Shop News
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SUP Classes
We've just received our first Tahoe Rubicon SUPs. For the rest of the season, we'll schedule classes on demand
in addition to our regular classes. In addition to our new Intro to Paddle Boarding, we are now offering three kayak
classes. The first is Kayak Quickstart which will get you some basic knowledge and by the end of the class you'll be
comfortable in a kayak with enough knowledge to get you going safely. The next class is Basic Rescue and
Recovery, where we will cover and practice wet exit and re-entry with an assisted rescue and self rescue. We'll
practice paddle float and stirrup assists. The final class focuses on basic paddle techniques with the goal of
tweaking your strokes to get the most out of them. We'll work on your power stroke as well as sweeps, rudders and
braces. Cost is $40 per person. Class size is a two person minimum Call 352-795-5650 to schedule.
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SUP Classes
We've just received our first Tahoe Rubicon SUPs. For the rest of the season, we'll schedule classes on demand
in addition to our regular classes. In addition to our new Intro to Paddle Boarding, we are now offering three kayak
classes. The first is Kayak Quickstart which will get you some basic knowledge and by the end of the class you'll be
comfortable in a kayak with enough knowledge to get you going safely. The next class is Basic Rescue and
Recovery, where we will cover and practice wet exit and re-entry with an assisted rescue and self rescue. We'll
practice paddle float and stirrup assists. The final class focuses on basic paddle techniques with the goal of
tweaking your strokes to get the most out of them. We'll work on your power stroke as well as sweeps, rudders and
braces. Cost is $40 per person. Class size is a two person minimum Call 352-795-5650 to schedule.
Stand Up Paddle Boards
One of the newest paddling "things" is stand up paddle boards or SUPs. Aardvark's is proud to be the first shop in
Crystal River to offer the opportunity to learn to paddle standing up. We are the exclusive local dealer for Tahoe
Paddle Boards. Tahoe offers boards designed specifically for touring. Since we have no surf, they are ideal for our
local waters and give you a whole new perspective on manatee watching. These touring boards are huge (12') and
very stable compared to wave surfing boards. The Rubicon is our base board and weighs in at a little over 30 lbs.
You'll note the prominent pointed bow on the touring board vs the rockered bow on the surf type boards. This
design increases efficiency. The Rubicon is made of Carbonlite 2000, the same material used to build Eddyline
kayaks. Carbonlite 2000 is a high tech abs laminate that offers nearly the same efficiency as a vacuum bagged
laminate hull, but with the durability of plastic. The advantages over other plastics being used became obvious:
dimensional stability (no warping, melting or spontaneous re-design), high heat distortion temperatures, hard glossy
finishes, easy repair-ability, good UV resistance and lighter weights
We have just started offering SUP lessons by appointment so come on out and give it a try. Some time in January,
Tahoe will be sending us a rep offering free demos. We'll let you know as soon as we have a firm date, but it looks
like it will be in mid January.
One of the newest paddling "things" is stand up paddle boards or SUPs. Aardvark's is proud to be the first shop in
Crystal River to offer the opportunity to learn to paddle standing up. We are the exclusive local dealer for Tahoe
Paddle Boards. Tahoe offers boards designed specifically for touring. Since we have no surf, they are ideal for our
local waters and give you a whole new perspective on manatee watching. These touring boards are huge (12') and
very stable compared to wave surfing boards. The Rubicon is our base board and weighs in at a little over 30 lbs.
