Paddler Profile: Patty Pape

1) Where are you from? 
I live in Michigan in the summer and spend winters as a 'snowbird' in Titusville, Florida.

2) When and how did you become interested in paddling? 
I have paddled since I was very young...I grew up on a lake. I started sea kayaking about 17 years ago. I really enjoy taking all my camping gear with me and heading out into the wilds of Lake Superior, Georgian Bay, and Lake Powell, among other places.

3) Where is your favorite place to paddle? 
Florida is definitely my favorite place to paddle because of the abundance and variety of wildlife that you see while paddling. From gators and crocodiles to river otters, dolphins, manatees, wild pigs and monkeys, and hundreds of species of birds...you just don't see that variety of wildlife in other parts of the country. Florida also offers a wide range of paddling opportunities from saltwater to freshwater, lakes, rivers, streams, spring runs, even swamps and mangrove tunnels.

4) What made you decide to go on a Paddle Florida trip? 
I know Walt and Sally Jetter (regular Paddle Florida volunteers) and I had heard them talk of past trips. When I heard about this year's Keys Challenge, I knew I wanted to participate as paddling from Key Largo to Key West has always been on my 'bucket list.'

5) What did you enjoy most about the Paddle Florida trip you went on?  
I had 15 friends from Michigan who came down to paddle with me on the Keys trip, so that made it special. In Michigan, you can 'walk on water in the winter, so they were eager to escape the cold and snow and come to the Sunshine State for a few weeks of paddling. Paddle Florida was a great way to meet new people from other parts of the country. And with the work of meals, campsites, route planning, and hauling gear all done for you, it made the trip easy for participants. I would love to do another Paddle Florida trip to explore another area of the state.

6) What advice do you have for anyone considering a Paddle Florida trip? 
Paddle Florida makes it easy to go on an expedition and discover the 'REAL' Florida! The fact that everything is taken care of for you and you just need to paddle makes it do-able for many ability levels. Using a tandem kayak may be a good idea for those not used to paddling longer distances.

Paddler Profiles: Emily Sperling & Paul Archacki

In honor of the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, we're profiling a paddling couple this month. Questions below were answered by Emily, with input from Paul.

1) Where are you from? Paul is from Florida's right coast and I am from its left coast, which may explain our differing political viewpoints. Paul grew up in Lantana, and we now both reside in my hometown of Sarasota.

2) When and how did you become interested in kayaking? We really enjoyed a brief kayak tour we took with co-workers off Boca Grande. Then we learned that we had friends and family members with kayaks readily available for borrowing, and that sealed the deal.

3) Where is your favorite place to paddle? Choosing a favorite is difficult as we haven't yet found a spot we didn't like and have so many places we want to try. But for ease of access, interesting animal viewing (including the human variety), and ability to easily flip into clear, warm saltwater for a swim, we'd have to say tootling around the mangroves of Sarasota Bay is a favorite. When the long days of summer are upon us, we can make an after-work decision to go for a paddle and be on the water in less than 15 minutes.

4) What made you decide to go on a Paddle Florida trip? Ultimately, it was the opportunity to introduce our teenage niece and cousin to Florida's natural beauty. We signed up for the Peace River weekend, packed up the kids, forgot our tent fly, and joined the group. To those of you on that trip who still remember us: our sincere apologies. Having the type of quality time with our family that Paddle Florida provided was just priceless.

5) What did you enjoy most about the PF trip you went on? We've had the pleasure of doing both the Peace River and St. Johns River Ramble with Paddle Florida. The birds, manatees, and serenity during early morning launches certainly made both trips enjoyable. But nothing beats the company! We enjoyed meeting such kind, interesting, and fun characters along the way. To this day, family discussions often revolve around the people we met, conversations we had, and songs we made up on those trips. The people make the paddle.

6) Would you go on another PF trip? Absolutely...but you may have to convince us first that the temperature won't drop to 18 degrees! We were among the very brave and determined paddlers who survived the freezing cold of the December 2010 St. Johns River Ramble. When Paul is asked about his willingness to try another winter paddle, he replies "My litmus test is simple. If I'm going to wake up in the morning with ice crystals in my tent, then maybe. If you promise me a cup of cold coffee and a basket of biscuits with frozen butter, then I'm in!" [Editor's Note: This is why our Wekiva/St. Johns trip has moved to April!]

