JUNE 19, 20, 21:

JUNE 21:  SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNSET PADDLE    

While the Solstice officially begins at 0548, that's a little to early for me, so to celebrate the Summer, Kayaks and Beyond will have a special Sunset Tour starting at 6:30 PM and paddling around some of the coastal islands. We'll watch the Sun Set over the Gulf of Mexico.  See if we can catch the "Green Flash."  Is it a real event or is it a farce?  It should prove to be a most spectacular sunset and evening paddle event.  USCG nightime navigation rules apply.

Cost is $25

Need a boat?  No problem,  Kayak rentals available for $10 additional.

 

 

 

JUNE 23:  2ND SEMINOLE WAR BATTLEFIELD ARCH TOUR 

      Our guide, Rich Estabrook, is an Archaeologist from the University of South Florida and Florida Public Archaeology Network.  He leads us on our trip which starts at Red's Restaurant on Hwy 200 and CR 39, Dunnellon at 8:30am for a Powerpoint presentation. 
       We'll launch onto the river just down the road and paddle up river the same route as area Natives did thousands of years before Christ. 
       We will paddle near the site of a major battle of the Second Seminloe War.  What happened?  Who won?  What did it cost?  How did they know the enemy was coming?  What caused the war?  Why was it the second war?  Get the answers from Rich.

          We'll continue up river to Big Blue Spring where we can cool off in the same spring as the ancient peoples did thousands of years ago. 

So mark your calendars and make your reservations.  The tour is $20, which is a donation to the Friends of the Crystal

River State Parks.  Rental kayaks are available for $20. Reservations required.

 

 

 

JULY 4:     FUN AND FIREWORKS BY KAYAK   

First spend the day in Kings Bay Park on NW 3rd St. in Crystal River.  There will be Music, Entertainment, Fun and Food throughout the day.  A Crystal River Kayak Company will be hosting the On The Water Games this year.  Come out, have fun, and get wet!  Prizes will be awarded.

JULY 7:    THREE SISTER'S SPRINGS SUNSET / MOONLIGHT TOUR

John Peterlin of The Friend's Of Chazz, which is the spearhead of the Save Three Sister's Project, will be here and present a Powerpoint Presentation and latest update on the Spring's project.  Who takes over the property?  What will be done with it?  Will it be open to he public?  Will there be boardwalks, buildings, or interpretive zones?  What's next? 

Following the presentation, we will paddle up to the Spring's and do a walk-about the property and get familiar with the entire area.  Did you know there is a lake on the property?

We will include a Sunset / Moonlight paddle about King's Bay.  

Kayaks will be provided to those that need one.  
Cost is a $35 donation which goes entirely to the Save the Spring's Project.  Refreshments provided.

 

 

 

 

JULY 18:   ROLLING AND FUNDAMENTALS CLASS

In three different sessions each, learn to Roll your kayak, using the C to C, LayBack, and Scull style.  Learn advanced kayaking techniques:  Edge your kayak, Carve your turns, or refine your skills. Learn from 3 Star BCU and ACA certified instructor Don Thompson.  Preregistration required.

Class requirements:

Proficiency in kayaking skills and maneuvers, basic strokes and recoveries.  Ability to hold your breath under water for at least 60 seconds.

Equipment:  Cockpit style kayak with thigh braces, spray skirt, PFD, paddle, paddle float, pump, swimsuit, wetsuit or drysuit, water, sunscreen. Rolling is a wet class, while other classes have the potential to get wet.

Class Hours:
   3 - 1 hour+ sessions beginning at 10 AM, 12:30, and 3:00 PM 

  Fee:
   $75 for each session

Rental kayaks and equipment available for fee.

Location:  Kayaks and Beyond  1326 SE US Hwy 19   Crystal River, FL  34429

(352) 795-2255

 

 

 

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 11:  NOOTKA BAY TRIP, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC

  We will have dinner  in Gold River and spend the night in a hotel.  We board the ferry (a converted mine sweeper) at 7 am the next morning and tour down river through Vancouver Island wilderness toward Nootka Bay with meals on board ship covered.  See lots of bald eagles and momma bear with her cubs on the shoreline as she teaches her cubs how to catch salmon.
     The ship's hoist will lower you and your kayak safely and easily into the water around 1 pm.  When we're all in the water we'll paddle to the mouth of the river and out into the bay and make our way to base camp.
      For ten days you'll paddle day trips from our base camp and around the area inlets, streams, and bays.  We'll be with Orca and Grey Whales, Dolphins, Sea Otters, and Sea Lions.  Have a chance at fishing for Salmon.  Eat what you catch.  Fresh Pacific Salmon is the best in the world.  
     The water is cool and crystal clear.  The air is so fresh and crisp.  The weather at that time is known as "roofing season" which is the time of little rainfall, but the sun is warm and we're told there are zero bugs (something hard for Floridians to believe).  
     Everything is provided from dinner and lodging on the first night to dinner and lodging on the last night in Gold River.  Meals on the ferry are provided.  Meals at camp are cooked for you.  The drinking water is fresh and clean, and there's even sun warmed showers.  
     The sunsets are amazing, and the nights are filled with all the stars of the heavens you can see without the city light's pollution.  
      This is a trip you'll always remember and want to do over an over.  Limited to ten persons.  Cost is $2,199 US and covers all expenses for dinner and lodging in Gold River on September 30th through the kayaking adventure and dinner and lodging in Gold River on October 9th.  While travel to and from Gold River, BC is on your own, call us for information on transportation to and from Gold River, BC.  It's suggested to make your travel reservations early to save money.  

CHECK IT OUT>>>>>  Discover Nootka   Password and Sign-In is GUEST

      A list of what to bring and complete itinerary will be sent to you after your deposit is received.  $500 Deposit, fully refundable if canceled before August 15th.  Sorry, non-refundable after that.  Passport is required.

 

 

NOV. 17 - 24:  WHITE RIVER RAFTING AND MACHU PICCHU, PERU