Florida’s Beaches — A Winter Getaway

Florida makes a great winter getaway. Again this year Florida was awarded the best beach in America title.

Every winter traffic slows as the state floods with “snow birds”, people who migrate south for the winter.  You too can visit and enjoy Florida’s natural treasures.
Florida, unlike South Carolina and Georgia, is sunny and warm most of the winter. It is common to spend Christmas day in shorts or on the beach.

Every spring Dr. Beach, or Stephen Leatherman the director of Florida’s International University’s Laboratory for Coast Research, picks America’s top 10 beaches. He uses 50 measurements like water quality, sand quality, facilities and environmental management to determine the best beaches.

Florida is top again.  And this is the fifth time, in 15 years, the top beach is in Florida. In consistency, Florida is surpassed only by Hawaii.

The number one beach, Caladesi Island State Park, is in Clearwater. The third best beach is Siesta Beach, in Sarasota just south of Clearwater. The ninth is Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne.

Caldadesi Island State Park is one of Florida’s few-undeveloped-barrier islands. It has been listed as one of America’s top ten beaches before in 2006 and 2007.

The island is only accessible by boat, and a ferry runs hourly from Honeymoon Island, according to floridasbeach.com. Fifteen minutes later beach goers find themselves on a deserted island. The only infrastructure on the island are the bathhouses and a cafe just past the dock.

While on the island visitors can enjoy the wildlife, go hiking or kayaking. Bird-watching, is popular here because Caladesi is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. The trail is 2000 miles long and represents 486 birding sights.

As they say, if you cant beat them join them. So when it gets too cold come visit Florida’s beaches for a break from winter.

Kayaks 101

a sit-on-top kayak

Want to get around on the water? Try a Kayak.

Kayaks are not as cumbersome as canoes and can be maneuvered easily by anyone.

The vessels can be broken down into a few simple groups. There are standard kayaks that are specialized for a couple different applications. Whitewater kayaks are made of stronger material to withstand hitting rocks. Racing kayaks are lighter and longer for speed.

Recreation kayaks are the most commonly used. These are less expensive. Their bodies are typically wider and shorter. In this category there is what is called a “sit-on-top,” which is a kayak that is solid and has a well seat instead of having a hollow body.

If you have ever rented a kayak at a lake or river then this is probably what you used. They are made of durable plastic and are equipped with holes to drain water that may splash into the cockpit. These kayaks are wider than the other styles and are considered slower.

The benefit to recreation kayaks is that they are unsinkable. They are also versatile. They can be used anywhere. They are harder to tip over and easier to maneuver for a beginner or someone who values stability over speed.

So for those of you who are curious about kayaks, or are considering buying one, take a look at the “sit-on-top”. 

These are tips for choosing a kayak.

• Choose a comfortable seat. Look for good back and hip support, and take the kayak out for a try before buying it.
• Fit to your weight. The kayak for a 150 lb male will not be the right size for someone 220lb.
• Rent a kayak. If you can rent different models, you will have a much better feel for what works best for you