saturday Market Days. You can check on what's going on at the Shoppes of Heritage Village here. Aardvark's is
the featured Shoppe for August.
Start your adventure the right way. Learn about the basics of recreational kayaking from a professional paddler. Matt
Clemons is the owner of Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company in Crystal River and has been paddling professionally since
2001. Prior to that, Matt served as a Biologist for the State of Florida. He has degrees in Marine Biology specializing in marine
mammals and Forest Resources & Conservation with an emphasis on aquatic systems.
Reservations Required Call Aardvark's at 352-795-5650 or Register at Whispering Pines park in Inverness. Stop by the
administrative office or call 352-726-3913.
MEET UP - Cris Richards has set up a MEET UP groups and is looking for strong, experienced kayakers, especially ladies for
her group. You can e-mail her with questions at crisrich@bellsouth.net I've know Cris for sometime now and she is probably
one of our most improved paddlers and has done a lot to promote the sport. Maybe one day I'll get to go to.
Stand Up Paddle Boards - We are now renting the Tahoe Rubicon. We only have two rental boards right now, but we'll be
adding more as budgets allow. Hurricane is coming out with a good reasonably priced board very soon and it will probably
become the staple of our rentals with the Tahoe's doing the majority of our guided tours. Sue and I have been out a number
of times and this Sunday's paddle over to celebrate the victory at 3 Sisters was great. These boards are fast and stable and it
doesn't take long to get comfortable. I found a pretty good youtube channel by QuickbladePaddles
Jim Terrell, a 4 time Olympic canoeist knows a little about paddling, here he shares what he feels are the 4 most important
components of paddling. Thanks. I learned a lot and you can too.
Save Our Waters Week - We'll be participating again with our St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve Ecotour. We'll be running
several short tours through out the morning and early afternoon. The date is September 20th, 2010. Call us at the shop for
reservations as group size is limited. 352-795-5650
Demo Kayaks for Sale - We still have a few kayak demos for sale at very good prices. Freedomhawk 14' SOT fishing
kayak for $800. Save $895 Current Designs Nomad (18'10") GTS (Kevlar) $1999. Save $1500 Current Designs Kestrel 140
SOT Kevlar Hybrid $1399, Save $300. Current Designs Double Vision Kevlar Hybrid $2399 Save $500 Current Designs
Vision 140 Kevlar Hybrid $1599 Save $500, Current Designs Vision 130 $1499 Save $500 Eddyline Merlin XT $1599 Save
$600
All are in excellent to pristine condition except the Freedomhawk which is in good to average condition.
Come on down and visit us at the Shoppes of Heritage Village. Be sure to check out the rest of the Shoppes and stop by for
the Second Saturday Market Days. You can check on what's going on at the Shoppes of Heritage Village here. Aardvark's is
the featured Shoppe for August.
| Beyond Beginner |
| Suwanee River |
| Some Current |
| Sunday |
| September 26 |
| ALL |
"By the Chronicle editorial board
Cooperative effort results in public prize
Three Sisters Springs is a legacy to the Nature Coast.
Three Sisters Springs now belongs to us.
In one of the most significant accomplishments of the decade, the public officially took ownership Wednesday (July 28th, 2010)
of the 57-acre site in Crystal River known as Three Sisters Springs.
With all of the bad economic and environmental news that has hit Florida in recent years — from recession to oil — the
purchase of the Three Sisters Springs property shows what can happen when people come together for a common purpose.
The positive impact on Crystal River and Citrus County this public purchase ensures is hard to measure.
The purchase of the springs property is an environmental benchmark on two fronts:
- First, the property is the most important refuge for the endangered manatees when the weather turns dangerously cold. Public
ownership means that these animals will always have access to this critical area of protection.
- And second, the property will also be used by the Southwest Florida Water Management District to treat stormwater runoff that
is now directly polluting the entire ecosystem around Crystal River. This will be the most significant step toward dealing with this
pollution source in decades. We can only hope that it starts a trend of government and residents opening their eyes to the
damage stormwater and fertilizer have done to our waterways.
The purchase of the Three Sisters Springs property is an economic benchmark. People already visit our area from around the
world for the opportunity to visit the Springs. Under public ownership, the springs are protected from residential encroachment
and the ecotourism-dependent businesses know the asset will not be destroyed.
Under management by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we are confident the property will be cared for properly. There will
certainly be plenty of discussion about the specifics of the management plan, but we know the property will now be managed in
the name of the public.
The purchase of the springs property is an educational opportunity for our citizens and visitors. By creating an education center,
an observation tower, nature walks and other amenities, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the area and
view manatees in their natural habitat.
Many people, organizations and businesses deserve specific recognition for their leadership on this project. Lace Blue-McLean
and Andy Houston shared the Chronicle’s Citizen of the Year honor in 2009 for their leadership on this project. Ms. McLean is
the president of the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and Houston is the city manager of Crystal River.
The effort would not have happened if Hal Flowers, the head of the ownership group, hadn’t been willing to push for public
ownership.
Helen Spivey and Pat Rose of the Save the Manatee Club and local veterinarian Dr. K.C. Nayfield played important roles as did
Lisa VanDeBoe and her fundraising efforts at the Stone Crab Jam. Mayor Ron Kitchen and the Crystal River City Council were
on board from the start, as was the Citrus County Commission and the county Tourism Development Council. Michael Lusk,
manager of the wildlife preserve, and the entire U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made Three Sisters the top priority in the
southeastern United States.
State Sen. Charlie Dean and his staffer Kevin Sweeny worked tirelessly to find solutions for state funding.
