| Aardvark's Adventures in Kayak Land October/November 2007 Edition |
| Group Paddles |
| October 10 Wednesday Sunset on Kings Bay and Paddler's Social October 14 Sunday Manatee Springs Beginner October 21 Sunday Withlacoochee Backwaters Beginner October 29 Monday Submarine Springs Advanced Intermediate November 4 Sunday Wekiva / Waccassassa Beginner November 7 Wednesday Sunset on King's bay and Paddler's Social INFO November 11 Sunday Gum Slough Intermediate November 18 Sunday Florida Saltwater Trail Intermediate |
| Group paddles are Aardvark's time to socialize and paddle with both old and new friends. Skill levels vary so the trips are typically not very strenuous unless so noted (Advanced). Join us at no charge if you have your own boat. Need a rental? We'll bring one for you at base rental rates. ($35 single/$45 tandem). We now require that you pre-pay for rentals. Sign up early. You can always cancel out and that way you are in the loop from the beginning. If you decide you don't want to go at the last minute, just let us know so we don't wait on you. Don't expect an immediate response when you sign up. The e-mails go into a bin and a message is generated, usually the Friday before the trip. |
Interactive Trip Selector is now located here: Group Paddle Trips 1. Make sure to fill
in the contact info box with an e-mail address so that we can contact you with trip details.
2. Check the boxes next to the trips that interest you.
3. When everything is filled in hit the Send Button.
I have to ask that you please sign up through the webform using a valid e-mail
address and please check the waiver. In order to keep these trips free, I have to
keep it as simple as possible.
in the contact info box with an e-mail address so that we can contact you with trip details.
2. Check the boxes next to the trips that interest you.
3. When everything is filled in hit the Send Button.
I have to ask that you please sign up through the webform using a valid e-mail
address and please check the waiver. In order to keep these trips free, I have to
keep it as simple as possible.
Paddling Tips
You may need a new free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this File. Get it here.
I've just discovered 2 cool new (at least to me since I upgraded my computer) tools for trip planning. Google
earth and Flash Earth. Both take a bit of computer memory and Google Earth requires you install some free
software, but boy is it cool. I've been searching for years for some springs I found the flats near the St.
Martins Keys. 15 minutes on Google Earth and I've got GPS coordinates for that one, plus a few more. Click on
the picture that follows for a screen shot.:
Flash Earth is primarily a viewer, while Google Earth lets you do many more things. You can lay out tracks,
points, labels and much more. Click on the thumbnail to see an example of a simple one I did for the Cooter
and Hare Races
You may need a new free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this File. Get it here.
I've just discovered 2 cool new (at least to me since I upgraded my computer) tools for trip planning. Google
earth and Flash Earth. Both take a bit of computer memory and Google Earth requires you install some free
software, but boy is it cool. I've been searching for years for some springs I found the flats near the St.
Martins Keys. 15 minutes on Google Earth and I've got GPS coordinates for that one, plus a few more. Click on
the picture that follows for a screen shot.:
Flash Earth is primarily a viewer, while Google Earth lets you do many more things. You can lay out tracks,
points, labels and much more. Click on the thumbnail to see an example of a simple one I did for the Cooter
and Hare Races
Shop News
The Bending Branches Glide Hybrid is just what the doctor ordered for our shallow coastal waters full of rocks and
oysters. Only an ounce heavier than the Glide Carbon, its nylon reinforced blade can take a beating.
NEW PRODUCTS click on the links for more info
Current Designs
Kitsilano TCS Construction Just Right at 15' 3"
Vision Series 130, 140, and 150 Starting at 33 lbs
Kestrel 160 Hybrid Composite at 49 lbs
Hurricane Kayaks
Tampico 140S
Tampico 140L
- The Upcoming Paddle with a Purpose is Wednesday November 7th. Sign Up Here
The Bending Branches Glide Hybrid is just what the doctor ordered for our shallow coastal waters full of rocks and
oysters. Only an ounce heavier than the Glide Carbon, its nylon reinforced blade can take a beating.
