| Aardvark's Adventures in Kayak Land April/May 2008 2nd Edition |
| ANCK Group Paddles |
| 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). 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 |
| Copyright ©2003 Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company All Rights Reserved |
| Upcoming Events Call Matt or Sue for details at 352-795-5650 |
The Environment
| Take an online boating safety course for free and get a certification for $10. Click here to Start |
| Tsala Apopka |
| Sunday |
| ALL |
| Sunday |
| Long |
| Salt River |
| Open H20 |
| DATE |
| NOTES |
| Long |
| ADVANCED |
| TRIP |
| SKILL LEVEL |
| May 18 |
| ALL |
| Circumnavigation Trail South |
| Ozello at Pirate's Cove |
| May 4 |
| Sunday |
| DAY |
| April 13 |
| Sunday |
| Sunday |
| May 25 |
| ALL |
| Withlacoochee |
| Circumnavigation Trail North |
| Sunday |
| Intermediate |
| April 20 |
| May 11 |
| ALL |
Paddling Tips
Shop News
We have completed a couple of big events For April and May.
We have been approached by Plantation Inn and at their invitation, we will be running Ecotours in conjunction
with the resort. If you have friends coming, consider booking a room/tour package for a 15% discount subject
to availability. More info Here and Here
Next, We are now offering Introduction to Recreational Kayaking through the city of Inverness, Parks and
Recreation. We have access to a beautiful beach at Wallace Brooks Park. The class will be held from 9:00
am to 11:00 am every other Thursday. Next class is May 22nd. Cost is $30 and includes all the gear as well.
You can register at Aardvark's or at Whispering Pines Park in Inverness. Info Here
Finally, something I'm really excited to add to our paddle line: We have just received a dealership for ONNO
PADDLES. I had the pleasure of using one a stranger, now a friend, had on the Chassahowitzka. I had
never seen anything that light for the price. I immediately contacted Patrick at ONNO about a dealership. He
told me that sadly he was not set up to do that. That was some three years ago. Patrick has now decided to
offer some select dealerships.
CARBON Pre-preg Carbon shaft with 100% Carbon blades. Weight Examples
MID TOUR 18-23.5 oz
FULL TOUR 19-24.5 oz
Approximate Retail: $349.95
SIGNATURE Pre-preg Carbon shaft with Carbon / S-glass blades. Weight Examples
MID TOUR 20-25.5 oz
FULL TOUR 21-26.5 oz
Approximate Retail: $264.95
See what others have to say: Paddling.Net Reviews
We have completed a couple of big events For April and May.
- First we had the Ozello Adventure Race on April 26th. Race Results and Photos
- Note that Aardvark's kayaks produced a Number #1 finish in Women's Kayaking and a Number One
Mens (50-59) and Overall Single in the race. The overall winner told me he wouldn't have won had it not
been for the Eddyline Nighthawk he used for the kayak portion of the race..
- Next came Bay May Day on May 3rd. We'll be providing a kayak (Kestrel 120 by Current Designs), carbon fiber
paddle by Bending Braches, and some other goodies for the King's Bay Association as a fund raiser for SAVE
THREE SISTERS. In addition to the annual picnic and membership drive, Aardvark's and the KBA will be
holding a poker run on Kings Bay. Entry fee is $10 for pre-registered contestants (pre-registration ends April
25th) and $15 the day of the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top hands. More info to follow. RAISED
ABOUT $500 plus some additional donations
We have been approached by Plantation Inn and at their invitation, we will be running Ecotours in conjunction
with the resort. If you have friends coming, consider booking a room/tour package for a 15% discount subject
to availability. More info Here and Here
Next, We are now offering Introduction to Recreational Kayaking through the city of Inverness, Parks and
Recreation. We have access to a beautiful beach at Wallace Brooks Park. The class will be held from 9:00
am to 11:00 am every other Thursday. Next class is May 22nd. Cost is $30 and includes all the gear as well.
