Kayak Personal Flotation Device

Enjoy Everglades Kayaking

Unique and wild. That is one way to sum up the 10,000 Island Wilderness in Florida’s Everglade National Park. This tropical location is one of the greatest US destinations for paddling! Aptly named, the Ten Thousand Islands and the mangrove estuaries by which they are composed are known for their plentiful wildlife to include manatees, dolphins, otters, birds, and sharks to name just a few. The small towns you may encounter during your travels contain tropical plants found no where else in the US. Rare tropical trees such as Plumeria, Heaven Lotus and others can be found here.

The name “Ten Thousand Islands” is actually a bit deceptive, you will find hundreds of islands in the area, but many aren’t suitable for pulling up the kayak and lying out on the beach for a break. There are a few islands, however, such as Tiger Key that have, over time, built up a sandy beach. So Despite the name, there are nowhere near ten thousand islands in this region-just a few hundred.

Top-notch navigation skills are a must for this trip. Within this mangrove wilderness lies a web of bays, creeks, and channels in which it is all too easy to lose your way. Get a waterproof NOAA marine chart before leaving out on this Everglades kayaking trip. Don’t consider carrying anything other than a waterproof chart. Of course, you will want a compass to make sure you can get back on the right path if something happens. Plus, I would highly recommend taking a (waterproof) GPS receiver. Please be sure you know how to use these valuable tools in a pinch.

Chokoloskee Island is a great place to go for a day or weekend if you enjoy fishing, relaxing and everglades kayaking. Kayaking and fishing are top activities on this quaint and quiet island. The variety of fish species available here is vast and includes Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Catfish, and many more. There are a plethora of paddling trails and multi-day canoe and kayak trips that can be explored and enjoyed in this area.

This are of Florida can be very relaxing and fun, but you have to realize where you are. This is a remote wilderness setting. Sunscreen and bug repellent is a must. This is a salt-water environment. No fresh water is available at your destination, so you’ll have to take it with you-at least 1 gallon of freshwater per person per day. Make sure to bring at least a gallon of water per person for every day that you plan on spending in this area of the Everglades. All the water in the area is saltwater, so even the raccoons are dying of thirst! They will chew holes through your bottles to get to the freshwater, so make sure to protect them at all times.

Other than winter months, sand flies and mosquitoes can be just as big of pests as the raccoons. Take lots of insect repellent. Be sure your mosquito netting bars the tiny sand flies as well as mosquitoes. If you go in the winter, this may not be as big of a concern.

The Ten Thousand Islands present many opportunities to explore some of the wildest areas Florida has to offer. Be sure you’re in good physical shape for what could be a challenging canoe/kayak trip (depending on winds and tides), and know your wilderness navigation. You will be roughing it in some of the more natural and remote areas of the state. This is a great place to visit just be sure to have all your ducks in a row and do your homework. Get in shape and get ready to enjoy the wilds of Florida!
Extrasport PFD’s – Personal Flotation Devices for Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Whitewater and Rescue

NRS Orange/Gray Chinook Flotation Fishing Vest PFD – Large/X-Large $99.95 Gear-heads, rejoice. The fishing PFD from NRS has pockets stacked on pockets for almost unlimited storage….

NRS Orange/Gray Chinook Flotation Fishing Vest PFD – Small/Medium $99.95 Gear-heads, rejoice. The fishing PFD from NRS has pockets stacked on pockets for almost unlimited storage….

NRS Orange/Gray Chinook Flotation Fishing Vest PFD – XXL $99.95 Gear-heads, rejoice. The fishing PFD from NRS has pockets stacked on pockets for almost unlimited storage….

Yamaha OEM Unisex Value Four-Buckle PFD Personal Floatation Device Life Vest. US Coast Guard Approved. UL Listed. Screenprint. MAR-10V4V-BK Front, side, and back foam. Heavy-duty coated nylon. U.S. Coast Guard Approved/UL listed. Screenprinted Yamaha logos. Unisex….