Paddling Away the Winter Blues at Kayak Amelia

Armchair athletes heading down to Florida for a winter respite should consider stopping by Kayak Amelia. Located between Big and Little Talbot Island State Parks near Jacksonville, Ray and Jody Hetchka offer three hour guided kayak tours that can turn anyone into an outdoor enthusiast.

They discovered this protected tidal creek thirteen years ago, while looking for a secluded spot that would be an ideal location to introduce beginners to this sport. Limited winds and a 5-7 foot tide range provide the ideal environment for newbies to test out this sport. More advanced kayakers will still take pleasure in gliding along this salt water marsh in search of herons, egrets, and pelicans. Often Redfish and other inland saltwater fish jump around as though beckoning the kayakers to join in their play. Once the water temperature warms up to over 70 degrees, one might even spot dolphins or the occasional manatee.

After a short lesson covering the basics of kayaking, the group heads out into the protected salt water marsh. The sandy grass banks provide ample cushion should a wayward paddler steer off course.

Ray limits the size of the group to twenty-five participants to keep the trips interactive and entertaining. Along the way, he provides a natural history talk explaining the flora and fauna one encounters along the way. While this area was once known as a polluted site, oyster beds serve as a living testament that the environmental initiatives launched in this area have started to show some significant results.

Depending on the size of the group, additional guides might paddle along to offer guidance and instruction to those needing further assistance. To date, they've hosted over 50,000 kayakers with only 39 people going overboard-a commendable safety record. Most of the kayaking incidents tend happen with those who choose to venture out on their own and don't follow the recommendations for where they should paddle on that particular day.

Guided kayak tours are planned to go with the current and weather conditions, though each tour will involve paddling to a sandbar for a taste of Ray's homemade cookies and even a swim in the warm water. Most tours begin in the mornings to avoid the fishing boats, jet skis and other pleasure boats that frequent this area during the summer. The kayaking might slow down a bit during the late fall and early winter, though they will be out on the water weather permitting.

In addition to guided eco-tours, they also offer sunset and full moon tours, as well as special focus tours to places such as Kingsley Plantation. While booking a guide would be recommended for first-time kayakers, one can rent a kayak and canoe from 9am to 5pm. Most kayakers will rent the kayaks of a four hour half day trip, though die hard fishermen will take the kayak out for the entire day of fishing. Landlubbers can book a bike tour for a gentle ride along Talbot Islands State Parks. Huge oak trees provide ample shading while search out the various song birds, gopher tortoises and armadillos that call this park their home.

For a list of available tours and rates, long on to Kayak Amelia's website at www.kayakamelia.com.