We paddled steadily onward down the Fort George River, which is unusual in having State Parks on both banks.
The water is shallow and warm, the river is a dynamic environment of shifting sandbars edged with saltmarsh habitats.
This was a fun trip! Those who hadn't paddled previously were able to relax and enjoy our journey in sheltered water. Iain had a huge grin all day - even after an unplanned swim whilst enthusiastically practising turns....... :o)
We paddled under the bridge which carries the A1A road. The tidal stream was running nicely under the bridge and gave a bit of easy moving water to play in.
Once past the bridge we turned north along the course of the river, which is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a long sand spit. Near the end we pulled up onto the white sand for a break. This far out along the sand we shared it only with gulls, waders and Pelicans.
We had a great time swimming in the warm water and playing balance games in the boats. Two of our group, neither of whom had sat in a kayak previously, managed to do 360 degree shuffles on the back deck, and to stand up in the boats - great stuff!
Joe demonstrated sculling for support, with a Florida twist - no spraydeck..... Supporting the flooding boat was a most impressive effort
A happy group of British paddlers on a warm Florida beach :o)
Our journey
back to the boat launch at the Ribault Club was speeded by a breeze at
our backs and a bit of tidal assistance.
We'd like to thank Joe and Hennessy for a really enjoyable day. If you're visiting north Florida, we can thoroughly recommend a trip with First Coast Outfitters!
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