This is the best way to experience Southwest Florida.
Join one of our local groups to get a feel for kayaking here, then participate with your newfound friends when you make it to town. Both of the following groups feature events north and south of Naples.
Blueway or Bust: Mark calendar now for premier paddling festival Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida welcome enthusiasts for fall event.
Fort Myers, FL, (USA ), June 24, 2010 The nation's premier canoeing and kayaking destination will sizzle with activity Oct. 29 through Nov. 7 during the fifth-annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival along the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Florida.
The festival's two weekends offer hands-on nature experiences along with kayaking and canoeing, including speakers and instruction, eco-activities f or children and adults, races, a fishing tournament, geocaching, green events and paddlers' get-togethers.
Newly featured this year is a daylong event at Lovers Key State Park, a destination beach park with paddlecraft launches featured on the Travel Channel's "Top 10 Florida Beaches." It sits along the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile marked-and-meandering saltwater trail on Southwest Florida 's coast. The day's events highlight Stand-up Paddleboarding, coastal kayaking classes and demonstrations, canoeing, paddling gear for purchase, guided off-road cycling, birdwatching, educational wading trips and living hist or y programs. Most of the day's events are free with park admission.
The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival recently was recognized in the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events of 2010.
"The Calusa Blueways Paddling Festival is a get-away like none other. The local community has put together an amazing list of paddling events over two perfect weekends," said Jim Marsh, publisher of Canoe & Kayak magazine. "There is an extra ordinary amount of effort, coordination and resources thrown behind this. They actually roll out the red carpet for the kayakers! It's a one of a kind experience we will be endorsing to our readership." The festival also is recognized and supported by Sea Kayaker magazine and the Florida Paddling Trails Association.
The festival targets compassionate and completive longtime paddlers as well as eco-activity focused families and newcomers to canoeing and kayaking. This is not just a kayak symposium -- children will find hands-on marine activities and paddlers' spouses can try Calusa Indian crafts, take guided beach walks and enjoy live music and waterfront happy-hour events with raffle prizes.
For those who are passionate, though, the paddling opportunities abound, from on-water instruction and demo paddlecraft / accessories to sunrise paddling fitness outings and lengthy kayak tours led by both Florida-based paddling clubs and some of the two dozen outfitters along the Calusa Blueway.
The annual Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament is expected to draw anglers from throughout the Southeastern U.S. competing for cash and prizes. The Calusa Blueway Photo Contest also has been revitalized for amateur photographers to show off their best shots.
Festival-goers can choose from two weekends to attend: Oct. 29-Nov. 1 and Nov. 4-7. Most activities are free or involve a nominal donation to the Calusa Blueway or an instructional fee. Social hours and live music are planned each weekend and are open to everyone.
Festival details are available at www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com, including entry forms for canoe and kayak races, a catch-and-release fishing tournament and photo contest. Listings of other activities and guided trips also are included on the site.
For trail information, check out www.CalusaBlueway.com. Maps are available or can be mailed to you. Online interactive maps, suggested routes, outfitter and put-in locations, wildlife tips and a social media site are included at the website.
FaceBook: Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival Twitter: calusapaddle
Calendar listing: Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival: Oct. 29-Nov. 7, 2010 Details online at www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com. Dates, times, phone numbers, costs, etc. are posted; website is routinely updated.
Betsy Clayton Waterways Coordinator Lee County Parks & Recreation Phone: 239-533-7474 Email: bclayton@leegov.com Web: www.LeeParks.org Blueway: www.CalusaBlueway.com Paddling festival: www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com FaceBook: Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival Twitter: calusapaddle
RECOMMEND LINKS
The Naples Kayak Company Formerly Saltwater Sports; 7 miles south of The Gondolier. 11369 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34113
The hub of kayaking in the Naples area. See them for rentals, training, events, sales and more. http://www.napleskayakcompany.com/ The Capri Fish House Approximately 16 miles south of The Gondolier. 203 Capri Blvd., Naples, FL 34113
Heading out on your own? This is a great way to get acquainted with kayaking. It's all-in-one at the Capri Fish House - kayak rentals, waterfront cocktails and dining in a beautiful tropical setting. http://www.caprifishhouse.com/
Estero Outfitters Approximately 21 miles north of The Gondolier. 20991 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero, FL 33928
Rent or purchase from a great selection of kayaks. (Photo above is of a14' Kestrel SOT rented from Estero Outfitters. GREAT kayak!) Located on the Estero River - this is a great one-stop way to try kayaks and kayaking. http://esteroriveroutfitters.com/boats.cfm