You can register at Aardvark's or at Whispering Pines Park in Inverness. Info Here
Finally, something I'm really excited to add to our paddle line: We have just received a dealership for ONNO
PADDLES. I had the pleasure of using one a stranger, now a friend, had on the Chassahowitzka. I had
never seen anything that light for the price. I immediately contacted Patrick at ONNO about a dealership. He
told me that sadly he was not set up to do that. That was some three years ago. Patrick has now decided to
offer some select dealerships.
CARBON Pre-preg Carbon shaft with 100% Carbon blades. Weight Examples
MID TOUR 18-23.5 oz
FULL TOUR 19-24.5 oz
Approximate Retail: $349.95
SIGNATURE Pre-preg Carbon shaft with Carbon / S-glass blades. Weight Examples
MID TOUR 20-25.5 oz
FULL TOUR 21-26.5 oz
Approximate Retail: $264.95
See what others have to say: Paddling.Net Reviews
The following is from USA Today Via Brinda Click Here for Full Article
Kayakers Keep Rescue Crews Busy
SAFETY TIPS
Coast Guard officials and boating safety experts recommend that anyone who uses a kayak take a boating
safety course before going out on the water. Among the safety tips:
• Wear a life jacket.
• Learn how to right a capsized kayak.
• Paddle in pairs.
• Dress appropriately and learn about the dangers of cold water.
• Check the tides and weather forecast.
• Bring a phone or radio.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
• Learn who has the right of way in busy harbors and waterways.
By Mimi Hall, USA TODAY
Brandon Andrusic and Tim Gutmann were experienced kayakers planning a quick paddle around Wood Island off the
coast of Biddeford Pool, Maine.
A mile offshore, they ran into much rougher surf than they expected. They struggled against the swells. Andrusic
eventually lost sight of his friend and capsized, but he made it to Wood Island.
A large rescue effort found Guttman's body the next day. Nearly a year later, not a day goes by "without me running
through things I wish I could change about that day," says Andrusic, an admissions officer at the University of New
England. "We were too casual about going out. It was getting late; we were overconfident."
Popularity of sport growing
An explosion in the number of kayakers along the nation's waterways, on lakes and at sea is making harrowing stories
such as Andrusic's all-too common. At the same time, it's putting a strain on Coast Guard and other marine search-and-
rescue crews and prompting calls for new laws requiring kayakers to take boating safety courses.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Philadelphia | Seattle | Oregon | Sam | Club | Costco | Delaware River | University of New
England | Anthony Turner | Outdoor Industry Association | Coast Guard Auxiliary
"Paddling represents our greatest risk in the recreational boating community," says John Fetterman, a member of the
Maine Marine Patrol and president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. For rescue teams, it's
become "a huge drain."
In the Coast Guard, the number of kayak rescues — many of which involve multiple boats and helicopters — is escalating.
"It does take us away from other high-priority missions, like maritime security," says spokesman Brendan McPherson. The
Coast Guard is tasked with protecting the nation's ports and harbors against terrorists.
No government agency tracks the number of kayak-related rescues nationally each year. This is because they are
conducted by so many different agencies, including local and state police, marine patrol units and Coast Guard crews.
The American Canoe Association (ACA) says kayaking is growing faster than any other outdoor activity on land or water;
maritime officials say rescues have skyrocketed as a result.
The Coast Guard does track boating fatalities. In 2006, the most recent year for which numbers are available, 27 people
died kayaking. That's still a small percentage of the 710 people who died in boating accidents. Most died in motorboat
accidents, when speed is often a factor. Statistics show 72 people died in canoe accidents during that year.
Kayaking has become popular partly because the boats are relatively inexpensive and can be hauled and used with ease.
Unfortunately, that's also contributed to the accident rate, experts say.
People go to "big-box stores like Costco and Sam's Club, buy a kayak, and, boom, off they go," says John Malatak of the
Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division. "They don't take a boating course, they go into an area that's remote, they don't
know the No. 1 thing to do, which is wear a life jacket, they turn over and there's no one nearby to assist them."