You'll note the prominent pointed bow on the touring board vs the rockered bow on the surf type boards. This
design increases efficiency. The Rubicon is made of Carbonlite 2000, the same material used to build Eddyline
kayaks. Carbonlite 2000 is a high tech abs laminate that offers nearly the same efficiency as a vacuum bagged
laminate hull, but with the durability of plastic. The advantages over other plastics being used became obvious:
dimensional stability (no warping, melting or spontaneous re-design), high heat distortion temperatures, hard glossy
finishes, easy repair-ability, good UV resistance and lighter weights
We have just started offering SUP lessons by appointment so come on out and give it a try. Some time in January,
Tahoe will be sending us a rep offering free demos. We'll let you know as soon as we have a firm date, but it looks
like it will be in mid January.
| Aardvark's Adventures in Kayakland December 09 / January 10 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). Join us at no charge if you have your own boat. Need a rental? We'll bring one for you at base rental rates. ($35 single/$45 tandem). 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 Manatee Festival January 9 and 10th Call Matt or Sue for details at 352-795-5650 |
The Environment
| Take an online boating safety course for free. Click here to Start then click on Florida on the Map |
| Sunday |
| ALL |
| Sunday |
| Chassahowitzka |
| Stumps |
| DATE |
| NOTES |
| Long |
| ALL |
| TRIP |
| SKILL LEVEL* |
| January 31 |
| ALL |
| Withlacoochee @ Marsh Bend |
| Ozello |
| January 3 |
| DAY |
| December 20 |
| Sunday |
| Sunday |
| Game Creek |
| Lake Roussseau |
| Sunday |
| ALL |
| December 27 |
| January 17 |
| Beyond Beginner |
Paddling Tips
| Long |
* 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.
| Copyright ©2003 Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company All Rights Reserved |
Manatee Season is now here. Since manatees are so important to everyone here, I'm recycling this article to give as
much exposure to the issue as I can. Please read it again and feel free to pass it on. Manatee tourism is big business
here in Citrus County and with any large enterprise there are many different ways of doing business. Some tour
operators are better versed at manatee species interpretation and more interested in long term protection than
others. We have stayed out of the swim with a manatee business for both business and environmental reasons.
There are too many people doing it and too many potential problems with harassment (broad definition). i consider
anything behavior beyond the FWCC Guidelines to be potential harassment even if they won't cite you for it.
Guidelines are developed for the protection of the animals and are based on scientific principles.
Those who refuse to abide by the guidelines generally do so because they know they won't get cited and are firmly
convinced that their business depends on petting manatees and giving them "belly rubs". I challenge anyone to find
me a wildlife viewing guideline that says it is ok to pet wild animals. I also want to make the distinction between petting
and inadvertent touching. After working manatee research in SW Florida and being in Crystal River for 24 years I can
tell you that the Crystal River animals have acclimated to humans and are much easier to approach than the majority
of those in SW Florida. Some here will actually approach you if you are patient. Here's where I start to have a
problem. The USFWS guidelines say you can touch with one open hand If the animal approaches you first. The
FWCC guideline is stricter saying "Don't Touch". They even developed this cool little graphic to emphasize the point.
If you go to NOAA and the National Marine Fishery Service, they go even beyond the no touch and recommend
staying 10' away.
There are a number of misguided arguments being used to oppose a no touch policy. The
most common is: There are more manatees than ever. To me that is
irrelevant and doesn't address the big picture. The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act affords
protection regardless of status. There are also a number of inconsistencies/questions
that need to be answered. The Crystal River group of animals is growing at an estimated
average annual growth rate of under 4%. (Runge) That is down from an estimated rate of
over 7%. 2008 mortality was also up for this group as is the general trend., being almost the
worst on record. The Blue Springs group where swimming is not allowed is growing at a rate almost double that of
Crystal River. Is it coincidental or is there more to it? Bob Bonde of the USGS Sirenia Project has stated that the
lower rate of reproduction in Crystal River is what sets it apart from the Blue Springs group. Somebody needs to
answer this question before we go too much further.
The next most common is that petting a manatee doesn't kill it and that manatees like the attention. Boats kill
manatees. I will agree there is no such thing as a "death touch" and that some Crystal River manatees might be tame
enough to approach swimmers and boaters. Therein lies the problem. If you tame a wild animal and it hangs around
and gets hit by a boat, I don't think the boater is totally at fault. The people who tame the animals are just as
responsible as the boater. It is no coincidence that Watchable Wildlife does not list Crystal River on their Wildlife
Viewing Areas site, but does list Blue Springs State Park.