7) Does kayaking together strengthen your relationship or do you sometimes want to hit each other with a paddle? We usually get along okay while kayaking. Generally any frustration we have toward each other gets redirected to our teenage companions. We do get a little competitive though. Paddle Florida rules state nothing about drafting behind then passing your partner as you aim your boat to the shore like a torpedo in an attempt to arrive at the lunch rendezvous first in your group.
In retrospect, kayaking has helped us better understand each other. Though Paul knew I was an outdoorsy girl, he didn't truly realize how strong my need for outdoor adventure and the simple joys that come with paddling and camping were until we went on these trips. Likewise, I have become increasingly thankful for Paul's willingness to try new activities and the humor with which he approaches these adventures.

8) Describe your most stressful moment in a kayak. Was your partner helpful at the time? We both agree that our most stressful time occurred while tandeming on the bay in really choppy waters. What we can't reach agreement on is why it was stressful. Laughing uncontrollably as I related my ride in the back of the boat to that of a cowboy on a bucking bronco, I was having the time of my life. Feeling the instability of the front seat as waves broke over the bow, Paul envisioned himself as a passenger on the Titanic. "I'm out of here!" Paul shouted as he began paddling the tandem with reckless abandon to the nearest shore. I was convinced that once Paul dragged us both to shore (a nearby yet remote mangrove island), he would refuse re-boarding and I'd have to either leave him there or live the life portrayed in Gilligan's Island. I dragged my paddle, legs, arms, and anything else that could hang out of the boat in hopes of tiring Paul out. Ultimately, this and some 'verbal coaching' got us through the trip.

9) Does a tandem or two single kayaks work best for you? Believe it or not, we attempted tandem kayaking one more time on the Myakka River while enjoying a paddle with friends. Ignoring the difficulty of having two control freaks in the boat which caused us to hit bank after bank on our trip downstream, I suggested we navigate a narrower path to a bridge where people like to view alligators. We too enjoyed watching the alligators until we once again brushed up against a bank, both pushed off from the same side of the boat, and ended up in the drink. Really big alligators present a powerful motivating force for climbing back in a boat quickly! We decided on that day to retire the 'relationship boat'. We have been paddling together, separately, ever since.

Paddler Profiles

Seventy-nine-year-old Catherine Ray will be tackling her fifth Paddle Florida trip this coming spring on the Ochlockonee River. Catherine gives us a brief glimpse into her very active life...

Where are you from?
I live in a continuing care retirement community in Richmond, Virginia.

When and how did you become interested in paddling?
My first water tours were paddling the Alligash waterway in Maine (twice) and the St. Johns River (the only river that flows north in the eastern U.S.) with Elderhostel a few years ago.

What made you decide to go on a Paddle Florida trip?
I heard about Paddle Florida while on Bike Florida, which I have enjoyed 8 or 9 times. I tried it and loved it. I have patriciapted in two Suwannee River trips, one Withlacoochee/Suwannee trip, and the inaugural Ochlockonee trip which I am signed up to go on again this coming March.

What have you enjoyed most about the PF trips you've been on?
Paddle Florida is very well organized, has friendly staff and participants, trucks your gear to a nice variety of campsites each day, supplies us with good and plentiful food, and the daily paddling distances are manageable. Plus, varying river conditions make each trip unique.

Do you have advice for anyone considering a PF trip?
Paddle Florida is not competitive. Come once and you'll be hooked!

Paddler Profiles

A 44-year old friendship is tested (and perseveres!) over a week of paddling on the Suwannee River. Two 2011 Suwannee trip graduates share their adventures in paddling.

Name and hometown: Cindy Fetch, Athens, GA

When and how did you become interested in paddling? I’ve always loved activities involving water and started paddling in 1995. I bought a whitewater kayak and started out on the lake behind our house. My daughter was dating a guy who was a competitive whitewater paddler. He tried to teach me how to roll, but I never got it down unfortunately. I sold the boat and bought a Keowee kayak, which allows me to paddle 1-3's and not have to worry about rolling.

Where is your favorite place to paddle? The Chestatee River near Dahlonega, GA. Clear water, pebbly bottom, bluffs lined with rhododendrons, and only an hour from our home.

What made you decide to go on a Paddle Florida trip? My husband and I have gone on several paddling trips with the Georgia Canoe Association. I think it was Paddle Georgia’s web site that had a link to Paddle Florida. I've been forwarding the trip info to my friend Peggy for three years. She finally agreed to go!