NEW PRODUCTS click on the links for more info
Current Designs
Kitsilano TCS Construction Just Right at 15' 3"
Vision Series 130, 140, and 150 Starting at 33 lbs
Kestrel 160 Hybrid Composite at 49 lbs
Hurricane Kayaks
Tampico 140S
Tampico 140L
| That's all for now folks. See You on the Water Aardvark's |
| Copyright ©2003 Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company All Rights Reserved |
| Upcoming Events Ozello Fest November 24th Call Matt or Sue for details at 352-795-5650 |
The Environment
Not much has really changed since my last rant. Some Good News and Some Bad News.
Good News: The Crystal River City Council passed a resolution recommending to US Fish and Wildlife that a no touch
policy for manatee interaction should be implemented and that Kings Bay should be a year around slow speed zone.
Bad News: It's only a recommendation and has no force of law behind it. Still it's a first step that past councils have been
unwilling to take.
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Good News: Governor Crist interceded with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and got them to delay
a vote to complete the downlisting of the manatee at their September meeting.
Bad News: The head of the Imperiled Species Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, just days
after, announced the following:
"Greenwire
September 27, 2007 Thursday
MANATEES: Manatees likely to lose endangered status, Fla. official says.
SECTION: Natural Resources Vol. 10 No. 9
Florida wildlife commissioners will likely shift the manatee's status from endangered to threatened when a group of law
enforcement officials next meets to discuss the species' designation, according to Kip Frohlich, species management leader
for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Frohlich emphasized yesterday that although the designation is expected to change, protections for the manatee like limits
on fishing and boat speed and fines for disturbing or harming it will remain the same.
Frohlich said the shift will allow officials to track the species' status accurately, saying its current numbers do not warrant its
designation as endangered (Elizabeth Wright, Naples Daily News, Sept. 26).
Earlier this month, the commission delayed downgrading the animal's status after Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) sent a letter
requesting the postponement. Crist and other Florida officials received a barrage of complaints from citizens and
environmental groups unhappy with the proposed change (Greenwire, Sept. 12). -- KB"
I know Kipp pretty well and his is doing what the law says to do. He's not all that flawed, just a good bureaucrat, but the law
and the ranking scheme is. A simple fix to all this would have been to about the criteria and verbiage the IUCN uses in total.
The FWCC refused to do that thereby creating their own conundrum. Coincidentally as state officials are downlisting them,
the IUCN (it's a global ranking) moved the Florida Manatee from vulnerable to endangered. Go figure.
One final comment. I recently had kayak friend tell me she was berated by the refuge manager who told her " You know
you kayakers are really harassing the manatees." I personally believe that it was a retaliatory comment meant to intimidate
those in the kayak community who have been critical of how USFWS has handled the harassment issues. It is certainly
possible for kayakers to influence manatee behavior so lets all pay particular attention to our behavior and not give him any
ammunition or excuse to divert attention from other issues.
Not much has really changed since my last rant. Some Good News and Some Bad News.
Good News: The Crystal River City Council passed a resolution recommending to US Fish and Wildlife that a no touch
policy for manatee interaction should be implemented and that Kings Bay should be a year around slow speed zone.
Bad News: It's only a recommendation and has no force of law behind it. Still it's a first step that past councils have been
unwilling to take.
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Good News: Governor Crist interceded with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and got them to delay
a vote to complete the downlisting of the manatee at their September meeting.
Bad News: The head of the Imperiled Species Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, just days
after, announced the following:
"Greenwire
September 27, 2007 Thursday
MANATEES: Manatees likely to lose endangered status, Fla. official says.