The leadership at the Southwest Florida Water Management District came up with $1.3 million for the purchase. Eric Sutton with
the water district was key. The Felburn Foundation, the Conservation Fund, the National Wildlife Refuge Association and Jane’s
Trust all became significant contributors.
There are folks many Citrus County residents don’t know who really gave their all to make this happen. Jim Green and David
Houghton with the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge were key players. Elizabeth Souheaver, the head of
the Atlanta office of U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the one-time manager of the local refuge, was terrific. John Beasley of that office
actually put off his retirement so he could see the project through. George Willson and Ken Reecy were extremely important
advocates.
The Rotary Clubs in the county and hundreds of individuals made significant contributions. While the members of the Inverness
City Council could not contribute city tax dollars, they each opened their personal wallets and made contributions.
This was truly a time when people from all walks of life came together to do something very important for our future.
And finally, Citrus County’s quiet volunteer lobbyist — Gene McGee — played a critical role in helping the funding come
together.
This effort of citizens, government, business and foundations has significantly altered the future of our county. We can now, with
pride, tell one and all that we really are the Nature Coast of Florida."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was a win for the economy as well as teh environment and we now challenge all the commercial interests such as
dive operators, boat rentals and tour operators to not blow it. Cherish this property for what it is and resist the urge to
over exploit it.
Abide by the guidelines of both the USFWS who asks that visitors "Observe (manatees) from a distance and practice
passive observation." and the FWCC who states "Look but don't touch (manatees)."
Cooperative effort results in public prize
Three Sisters Springs is a legacy to the Nature Coast.
Three Sisters Springs now belongs to us.
In one of the most significant accomplishments of the decade, the public officially took ownership Wednesday (July 28th, 2010)
of the 57-acre site in Crystal River known as Three Sisters Springs.
With all of the bad economic and environmental news that has hit Florida in recent years — from recession to oil — the
purchase of the Three Sisters Springs property shows what can happen when people come together for a common purpose.
The positive impact on Crystal River and Citrus County this public purchase ensures is hard to measure.
The purchase of the springs property is an environmental benchmark on two fronts:
- First, the property is the most important refuge for the endangered manatees when the weather turns dangerously cold. Public
ownership means that these animals will always have access to this critical area of protection.
- And second, the property will also be used by the Southwest Florida Water Management District to treat stormwater runoff that
is now directly polluting the entire ecosystem around Crystal River. This will be the most significant step toward dealing with this
pollution source in decades. We can only hope that it starts a trend of government and residents opening their eyes to the
damage stormwater and fertilizer have done to our waterways.
The purchase of the Three Sisters Springs property is an economic benchmark. People already visit our area from around the
world for the opportunity to visit the Springs. Under public ownership, the springs are protected from residential encroachment
and the ecotourism-dependent businesses know the asset will not be destroyed.
Under management by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we are confident the property will be cared for properly. There will
certainly be plenty of discussion about the specifics of the management plan, but we know the property will now be managed in
the name of the public.
The purchase of the springs property is an educational opportunity for our citizens and visitors. By creating an education center,
an observation tower, nature walks and other amenities, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the area and
view manatees in their natural habitat.
Many people, organizations and businesses deserve specific recognition for their leadership on this project. Lace Blue-McLean
and Andy Houston shared the Chronicle’s Citizen of the Year honor in 2009 for their leadership on this project. Ms. McLean is
the president of the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and Houston is the city manager of Crystal River.
The effort would not have happened if Hal Flowers, the head of the ownership group, hadn’t been willing to push for public
ownership.
Helen Spivey and Pat Rose of the Save the Manatee Club and local veterinarian Dr. K.C. Nayfield played important roles as did
Lisa VanDeBoe and her fundraising efforts at the Stone Crab Jam. Mayor Ron Kitchen and the Crystal River City Council were
on board from the start, as was the Citrus County Commission and the county Tourism Development Council. Michael Lusk,
manager of the wildlife preserve, and the entire U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made Three Sisters the top priority in the
southeastern United States.
State Sen. Charlie Dean and his staffer Kevin Sweeny worked tirelessly to find solutions for state funding.
The leadership at the Southwest Florida Water Management District came up with $1.3 million for the purchase. Eric Sutton with
the water district was key. The Felburn Foundation, the Conservation Fund, the National Wildlife Refuge Association and Jane’s
Trust all became significant contributors.
There are folks many Citrus County residents don’t know who really gave their all to make this happen. Jim Green and David
Houghton with the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge were key players. Elizabeth Souheaver, the head of
the Atlanta office of U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the one-time manager of the local refuge, was terrific. John Beasley of that office
actually put off his retirement so he could see the project through. George Willson and Ken Reecy were extremely important
advocates.
The Rotary Clubs in the county and hundreds of individuals made significant contributions. While the members of the Inverness
City Council could not contribute city tax dollars, they each opened their personal wallets and made contributions.
This was truly a time when people from all walks of life came together to do something very important for our future.
And finally, Citrus County’s quiet volunteer lobbyist — Gene McGee — played a critical role in helping the funding come
together.
This effort of citizens, government, business and foundations has significantly altered the future of our county. We can now, with
pride, tell one and all that we really are the Nature Coast of Florida."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was a win for the economy as well as teh environment and we now challenge all the commercial interests such as
dive operators, boat rentals and tour operators to not blow it. Cherish this property for what it is and resist the urge to
over exploit it.
Abide by the guidelines of both the USFWS who asks that visitors "Observe (manatees) from a distance and practice
passive observation." and the FWCC who states "Look but don't touch (manatees)."