What did you enjoy most about the PF trip you went on? The camaraderie. Everyone on the trip was so friendly and supportive…we were the slowpokes!

Would you go on another PF trip? Absolutely (with a faster boat!)



Name and hometown: Peggy Perry, Jacksonville, FL

When and how did you become interested in paddling? We moved to Fernandina Beach in 1967 when I was 13. Before that my family spent every weekend at a lake near Atlanta, so water is essential to my happiness! Cindy was the first person who spoke to me in Fernandina. We immediately formed a bond that has lasted 44 years. I currently live on the St. Johns River and keep a small kayak on my dock. I had only paddled it a few times—basically, just enough to get blisters. When Cindy suggested this trip, I ran out to get two pairs of gloves because I was afraid I'd lose one!

Where is your favorite place to paddle? Since my only real trip has been on the Suwannee with Paddle Florida, I'll say that for now! I'm eager to challenge that opinion, however.

What made you decide to go on a Paddle Florida trip? Cindy made me do it. She had asked before and I knew if she went without me she wouldn't have any fun.

What did you enjoy most about the PF trip you went on? Everything about it was perfect! Well, except that first night...it rained and flooded our tent. I tried not to panic when I awoke and realized our situation...I am the one who brought the (piece of ...) tent. That first morning we were the last to get in the water and next to last out. We had Doug, the sweeper, distract another paddler near the back of the pack so that we could pass her. She got a prize for being last that night....that prize should have been ours! Humiliated, we organized for the next day by rehearsing every step from getting dressed to getting in the boats (with lots of laughter). We were first in! But, still last out. We had to shift our focus to getting a prize of some sort, which Paddle Florida Director Bill Richards ultimately gave us just because we were kind of obnoxiously cute together.

Would you go on another PF trip? I can't wait for the next one! There are so many wonderful trips planned and I love the way the Paddle Florida folks organized everything for us. The campsites, food, nightly entertainment, and the people involved were what made this experience so great. We borrowed boats for the Suwannee trip and blame them for keeping us in the rear. So, I have purchased a new boat, a Perception Essence 16.5. Surely, I can figure out how to make a fast boat go slow, if necessary...but making a slow boat go fast was way too hard!

Drawing for Manitou 14 Necky Kayak is Sunday

This Sunday on the Peace River, Paddle Florida will draw the winner in our Necky Kayak Giveaway. More than 150 paddlers from across the state and beyond registered to win the Manitou 14 courtesy of Necky Kayaks. Many entries shared what attracts folks to the water and Florida's great outdoor escapes. We appreciate all the entries and the support from our paddling community.

This contest and its entries have provided Paddle Florida with some tips on places to check out for future trips. And we've enjoyed hearing what rewards and experiences paddlers seek as they head out for the wild blue yonder. We're so lucky to have so many water choices in Florida.

I'd like to share a recent entry from Tom, Gainesville, as he looks at the big picture -

"We paddle to keep in touch with ourselves, our river and springs, and our friends who live in the water, woods and air. Being out on the water for the sunrise or sunset is our family's way of remembering why we're on this planet. If we're there, and the eagles and herons are there, the otters and turtles are there, the manatees are there, and the fish and gators are there, then everything's OK with the water and the universe."

Stay tuned to see who wins and find out about the second Necky Kayak Giveaway as 2011 goes with the flow...

Share 2010 Stories. Start 2011 Adventures.

After enjoying holiday feasting and sharing 2010 updates with family and friends its time to start planning a 2011 paddling camping adventure. First, register for a chance to win a Manitou 14 kayak courtesy of Necky Kayaks to be given away in three weeks.

Any entry has the opportunity to win through one final random drawing on January 16, 2011, during the Peace, Love Paddle trip on the Peace River. Deadline to enter is January 10, 2011.

Here's some of the stories we've collected recently in this contest. Won't you share yours?

Bill P., Bradenton -

The moon is full, the river is calm and reflecting the moonshine like a mirror. My paddle piercing the water is the only sound I can hear. I get lost in the moment enjoying the glide of the kayak along the surface of this aqua paradise...Wait...a voice disturbs my peaceful paddle. "Babe! Are you going to start working on your honey-do list, or are you going to just sit there on the couch daydreaming?" It was actually a "moondream," but I guess I'll get to work scrubbing toilets and cleaning the garage... The toilet water is calm...

