Family Friendly Kayaking Adventure
The Heat Is On
There really isn’t a whole lot you can do outside,comfortably,in August and September here in South Florida. On the other hand, let me rephrase that. There isn’t much you can do outside comfortably throughout most of the country/world during the hottest months of the year. It seems global warming is really rearing it’s head this year with record high temperatures all over the world. Luckily, I live in a place where I am surrounded by water. So during the hottest months of the year, it’s time for some family friendly kayaking. We hit the water!
I want to tell you about one of my most favorite ways to spend a hot sunny day here in South Florida. Kayaking—out of http://macarthurbeachstatepark.org There are plenty of places to go kayaking if you have your own and it’s not a problem to tow around with you, but… if you want to just bring yourself/ your group, your cooler with some yummy snacks and drinks, towels, snorkel gear, etc. its’s so much easier to just head over to the park and rent one from them. You can rent a single or a double kayak, by the hour, half or whole day. As long as you return your gear by 4pm you can stay out as long as you like.
Check your Tides
A word of warning…make sure you check the tide charts in advance. If you plan your outing for a particular day and the tides are not running your way it can make for quite a struggle. I wouldn’t want this wonderful experience to turn unpleasant for you right out of the gate. It’s very important that the tide is not at full low when you launch or, in my experience, at any time that you’re out in the lagoon. At full low tide the water is way too low inside the lagoon and you’ll have to get out of the kayak and walk it along. This means you will be wading through some thick muck…yuck! Not my cup of tea. Also, even on the outer side of the islands the water won’t be very clear at low tide. High tide is always better for clarity and visibility, especially if you plan on donning some snorkel or dive gear. You also don’t want to have the tides running opposite of your launch and return. If the water is coming in as you are going out —or going out as you are heading back it can be very hard on you physically. The water runs fast and hard in most areas in the lagoon and it can be very tough to move forward or even stay in one place if you’re trying to fight the current. After several trials and misses, I have found the best time to launch is about one to two hours before either full low or full high tide. The water will either being going out or coming in fairly slowly at this time and paddling should be a breeze. Then you will have approximately one hour of slack tide. This is when the water is pretty still and not moving in either direction. This is the perfect time to just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lagoon. No need to paddle, just relax and listen to mother nature. If you’re really lucky you might see some of the beautiful wildlife that visits the area. Big birds nesting in the tops of the trees, maybe even one or two dolphin playing chase with each other. Manatees are also frequent visitors to this particular lagoon, especially around and under the boardwalk heading to the beach. You’ll see this right as you come out of the launch area.
Ideally you will want the momentum of the water to be behind you pushing you along. This makes for a very easy paddle. Unfortunately that won’t always be the case. Don’t let that deter you though, it’s well worth a little struggle now and then. It also makes for a great work out.
Timing Is Everything
Our most recent trip, this past weekend, was excellent. The weather was bright and sunny. Gates to the park open at 8am. The rental office and gift shop don’t open until 9am. It’s always a good idea to come a bit early and wait. By the time the office opens I guarantee you there will be at least 20 people in line. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting all revved up for a fun day out on the water, get all your things together, get to the park only to find out all the kayaks are out. Booooo! You can choose to wait and hope someone comes back fairly quickly or make other plans. Anyway, we were second in line, launched by 9:30am and off. High tide this day was going to be at 10:55am so the water was perfect. Still low enough to see the bottom but current starting to come in slowly. We had plenty of time to get out and around to the outside of Munyon Island, (this is one of several small islands you have the choice of stopping at) paddle up around the tip and back down into the lagoon. There we found a small stretch of beach, stopped off and had some light snacks and refreshments.It was slack tide by the time we started heading back so we were able to just relax and float slowly back.
Do I stay or do I Go?
When we first came around to the outside tip of Munyon Island we had the option to head across the straight (about a 10 minute paddle) over to Little Munyon Island. However, by this time the current was coming in swift and strong and the paddle across could have been quite challenging. I’ve done it before, it is possible with a little determination. Being ever so mindful of the other kayakers with me, some were first timers, I chose to forego the challenge this time. It’s probably not a good idea to struggle against the raging current on your first time out.
FYI, they do let you take your dog out with you. Service dog or not, as long as they are well behaved and friendly around other people and their dogs. Unfortunately this leaves my dog out. She’s a bit of a brat when it comes to other dogs. If she knew what she was missing out on I’m sure she’d behave better! Ha! Do take precautions, put them in a life vest and don’t let them swim too far away from you, especially when there is a strong current.
On a final note, if you do happen to get there and all the kayaks are gone, don’t despair. The park has access to a very beautiful section of beach. It’s on the other side of the boardwalk you see stretching out in front of you. Best part is the tram that will pick you up, take you over and later bring you back. This way you can bring your chairs and umbrellas without having to carry everything, cuz it’s a bit of hike across. The tram is most likely being driven by a volunteer to the park. They rely on them heavily to keep things running smoothly. Please be curteous and a small tip wouldn’t be rejected either.
One of the best bonuses is the Park Membership. A individual membership will set you back only $50 for the year and comes with great perks. Free entrance and a Free Kayak every time you go. Go twice and your membership pays for itself. Good deal! Have fun, be safe. Check our calender for upcoming group trips!
About patricia pitts
Your personal concierge to South Florida. Sharing all there is to see, do, taste and experience.
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