SECTION: Natural Resources Vol. 10 No. 9
Florida wildlife commissioners will likely shift the manatee's status from endangered to threatened when a group of law
enforcement officials next meets to discuss the species' designation, according to Kip Frohlich, species management leader
for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Frohlich emphasized yesterday that although the designation is expected to change, protections for the manatee like limits
on fishing and boat speed and fines for disturbing or harming it will remain the same.
Frohlich said the shift will allow officials to track the species' status accurately, saying its current numbers do not warrant its
designation as endangered (Elizabeth Wright, Naples Daily News, Sept. 26).
Earlier this month, the commission delayed downgrading the animal's status after Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) sent a letter
requesting the postponement. Crist and other Florida officials received a barrage of complaints from citizens and
environmental groups unhappy with the proposed change (Greenwire, Sept. 12). -- KB"
I know Kipp pretty well and his is doing what the law says to do. He's not all that flawed, just a good bureaucrat, but the law
and the ranking scheme is. A simple fix to all this would have been to about the criteria and verbiage the IUCN uses in total.
The FWCC refused to do that thereby creating their own conundrum. Coincidentally as state officials are downlisting them,
the IUCN (it's a global ranking) moved the Florida Manatee from vulnerable to endangered. Go figure.
One final comment. I recently had kayak friend tell me she was berated by the refuge manager who told her " You know
you kayakers are really harassing the manatees." I personally believe that it was a retaliatory comment meant to intimidate
those in the kayak community who have been critical of how USFWS has handled the harassment issues. It is certainly
possible for kayakers to influence manatee behavior so lets all pay particular attention to our behavior and not give him any
ammunition or excuse to divert attention from other issues.
| Take an online boating safety course for free and get a certification for $10. Click here to Start |
RACKandROLL KD Trailer........$1,999.00 (MSRP)
Transport your gear in comfort and style with the RACKandROLL KD.
Never again will you hurt yourself or your car’s finish by lifting heavy
objects onto your roof. Connecting, moving, and storing the KD is a
breeze because of its lightweight, yet strong aluminum construction. Best
of all, it looks great behind any car, truck, or SUV. Go with
RACKandROLL and put your roof rack behind you.
The RACKandROLL Personal Gear Trailer features custom alloy wheels,
high performance shocks (for loads up to 250 lbs), and includes 65"
THULE®-Style square Loadbars. Our Loadbars and Towers are
compatible with Thule, Yakima, Malone and other roof rack products.
The standard tongue provided can carry a single canoe or kayak up to
16 ft in length or two 15 ft kayaks. Add a stacker and carry more.
Transport your gear in comfort and style with the RACKandROLL KD.
Never again will you hurt yourself or your car’s finish by lifting heavy
objects onto your roof. Connecting, moving, and storing the KD is a
breeze because of its lightweight, yet strong aluminum construction. Best
of all, it looks great behind any car, truck, or SUV. Go with
RACKandROLL and put your roof rack behind you.
The RACKandROLL Personal Gear Trailer features custom alloy wheels,
high performance shocks (for loads up to 250 lbs), and includes 65"
THULE®-Style square Loadbars. Our Loadbars and Towers are
compatible with Thule, Yakima, Malone and other roof rack products.
The standard tongue provided can carry a single canoe or kayak up to
16 ft in length or two 15 ft kayaks. Add a stacker and carry more.
The Florida Circumnavigational Trail Association (FCTA) is forming as a support organization for th Florida
Saltwater Circumnavigation Trail. To check out the trail click here. To volunteer click here.
Saltwater Circumnavigation Trail. To check out the trail click here. To volunteer click here.
| 2007 Model Closeout Here's What's Left at 2007 Prices Price Increases begin with 2008 Model Stock |
|
| LASH LOCK Strap your boat to your car rack and lock it down in one easy step. Just loop the cable over the boat and under the crossbars. The end of the cable snaps into the lock, which then swings closed, tightening the cable securely around your boat.Unlocks with a three-digit combination that you choose. Includes lock, 13' cable, and instructions. |