We think that no touch is a middle ground to get us way from the most drastic no swim option. We call on the
responsible tour operators to recognize the basic principles of Ethical Wildlife Viewing and abide by the FWCC
guidelines. To this end we established CEO's for Wild Manatees in 2007. Note: There are currently 7 tour operators
including Aardvark's which have agreed to abide by the stricter guidelines. Three of them provide swim programs. We
encourage you to use one of these operators when visiting Crystal River.
What should you look for in a tour operator? Sometimes it is really hard to tell what you are going to get by looking at
a web page. I've found a simple technique for those that want a quality experience. If you Google belly rub, manatee
and Crystal River you'll get an idea of who to avoid. This will eliminate the confusion/contradiction of an operator who
markets one thing and practices another. Anyone that encourages you to do that to an endangered marine mammal,
doesn't have the animals best interest at heart.
much exposure to the issue as I can. Please read it again and feel free to pass it on. Manatee tourism is big business
here in Citrus County and with any large enterprise there are many different ways of doing business. Some tour
operators are better versed at manatee species interpretation and more interested in long term protection than
others. We have stayed out of the swim with a manatee business for both business and environmental reasons.
There are too many people doing it and too many potential problems with harassment (broad definition). i consider
anything behavior beyond the FWCC Guidelines to be potential harassment even if they won't cite you for it.
Guidelines are developed for the protection of the animals and are based on scientific principles.
Those who refuse to abide by the guidelines generally do so because they know they won't get cited and are firmly
convinced that their business depends on petting manatees and giving them "belly rubs". I challenge anyone to find
me a wildlife viewing guideline that says it is ok to pet wild animals. I also want to make the distinction between petting
and inadvertent touching. After working manatee research in SW Florida and being in Crystal River for 24 years I can
tell you that the Crystal River animals have acclimated to humans and are much easier to approach than the majority
of those in SW Florida. Some here will actually approach you if you are patient. Here's where I start to have a
problem. The USFWS guidelines say you can touch with one open hand If the animal approaches you first. The
FWCC guideline is stricter saying "Don't Touch". They even developed this cool little graphic to emphasize the point.
If you go to NOAA and the National Marine Fishery Service, they go even beyond the no touch and recommend
staying 10' away.
There are a number of misguided arguments being used to oppose a no touch policy. The
most common is: There are more manatees than ever. To me that is
irrelevant and doesn't address the big picture. The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act affords
protection regardless of status. There are also a number of inconsistencies/questions
that need to be answered. The Crystal River group of animals is growing at an estimated
average annual growth rate of under 4%. (Runge) That is down from an estimated rate of
over 7%. 2008 mortality was also up for this group as is the general trend., being almost the
worst on record. The Blue Springs group where swimming is not allowed is growing at a rate almost double that of
Crystal River. Is it coincidental or is there more to it? Bob Bonde of the USGS Sirenia Project has stated that the
lower rate of reproduction in Crystal River is what sets it apart from the Blue Springs group. Somebody needs to
answer this question before we go too much further.
The next most common is that petting a manatee doesn't kill it and that manatees like the attention. Boats kill
manatees. I will agree there is no such thing as a "death touch" and that some Crystal River manatees might be tame
enough to approach swimmers and boaters. Therein lies the problem. If you tame a wild animal and it hangs around
and gets hit by a boat, I don't think the boater is totally at fault. The people who tame the animals are just as
responsible as the boater. It is no coincidence that Watchable Wildlife does not list Crystal River on their Wildlife
Viewing Areas site, but does list Blue Springs State Park.
We think that no touch is a middle ground to get us way from the most drastic no swim option. We call on the
responsible tour operators to recognize the basic principles of Ethical Wildlife Viewing and abide by the FWCC
guidelines. To this end we established CEO's for Wild Manatees in 2007. Note: There are currently 7 tour operators
including Aardvark's which have agreed to abide by the stricter guidelines. Three of them provide swim programs. We
encourage you to use one of these operators when visiting Crystal River.