Hypothermia can set in
Even experienced kayakers can run into trouble. "Things can go south in a heartbeat," Andrusic says.
Capsized kayakers suffering from hypothermia have been rescued by the Coast Guard from Seattle to Philadelphia.
Such accidents and the rescue efforts involved are prompting calls for more boating education.
Fetterman says he supports legislation to require kayakers to take courses that would teach people the basics: wear a life
jacket, bring a phone or radio, tell someone on land where you're going and when you expect to be back, how to handle it
if your boat capsizes, how quickly cold water can be incapacitating and who has the right of way in busy harbors.
Jeremy Oyen, director of safety and education at the ACA, says 48 states have laws requiring motorboat operators to take
boating education courses but none require similar courses for paddlers.
Just in 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, about 12.6 million people went kayaking — nearly a
25% increase over the year before, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. "Unfortunately, there has also been a
rise in the number of paddle craft accidents," says Anthony Turner, spokesman for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Already this year, there have been several accidents.
In Cape Arago, Ore., on April 13, a Coast Guard helicopter and boat were dispatched after a 30-year-old man's kayak
overturned. He was taken to the hospital with hypothermia. In Philadelphia on the same day, a Coast Guard cutter, a tug
boat crew and an environmental group's boat crew rescued two kayakers after they capsized in the Delaware River. Those
men also were treated for early signs of hypothermia.
Maritime experts say cold water often is the culprit in deadly accidents. Most people, they say, have no idea that frigid
water can send someone into shock within seconds.
Some maritime organizations, including the American Canoe Association (ACA), oppose mandatory education for
paddlers. The groups say it would be akin to requiring everyone who rides a bike to take a class first. Experts say many
people underestimate how easy it is to flip a kayak because the boats seem so simple and easy to use. But "it's not just a
sports activity, it's a maritime activity, and people lose sight of what happens when you get out on the water and it's cold,"
says Christopher Cunningham, editor of the bi-monthly Sea Kayaker magazine.
Andrusic says his and Gutmann's biggest mistakes were not taking a phone or radio and not telling anyone where they
were going.
"As kayaking gets more popular, people might be a little cavalier," he says. "Going out on the water should never be taken
lightly."
More on Boating Fatalities from the St. Pete Times Click Here for Full Article
Boating deaths jumped 10 percent in Florida last year, marking the 16th year in 20 that the Sunshine State has led the
nation in fatalities.
All told, 77 people died. Eight deaths were in Tampa Bay — from a 49-year-old Spring Hill man thrown from a speedboat
to a kayaker who became unconscious after he fell into the water near the Gandy Bridge.
The 2007 statistics, released this week, come just weeks after state lawmakers bypassed a plan to phase in boater
education requirements, which state officials believe would reduce deaths by as much as 25 percent.
Last year, 70 percent of all boating accidents involved operators with no formal safety education; for fatalities, that number
was 85 percent.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asked the Legislature to approve a plan to phase in mandatory
boater education over the next 11 years. Currently, only boaters under 21 must take such coursework.
"The numbers show that boater education works," said Capt. Richard Moore, the state's top boating law administrator.
"Our research shows that we could save 15 to 25 lives a year if everybody took a safe boating class."
But at a Feb. 6 meeting of the House Committee on Conservation and State Lands, the commission's proposal fell on deaf
ears. Legislators were skeptical about expanding the current regulations, equating it to big government.
"I don't think it's necessary for every person, especially those who have grown up with boats and would have enough
common sense to know what's right and wrong when on the water," said Rep. Faye Culp, a Tampa Republican and vice
chairwoman of the committee.
Two other Tampa Bay area lawmakers also weighed in. Rep. Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, called it "another case where
government tries to act as our grandmothers."
Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, voiced support for the current regulations, but felt older boaters should
recognize the risks. "For everyone who swims in a pool, we don't force them to go take a course to tell them you are
swimming at your own risk," he said.
