Top 5 Reasons to Crave Suwannee River Canoeing

Visitors Crave Suwannee River Canoeing for many reason.

As we come closer to the latter half of winter, you may be itching for the next opportunity to shake the last of the blustery season from your bones. Are you looking for the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the great outdoors?

If so, you may find an unexpected jewel waiting for you in the heart of Florida. You may think of manicured golf lawns and glitzy cities when you think of Florida, and while you wouldn’t be wrong, there is actually much more to discover there than meets the eye. Florida is home to some of the country’s most exquisite waterways. Whether you seek adventure, leisure, or just something different than your everyday view, you will find it down in the river. All you need to access it is some determination, a plan–and a paddle.

 

Why is canoeing a good option for me?

Canoeing may sound overly glamorous at first, but it is actually an amazing way to get out in nature, even if that is not something you do a whole lot. Canoeing can actually be a great cardiovascular exercise, good for increasing muscle strength while also incorporating gentle endurance training for the ride. The activity is fairly low impact, which makes it accessible for a wide array of people, young to old, weak to strong, beginner to expert.

Unlike the elliptical, canoeing also means that you can get phenomenal nature views to go along with your workout. Exploring Florida’s rivers via canoe allows you to get an intimate experience with nature, while also still keeping a fairly solid barrier between you and the wildlife. No need to swim alongside the alligators or trudge up a muggy hiking trail–just hop it, grab a buddy and a paddle, and you are on your way to seeing things no man can get to by foot alone!

What’s special about the Suwannee canoe outpost?

If you are new to the world of Florida’s waterways, a good place to start for all your canoeing needs and concerns is here. This Suwannee river outpost currently resides in the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park and is a good access point for the Suwannee River, one of Florida’s northern rivers and a popular site to explore via canoe.

Why Suwannee? Many adventurers start with the Suwannee in their trek across Florida’s river. This river offers a mix of white-water excitement for the thrill-seekers, and gentle beaches for those who are more interested in a relaxing ride. Here, you can connect with true rural Florida, away from the glitz and glam of the cities while reveling in the beauty of the still-wild south. This is a great place to experience some of these activities.

On a more practical note, the Suwannee River is a popular place to start if you want to journey across Florida’s river system. We are the original premier canoe outfitter for the Suwannee River, and it is open all year (even in January, when they go by a reservation basis). They offer canoe rental and shuttle service for the Suwannee, North Withlacoochee, and Alapaha Rivers. Whether your goal is a quick day trip or an overnight escapade, you can go through the outpost to coordinate trips through Florida’s river system and see what all the waterways have to offer. You never know, you may see a side of Florida that you may have never known existed otherwise!

 

What do I need to have a good Suwannee River canoeing trip?

You probably already know the basic things you need to start your Suwannee River canoeing trip: a canoe and kayak rental, at least two paddles (ideally), and a taste for adventure. So now what? Probably unsurprisingly, you may want to stock up on a few other things in order to make your trip the best that it can be. These include:

• Good snacks for energy (remember, paddling is still exercise!)
• Plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the summer months
• Sunscreen
• Raingear
• Layers of clothing for warmth (it may be colder than you anticipate out on the water, so give yourself options)
• Insect repellant
• Lifejackets (A SAFETY MUST)
• First aid kit
• Fully-charged cellphone
• Protection against wildlife (within legal means)

Above all, make sure to have a PLAN! Plan ahead and determine with all parties involved where you physically want to go and what to expect when you reach the area (in terms of climate, wildlife, and conditions of the water). Be sure to communicate to someone on land as well, so that people know where you are.

Why rent the gear for my canoeing trip?

While the gear for a canoeing trip may seem simple at first glance, you may not want to bear the responsibility of getting and maintaining that gear all on your own. The canoe, lifejackets, and oars all need to be purchased and transported, which is no simple task in itself at times. That still doesn’t include all your other supplies–safety training courses, bug repellant, extra food and water, raingear, etc. Not only do you have to purchase these things up front, but you may need to replace them if they get damaged, and then clean them after every trip.

Suddenly, that once-relaxing trip has become a long laundry list of errands. If you truly have the itch to get out on the water, this may not stop you, but it can be daunting, especially for anyone who has not actually been canoeing on the river before.

 

 

If this is you, don’t be discouraged! A great way to get started is to rent your gear. Visit our rentals and see what options may be best for you.

This may not just be for gear, either. Renting gear often goes hand-in-hand with guided tours. Use this to your advantage! Let Florida’s experienced naturalists guide you through the estuaries, mangroves, and whitewater alike! They’ll be able to give specialized knowledge. As a result, your trip will get the most out of every moment, and you’ll be able to make memories you may not have ever anticipated. On a more practical note, this also means that they can make sure you are prepared in terms of supplies and survival scenarios. While hopefully you would never need to use such information firsthand, having the guidance of an expert on hand can help you worry less and enjoy your trip more. Free up that mental space for fun, not fretting!

With a Plan, With A Paddle

If you’re ready to try something new for 2021, exploring the Suwannee River may be exactly what you need! Be sure to check out five star rated adventures, explore your rental and guide opportunities, and make memories that will blow this year out of the water!