KAYAKING SAFETY

Kayaking offers one of the most relaxing and peaceful ways to explore our county’s vast waterways. Just ask Kenny and Jenny Body. The couple own Central Florida Nature Adventures in Eustis and take paddlers on trips through the Dora Canal, Haynes Creek, the Wekiva River, and other bodies of water.

“We take people out from all over the state,” Kenny says. “Because we live in a subtropical environment, we see all kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s also a very healthy activity because paddlers build muscles in their arms, legs, and core.”

Kenny offers some basic kayaking safety tips:

•“Don’t paddle at night by yourself. Alligators typically feed at night, and they’re also very difficult to see at night. I recommend everyone be off the water by dark.”

•“Avoid getting too close to overhanging branches. They are often places where wasps and other stinging insects live.”

•Beware of poison ivy. Paddlers exiting their kayak have a tendency to lean on a tree where poison ivy is growing.”

•“Always have bug spray. Otherwise, you’re a sitting duck if mosquitoes and deerflies are out.”

•“Keep your weight in the boat. If you start looking behind you while trying to take pictures, you lose center gravity and start tipping the kayak. I’ve seen people fall out of a kayak because they were taking pictures.”

•“Don’t bring Styrofoam coolers because you’ll lose everything if you tip. Instead, bring flip-top coolers and dry bags.”

•“When you are paddling, extend your elbow and put the paddle in the water out by your feet and bring it back to your hip. This is the best way to get maximum thrust and exercise.”

•“Never paddle further than your capability.”