But Moore said older boaters are at the heart of the problem.
"Most of the boating accidents and fatalities involve people 36 years or older, who have more than 100 hours boating
experience and no formal boating education," he said.
In 1996, Florida began requiring boaters 21 years or younger to take a boater education course. Since its passage,
young boaters have gone from being involved in more than 21 percent of accidents to 14 percent.
The Florida Boating Advisory Council, which is comprised of 18 people representing a variety of boating interests,
supported the Conservation Commission measure. So does a majority of voters and boaters in the state, according to
commission surveys, including one conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Research in 2007.
The Mason-Dixon poll showed that 89 percent of those polled support requiring all boaters to undergo mandatory
education.
The deadliest area for boaters in Florida was Miami-Dade with 13 fatalities. Statewide, the leading cause of death
continues to be drowning.
State officials say drowning deaths would also decrease if boaters would wear life jackets, or personal flotation devices.
"There is really no excuse for it. Today's PFDs are not hot or cumbersome like the old ones," said Lt. Ed Cates, a
commission boating safety officer. "You can wear one all day and forget you have it on."
Times research Caryn Baird contributed to this report.
BE SAFE.......JUST WEAR IT!
Kayakers Keep Rescue Crews Busy
SAFETY TIPS
Coast Guard officials and boating safety experts recommend that anyone who uses a kayak take a boating
safety course before going out on the water. Among the safety tips:
• Wear a life jacket.
• Learn how to right a capsized kayak.
• Paddle in pairs.
• Dress appropriately and learn about the dangers of cold water.
• Check the tides and weather forecast.
• Bring a phone or radio.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
• Learn who has the right of way in busy harbors and waterways.
By Mimi Hall, USA TODAY
Brandon Andrusic and Tim Gutmann were experienced kayakers planning a quick paddle around Wood Island off the
coast of Biddeford Pool, Maine.
A mile offshore, they ran into much rougher surf than they expected. They struggled against the swells. Andrusic
eventually lost sight of his friend and capsized, but he made it to Wood Island.
A large rescue effort found Guttman's body the next day. Nearly a year later, not a day goes by "without me running
through things I wish I could change about that day," says Andrusic, an admissions officer at the University of New
England. "We were too casual about going out. It was getting late; we were overconfident."
Popularity of sport growing
An explosion in the number of kayakers along the nation's waterways, on lakes and at sea is making harrowing stories
such as Andrusic's all-too common. At the same time, it's putting a strain on Coast Guard and other marine search-and-
rescue crews and prompting calls for new laws requiring kayakers to take boating safety courses.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Philadelphia | Seattle | Oregon | Sam | Club | Costco | Delaware River | University of New
England | Anthony Turner | Outdoor Industry Association | Coast Guard Auxiliary
"Paddling represents our greatest risk in the recreational boating community," says John Fetterman, a member of the
Maine Marine Patrol and president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. For rescue teams, it's
become "a huge drain."
In the Coast Guard, the number of kayak rescues — many of which involve multiple boats and helicopters — is escalating.
"It does take us away from other high-priority missions, like maritime security," says spokesman Brendan McPherson. The
Coast Guard is tasked with protecting the nation's ports and harbors against terrorists.
No government agency tracks the number of kayak-related rescues nationally each year. This is because they are
conducted by so many different agencies, including local and state police, marine patrol units and Coast Guard crews.
The American Canoe Association (ACA) says kayaking is growing faster than any other outdoor activity on land or water;
maritime officials say rescues have skyrocketed as a result.
The Coast Guard does track boating fatalities. In 2006, the most recent year for which numbers are available, 27 people
died kayaking. That's still a small percentage of the 710 people who died in boating accidents. Most died in motorboat
accidents, when speed is often a factor. Statistics show 72 people died in canoe accidents during that year.
Kayaking has become popular partly because the boats are relatively inexpensive and can be hauled and used with ease.
Unfortunately, that's also contributed to the accident rate, experts say.
