“Paddle Florida” To Give Away A Necky Kayak; Hosts Florida Keys Trip, Feb. 18-21

Editor — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:18:43 +0000

Paddle Florida is partnering with Necky Kayaks to give away a Necky Manitou 14 kayak. To become eligible, go to PaddleFlorida.org and describe in 50 to 100 words your favorite paddling passion, including the what, when, where, why and/or how you paddle in Florida. Some of the best, funniest and most unusual stories will be shared in the monthly Happy Paddler e-newsletter and at PaddleFlorida.org.

All entries have the opportunity to win via a random drawing on Jan. 16. Deadline to enter is Jan. 13.

Paddle Florida’s mission, according to its website, is to help paddlers enjoy the state’s diverse water trails, advocate for paddlers and protect natural resources.

From Feb. 18-21 Paddle Florida is hosting the Florida Keys Challenge. Participants will explore the shallow waters surrounding the Florida Keys and experience the plentiful marine and land wildlife.

This adventure starts in Marathon at Curry Hammock State Park with overnight camping steps from the Atlantic. The following day paddlers travel 11 miles down to Knight’s Key Campground. The third day paddlers move nine miles to the final site, Bahia Honda State Park.

The last day paddlers can enjoy recreational opportunities by self-exploring the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico by paddling, swimming, fishing or snorkeling.

The cost is $200 with a trip capacity of 100 paddlers. There is an optional meal plan for an additional $100.

For more information, e-mail or call Bill Richards at 352-377-8342.

New Kayak Paddle Raises Funds For Manatee Conservation

Editor — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:58:09 +0000

Eddyline Kayaks is helping manatees in Florida through sales of a new kayak paddle that is raising funds for manatee conservation.

Janice Nearing, a Florida member of Save the Manatee Club, provided details:

“Eddyline Kayaks is a small, 38-year-old, family-owned and environmentally conscious company run by Tom and Lisa Derrer. When Steve Sapienza, their Midwest representative, visited Crystal River, Florida and went kayaking, he saw incidents of manatee harassment first-hand and thought Eddyline could help. Steve approached the Derrers about creating a paddle with a fabric inlay featuring a manatee scene to add to their existing Swift Paddles line. And for each of these paddles sold, Eddyline is donating $15 to Save the Manatee Club for their manatee conservation work. The club is a national nonprofit organization cofounded in 1981 by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

“According to experts, swimming and diving with manatees, although seemingly benign, can lead to manatee harassment and in some scenarios contributes to a manatee’s injury or even death. A case in point is the swim-with-the-manatee programs in Crystal River, a small town on Florida’s west coast that is home to over 400 endangered manatees during the winter months…

“Lisa Derrer is thrilled that Eddyline can help. ‘Kayaking can be one of the least intrusive ways to enjoy the natural world and to observe wildlife, and we’re happy that our product will be a benefit to endangered manatees,’ she said.”

For more information about manatees visit SaveTheManatee.org.

To find out more about Eddyline Kayaks visit EddyLine.com.

South Florida Adventures » paddle

“Paddle Florida” To Give Away A Necky Kayak; Hosts Florida Keys Trip, Feb. 18-21

New Kayak Paddle Raises Funds For Manatee Conservation