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...