What should you look for in a tour operator? Sometimes it is really hard to tell what you are going to get by looking at
a web page. I've found a simple technique for those that want a quality experience. If you Google belly rub, manatee
and Crystal River you'll get an idea of who to avoid. This will eliminate the confusion/contradiction of an operator who
markets one thing and practices another. Anyone that encourages you to do that to an endangered marine mammal,
doesn't have the animals best interest at heart.
| The first part of this short video shows you the right way to observe. The last part, the wrong way. Used with permission. |
The Can Do Canoe food drive was a huge success. We filled that canoe to
overflowing for both man and man's animal friends thanks to you all. The
people food was split between the Path and the First Baptist Church. All the
pet food went to the Path.
We came up with about 225 items of people food and around 200 pounds of
pet food. Anytime you have anything you'd like to donate (during not just the
holiday season), the good folks at the Path will be happy to accept them.
Thanks to all our paddlers for helping out.
We've put together a Santa's Helper Page to give you some ideas for gifts for
your friends and family. Check out the 10% off sale on any paddle in stock
selling for over $100.
overflowing for both man and man's animal friends thanks to you all. The
people food was split between the Path and the First Baptist Church. All the
pet food went to the Path.
We came up with about 225 items of people food and around 200 pounds of
pet food. Anytime you have anything you'd like to donate (during not just the
holiday season), the good folks at the Path will be happy to accept them.
Thanks to all our paddlers for helping out.
We've put together a Santa's Helper Page to give you some ideas for gifts for
your friends and family. Check out the 10% off sale on any paddle in stock
selling for over $100.
| If you are having trouble with the embedded video, download it by clicking here. |
In addition to the Tahoe SUP's, we have two more new products in the kayak transport line. The first is a 2/4 place light duty trailer by
LCIC Limited. Cost is $749 plus tax.
Next is the C-Tug Kayak Hauler from our Kiwi friends. Cost is $149.90. PRODUCT DETAILS
Setting new standards, with its sophisticated styling and precision design, the C-Tug is the most durable, practical, light weight kayak
trolley on the market.
At a cost that will not sink your pocket the new C-Tug is anything but ordinary!
C-Tug Just Pull it!
LIGHT WEIGHT & EASY TO HANDLE
less than 6kg
ASSEMBLED IN UNDER 1 MINUTE
* reinforced composite construction
* 120kg static loading
* thermo-bonded elastomeric seat pads
* stainless steel reinforced axles
* 2.4m strap with cam-lock buckle
* fast assembly and disassembly for easy storage and transport
And last but not least: We now have a kayak fishing club. Semi-Official Name: Nature Coast Kayak Fishing Club aka
The NCKFC. For information Contact Adrian at kayak.fishing.crystal.river@gmail.com
LCIC Limited. Cost is $749 plus tax.
Next is the C-Tug Kayak Hauler from our Kiwi friends. Cost is $149.90. PRODUCT DETAILS
Setting new standards, with its sophisticated styling and precision design, the C-Tug is the most durable, practical, light weight kayak
trolley on the market.
At a cost that will not sink your pocket the new C-Tug is anything but ordinary!
C-Tug Just Pull it!
LIGHT WEIGHT & EASY TO HANDLE
less than 6kg
ASSEMBLED IN UNDER 1 MINUTE
* reinforced composite construction
* 120kg static loading
* thermo-bonded elastomeric seat pads
* stainless steel reinforced axles
* 2.4m strap with cam-lock buckle
* fast assembly and disassembly for easy storage and transport
And last but not least: We now have a kayak fishing club. Semi-Official Name: Nature Coast Kayak Fishing Club aka
The NCKFC. For information Contact Adrian at kayak.fishing.crystal.river@gmail.com