Christopher A., Englewood -

My past 30 years of living on Florida's West and South West coasts, I've have paddled on many crystal clear spring fed rivers, lakes, salt water flats, bays, inlets and the Gulf of Mexico. All along the way drawing in page after page of Florida memories. I've seen some huge gators and some of the best wildlife up in Citrus county. But also some of Charlotte and Sarasota counties awesome salt water paddles on Lemon Bay. Long Boat Pass and the ICW near Bradenton, the Manatee River too.I love Port Saint Joe Bay and Port Saint Joe State park, some the most pristine areas of Florida Big Pine Key, Gulf and Atlantic sides, kayaking with schools of Tarpon and Dolfins. Mainly I used a sit in Current designs Kayak. But now own an Ocean Kayak rigged for fishing! I fly fish and spin cast to willing redfish, seatrout, ladyfish and other game fish. But hey it's all good because when I'm out paddling...

Elisa S., Lantana -

Florida is made for kayaks or canoes! I love to have trouble choosing where to launch my kayak from! Do Floridians realize how lucky we are to have so many, many, way many choices???? We've seen dolphins jumping around us (babies doing their belly-flaps!!! sooooo cute!), gorgeous rays flapping underneath... even launched rockets from NASA while on the Banana River. One summer, after work, we drove to Southern Blvd, by Trumps' Mar-A-Lago and launched our kayaks. After watching the most incredible sunset, all of the sudden, the biggest, whitest, most incredible Moon came out from the East, like competing with the sun... I think the moon won... what an incredible, natural Floridian night!

Sharing Paddling Lessons

Paddling Delights

As the holidays approach with all their trimmings, celebrations and mad shopping dashes, paddlers delight, with new adventures to explore and only five weeks left to enter Paddle Florida’s Kayak giveaway, considerably more time than you have to decorate, shop, bake, entertain, and be merry.

Take time to register to win a Manitou 14 courtesy of Necky Kayaks and consider giving a Paddle Florida trip to your best buddy for a holiday gift. If you need a nudge, read this first time paddling experience from Jill, Gainesville. Jill’s contest entry was one of many great paddling adventures we’ve received during the contest. We’ll post more in the coming weeks.

Jill from Gainesville shares...

The very first time I paddled a kayak involved going over Big Shoals on the Suwannee River, with a water level that produced Class II-III rapids. I’d accompanied Ed, my boyfriend at the time, to the area to watch he and his friends shoot over the shoals repeatedly. They made it look so easy. As the afternoon wore on, I grew restless from my perch on the bank.

“I think I want to try this,” I said to Ed tentatively as he steered his craft back to the bank below the shoals for the umpteenth time.

I’d never paddled a kayak before, but I’d canoed several times. How difficult could it be? We portaged his kayak a few hundred feet upriver from the shoals. Ed buckled me into his too-large life jacket and held the boat steady as I slid in. He handed me the paddle and advised me to “stay left,” as I approached the shoals. With a shove, I was off!, heart pounding loudly in my chest.

"Wow, this is a bit wobblier than a canoe. This paddle sure is long. Why can’t I make it turn left? Wait. That was too far left. What the?? I can’t turn it back the other way. What’s with these currents?!?"

As the thunder of rapids ahead grew louder, it dawned on me that I was about to approach them perpendicularly! Every desperate flail with the paddle was in vain. I could NOT get this damn boat pointed in the right direction. As spray from the rapids began to hit my face, I stopped paddling in frustration, looked up, and cried, “I give up!”

At precisely that moment, river currents took over, my kayak righted itself, and I shot over the shoals, bow-forward, like a pro. Seconds later, having recovered from hyperventilating in calmer waters, I felt a surge of pride.

“I DID this,” I boasted to myself, and it was my FIRST time in a kayak. I paddled over to where Ed and the others were standing on the bank, anticipating the high-fives and congratulatory hugs that my admiring audience was sure to provide and unceremoniously flipped over the boat and fell out into the river.

Life lesson #1: Do all you can to make things right. Then LET GO.

Life lesson #2: When #1 goes well, don’t get cocky about it.

Despite the inglorious ending to my first kayaking experience, it instilled a paddling bug in me which Paddle Florida continues to nurture to this day.

Posted by: Nickie Kortus, Paddle Florida volunteer

Please share your paddling adventure with us and register to win a Necky Kayak Manitou 14 or join a Paddle Florida trip.