By Pat Welsh

GREAT PLACES

1) Everglades National Park

• The shallow water in many places makes it difficult for speeding motorboats to shadow you

• Remote campsites on white beaches, groundsites tucked near mangrove forests and an occasional chickee platform for easy camping

• Huge territory so your trips can last a couple of weeks, or an hour

• Excellent fishing

• Diverse ecosystems and waterways for exploring, including Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and numerous rivers, bays, and streams

2) Atlantic Ocean

• Easy access. Just take your boat to a beach and jump on.

• The variety of conditions—flat, surf, rough—keeps paddling fresh

• Jump out of your boat and you can snorkel or scuba dive near a reef

3) Whiskey Creek (Dania Beach)

• This short route—three miles—is scenic for both natural and manmade things

• Shallow water (average: 4 feet) is perfect for paddling newbies.

• Protection from wind and waves due to mangroves on the west and sand dunes to the east

4) Loxahatchee River Canoe Trail (Tequesta)

• One of only three designated “Wild and Scenic Rivers” in Florida

• Lush vegetation from Trapper Nelson’s Pioneer Homesite to Riverbend Park

• Excellent chance to spot alligators

5) St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park (Stuart)

• Accessible only by kayak or boat

• Scenic mangrove trails

• Two miles of unspoiled Atlantic beach

• The best kept secret in South Florida !

6) Oleta River State Park (North Miami)

• Good fishing due to the proximity of Haulover Inlet

• Scenic mangrove trails

• Access to North Biscayne Bay

7) Wilton Manors Loop (Wilton Manors)

• Takes you on a circumnavigation of the “Island City” via the north and south forks of the Middle River

• Fun trip because you’ll meet lots of folks since you’re paddling through their backyards

8 ) Stiltsville (Miami)

• Unique homes supported on wooden stilts on the edge of Biscayne Bay

• Fantastic photography opportunities

• New kayak launch in Bill Baggs State Park on Key Biscayne

PLACES THAT SUCK

1) Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)

• Dangerous inlet with strong currents, large sharp rocks on the banks to prevent erosion and giant cargo ships that leave kayakers in peril. Absolutely to be avoided on weekends.

2) Intracoastal Waterway

• Too many speeding motorboats make this dangerous, especially on weekends.

3) South Biscayne Bay (Miami)

• While it’s great for snorkeling and diving, there’s no shade.