Paddler's Guide to the Sunshine State

"A thorough, comprehensive guide to canoeing and kayaking in Florida. . . . It is a necessary as well as an entertaining guidebook for every paddler's library."--Brad Manley, Paddle Florida "Do you yearn for a glimpse of Florida as it was a century ago? This book shows you how to move silently down the Sunshine State's many rivers and creeks and coastal flats, all the while enjoying scenery and wildlife of all kinds. The best paddles from Pensacola to Key West are described in detail, along with specialized instructions."--Richard W. Bowles, Florida Sportsman Paddler's Guide to the Sunshine State is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information on paddling in Florida--bound so that it lies open at each page for easy reference or photocopying--and is fully indexed. Whether you're a first-time paddler or a whitewater veteran, whether you're looking for an easy going two-hour tour with your family or a week-long solo adventure, this book lists the most delightful destinations to explore in a state famous for its scenic waterways. From the vast flats of the Florida Keys to the rivers and springs of the Florida Panhandle, Paddler's Guide to the Sunshine State gives directions to 91 Florida waterways, separated into 271 individual canoeing and kayaking excursions. For each of the 91 destinations, veteran paddler and outdoor writer Sandy Huff - tells her readers where to rent or buy canoes and kayaks - evaluates the difficulty of each trail - supplies emergency phone numbers and a customized map showing launch and take-out sites, average length, and paddling time for each leg - and presents a candid discussion of the waterway In introductory chapters, she offers safety tips on camping basics, dressing for comfort, coping with insects, sunburn, and power boats, and reading the weather and water currents. She describes Florida flora and fauna that paddlers might encounter--birds, alligators, manatees, snakes, plants, and trees--and lists paddling clubs around the state as well as Internet web addresses for additional paddling information. Sandy Huff's down-home, anecdotal writing style has appeared in more than 800 magazines and newspapers, including Canoe and Kayak Magazine and The Saturday Evening Post . A Florida native and resident of Safety Harbor, she has traveled the length and breadth of the state, paddling every major waterway and numerous side streams, and has 25 years of experience as a canoe instructor. This book is a compilation of Huff's all-time favorite trips, and it includes contributions by six guest writers, all expert paddlers.