Paddling

The Merced River is a Wild and Scenic River that flows through and out of  Yosemite National Park.  The Wild and Scenic legal designation protects this gem of natural beauty.  However, that categorization is under attack with the goal of erecting a dam, thereby flooding a portion of the river.   A bill to do just that has already passed in the House of Representatives.

If you are interested in keeping the Merced River natural and without obstructions, here is a petition to urging President Obama not to sign this legislation should it come to his desk for passage.

Can you believe it's almost June?!  I sure can't.  It seems that the winter just drags on and then spring comes along and offers some relief from the cold for the majority of the country.  But then summer hits like a ton of bricks. Its hot and humid and you just want to get out into the water.

This is where kayaking, canoeing, and SUPing come into play.  Sure, die-hard paddlers will find a way to be on the water year-round.  But for the majority of the recreational paddlers out there, they'll just now be getting digging their boats from under a pile in the shed.

Whether you're a 12 month paddler or a fare-weather boater, be sure to make the most of these next 3 months of absolutely gorgeous kayaking, canoeing, and SUPing.

The Suwannee River in White Springs, Florida is know for an abundance of reasons.  One of its most overlooked accolades is that it quietly boasts the only Class III rapid in the State of Florida.  For those who know about the elusive Big Shoals rapid, it is a treat to actually see this rapid as the water level must be just right. It is even rarer to run it in a kayak, canoe, or raft.

• Learn more about: The Suwannee River in White Springs

I've spent a lot of time in recent posts sharing about the Peace River in Florida.  I decided to put together a guide to all of the articles and photos.  Here, for your reading pleasure is the Paddler's Guide to the Peace River.  Enjoy!

The hub of the Peace River seems to be centered on Arcadia, Florida.  Here paddlers will find one of the 11 public boat launches on the river, the Peace River Campground, and the Peace River Canoe Outpost.  Check out these photos and information about kayaking, canoeing, camping, and fossil hunting at the Peace River in Arcadia, FL.

If the idea of exploring for shark teeth from your kayak or canoe is of interest to you, this post is for you.  In my last few entries I've been discussing Florida's Peace River and specifically fossil hunting on the Peace River.   Perhaps the opportunity to dig up some prehistoric fossils on your own peaks your curiosity but you don't know how to go about it.  Well, here's a Fossil Hunting Checklist to give you an idea of what you'll need to get started.  I think you'll be surprised that the majority of what you'll need is probably already sitting in your garage.

Most people would cringe at the thought of paddling in an area packed full of sharks.  Well on the Peace River in Florida kayakers and canoeists can paddle waters riddled with evidence of sharks of old without the fear of being in the water with them.  The bank and bed of this river is just loaded with prehistoric shark teeth as well as the fossils of mammals. Learn all about fossil hunting and find shark teeth while paddling on the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida here.

The Peace River in Florida is a classic canoeing river, offering Florida paddlers many different runs to choose from.  You can do an out and back on this river, setup shuttle, or do a multi-day camping and canoeing trip.  There are gators, fish and birds around every bend. And, perhaps the most unique thing about this 100 mile long river, is the plethora of fossils and and shark teeth buried in the river bed.

• Learn all about the Peace River here

Florida has some amazing paddling!

The Suwannee River in White Springs has to rank up among some of the best of Florida's canoeing and kayaking opportunities.  And, when the water's just right it actually has a Florida's only Class III rapid on it.

Learn More:

• Canoeing the Suwannee River in White Springs, FL
• Kayaking Big Shoals, Florida's Only Class III Rapid

Alabama is not typically thought of as a state for paddling.  Many people didn't even realize that this state even had any coastline until the hurricanes of late brought national attention to this "Gulf Coast State."  But, the truth is that Alabama has every sort of paddling opportunity available under the sun, including sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.

• Learn all about the Alabama Kayaking and Paddling Opportunities here