People go to "big-box stores like Costco and Sam's Club, buy a kayak, and, boom, off they go," says John Malatak of the
Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division. "They don't take a boating course, they go into an area that's remote, they don't
know the No. 1 thing to do, which is wear a life jacket, they turn over and there's no one nearby to assist them."
Hypothermia can set in
Even experienced kayakers can run into trouble. "Things can go south in a heartbeat," Andrusic says.
Capsized kayakers suffering from hypothermia have been rescued by the Coast Guard from Seattle to Philadelphia.
Such accidents and the rescue efforts involved are prompting calls for more boating education.
Fetterman says he supports legislation to require kayakers to take courses that would teach people the basics: wear a life
jacket, bring a phone or radio, tell someone on land where you're going and when you expect to be back, how to handle it
if your boat capsizes, how quickly cold water can be incapacitating and who has the right of way in busy harbors.
Jeremy Oyen, director of safety and education at the ACA, says 48 states have laws requiring motorboat operators to take
boating education courses but none require similar courses for paddlers.
Just in 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, about 12.6 million people went kayaking — nearly a
25% increase over the year before, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. "Unfortunately, there has also been a
rise in the number of paddle craft accidents," says Anthony Turner, spokesman for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Already this year, there have been several accidents.
In Cape Arago, Ore., on April 13, a Coast Guard helicopter and boat were dispatched after a 30-year-old man's kayak
overturned. He was taken to the hospital with hypothermia. In Philadelphia on the same day, a Coast Guard cutter, a tug
boat crew and an environmental group's boat crew rescued two kayakers after they capsized in the Delaware River. Those
men also were treated for early signs of hypothermia.
Maritime experts say cold water often is the culprit in deadly accidents. Most people, they say, have no idea that frigid
water can send someone into shock within seconds.
Some maritime organizations, including the American Canoe Association (ACA), oppose mandatory education for
paddlers. The groups say it would be akin to requiring everyone who rides a bike to take a class first. Experts say many
people underestimate how easy it is to flip a kayak because the boats seem so simple and easy to use. But "it's not just a
sports activity, it's a maritime activity, and people lose sight of what happens when you get out on the water and it's cold,"
says Christopher Cunningham, editor of the bi-monthly Sea Kayaker magazine.
Andrusic says his and Gutmann's biggest mistakes were not taking a phone or radio and not telling anyone where they
were going.
"As kayaking gets more popular, people might be a little cavalier," he says. "Going out on the water should never be taken
lightly."
More on Boating Fatalities from the St. Pete Times Click Here for Full Article
Boating deaths jumped 10 percent in Florida last year, marking the 16th year in 20 that the Sunshine State has led the
nation in fatalities.
All told, 77 people died. Eight deaths were in Tampa Bay — from a 49-year-old Spring Hill man thrown from a speedboat
to a kayaker who became unconscious after he fell into the water near the Gandy Bridge.
The 2007 statistics, released this week, come just weeks after state lawmakers bypassed a plan to phase in boater
education requirements, which state officials believe would reduce deaths by as much as 25 percent.
Last year, 70 percent of all boating accidents involved operators with no formal safety education; for fatalities, that number
was 85 percent.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asked the Legislature to approve a plan to phase in mandatory
boater education over the next 11 years. Currently, only boaters under 21 must take such coursework.
"The numbers show that boater education works," said Capt. Richard Moore, the state's top boating law administrator.
"Our research shows that we could save 15 to 25 lives a year if everybody took a safe boating class."
But at a Feb. 6 meeting of the House Committee on Conservation and State Lands, the commission's proposal fell on deaf
ears. Legislators were skeptical about expanding the current regulations, equating it to big government.
"I don't think it's necessary for every person, especially those who have grown up with boats and would have enough
common sense to know what's right and wrong when on the water," said Rep. Faye Culp, a Tampa Republican and vice
chairwoman of the committee.
Two other Tampa Bay area lawmakers also weighed in. Rep. Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, called it "another case where
government tries to act as our grandmothers."
Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, voiced support for the current regulations, but felt older boaters should
recognize the risks. "For everyone who swims in a pool, we don't force them to go take a course to tell them you are
swimming at your own risk," he said.
But Moore said older boaters are at the heart of the problem.
"Most of the boating accidents and fatalities involve people 36 years or older, who have more than 100 hours boating
experience and no formal boating education," he said.
In 1996, Florida began requiring boaters 21 years or younger to take a boater education course. Since its passage,
young boaters have gone from being involved in more than 21 percent of accidents to 14 percent.
The Florida Boating Advisory Council, which is comprised of 18 people representing a variety of boating interests,
supported the Conservation Commission measure. So does a majority of voters and boaters in the state, according to
commission surveys, including one conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Research in 2007.
The Mason-Dixon poll showed that 89 percent of those polled support requiring all boaters to undergo mandatory
education.
The deadliest area for boaters in Florida was Miami-Dade with 13 fatalities. Statewide, the leading cause of death
continues to be drowning.
State officials say drowning deaths would also decrease if boaters would wear life jackets, or personal flotation devices.
"There is really no excuse for it. Today's PFDs are not hot or cumbersome like the old ones," said Lt. Ed Cates, a
commission boating safety officer. "You can wear one all day and forget you have it on."
Times research Caryn Baird contributed to this report.
BE SAFE.......JUST WEAR IT!
Well the 2008 Regular Legislative Session is over. Good and Bad
The Good
Funding was approved for manatee rehabilitation after it had been removed. More info here and a way to thank those
involved.
Funding was also restored for state land acquisition which means we can move forward with the Three Sister's acquisition.
We still need help, but we are getting closer More info here and here.
Note that there is an upcoming concert to be help raise funds. It is sponsored by the Friends of Chassahowitzka.
When: May 16th, 6-10 pm
Where: Port Hotel and Marina on the Point
$10 per ticket. Tickets available at the Port Hotel and Marina, Plantation Realty, Quiznos Subs of Crystal River and the
Crystal River NWR.
A bill to preempt local control of limestone mining appears to have died, but there are a whole bunch of other issues you
all should be aware of. Did you know that if the Levy County mine is approved we can look forward to 1000 rock trucks a
day passing through Crystal River. For more information visit SaveOurNatureCoast.com
The Bad
The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "During the legislative session, the Florida Land Council did what the group does
best: Kill any proposal to manage growth. That shortsighted action, however, likely will bring on an alternative that the
council and every developer in Florida dislikes even more: the Florida Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment
that would require voter approval for every change to local growth plans." "This year's big winner: Hometown Democracy".
More in the next edition.
The Good
Funding was approved for manatee rehabilitation after it had been removed. More info here and a way to thank those
involved.
Funding was also restored for state land acquisition which means we can move forward with the Three Sister's acquisition.
We still need help, but we are getting closer More info here and here.
Note that there is an upcoming concert to be help raise funds. It is sponsored by the Friends of Chassahowitzka.
When: May 16th, 6-10 pm
Where: Port Hotel and Marina on the Point
$10 per ticket. Tickets available at the Port Hotel and Marina, Plantation Realty, Quiznos Subs of Crystal River and the
Crystal River NWR.
A bill to preempt local control of limestone mining appears to have died, but there are a whole bunch of other issues you
all should be aware of. Did you know that if the Levy County mine is approved we can look forward to 1000 rock trucks a
day passing through Crystal River. For more information visit SaveOurNatureCoast.com
The Bad
The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "During the legislative session, the Florida Land Council did what the group does
best: Kill any proposal to manage growth. That shortsighted action, however, likely will bring on an alternative that the
council and every developer in Florida dislikes even more: the Florida Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment
that would require voter approval for every change to local growth plans." "This year's big winner: Hometown Democracy".
More in the next edition.
| Concert on the Point Singing for 3 Sisters Featuring Florida Folk Singers |
