Uncommon and rarely-encountered bird species , such as this Little Blue Heron , may be found in relative abundance along the Wacissa River .
When packing for an outing , possibly your first , upon these rivers , I recommend that you prioritize hydration and skin protection . Carry plenty of water , ideally in reusable bottles , and consider bringing electrolytes , fruit , or salty snacks along , even if you decide against packing a full lunch .
Wear clothes that you can get wet , and if possible ,
Boat speeds are limited along the Wakulla River to protect manatees and the experience of kayaking the calm waters .
wear long-sleeve shirts and pants to protect your skin against the sun ’ s rays , which are harsh upon these southern waters . ( You can slip these off and then on again over a bathing suit if you ’ re of a mind to swim .) Quality sunglasses are a very good idea , if you have them . Bring a towel and wear some sandals to protect your feet on the ramps . Stretch and warm-up your muscles before and after your paddle to minimize soreness .
If you plan to bring your cell phone along , place it in a waterproof bag ( ideally inside another waterproof bag with a bit of air inside to help it float ) and store it away from direct sunlight . Capturing photos of family and wildlife during your trip is wonderful , but caution is warranted so as not to lose your device to the curious crabs upon the river bottom .
I have set before you here my notes on two rivers suitable for the first-time kayaker – both easily accessible , requiring no special preparation . Those more experienced watergoers reading this article might be interested in exploring the St . Marks River through T-n-T or the upper reaches of the Wacissa through WRCR . Other opportunities for getting out upon the fresh water in our region are almost innumerable – the Satilla , the Ochlocknee , the Aucilla , to name just a few – though many of these rivers are best accessed by experienced boaters with their own vessels . This portion of the country is blessed with an abundance of rivers , and lucky is the person who finds opportunity to spend time upon them .
To kayak the Wakulla
Find the outfitter and kayak rental service T-n-T Hideaway at 6527 Coastal Highway in Crawfordville , Florida , about half an hour south of Tallahassee . They ’ re open seven days a week from 8:30 a . m . to 6:30 p . m ., though service for earlier or later arrivals and departures should be available per reservation . Single-person kayaks rent for $ 40 , tandem kayaks for $ 55 , with your choice of sit-in or sit-on style . ( I recommend sit-ins for stability and sit-ons for ease of access .) They also rent canoes and paddleboards . Rates are given for four-hour rentals , with safety equipment and tax included . T-n-T also offers guided tours , overnight trips , basic instruction in the art of kayaking , and shuttles to the boundary of the park or to the St . Marks River . They recommend that rentals be reserved in advance by calling them at ( 850 ) 925-6412 .
To kayak the Wacissa
Navigate to 290 Wacissa Springs Road in Monticello , Florida to find Corky and WRCR . They may be reached by phone at ( 850 ) 997- 5023 or ( 850 ) 545-2895 , and found online at wacissarivercanoerentals . com . Daily rates for single kayaks and canoes are $ 30 , and the daily rate for a double kayak is $ 40 . Rentals include whistles , paddles , life jackets , a private place to change clothes , and secure parking for your vehicle . Shuttle services and overnight camping trips are available . Simple river maps are provided free of charge . The owners are experts on the river and can offer excellent advice on kayaking . Any questions you might have about when to go out on the water , what the conditions are like , what best places to see are , will be satisfactorily answered by them . They are open seven days a week with flexible hours .
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