Paddler's Guide to the Sunshine State

From the vast flats of the Florida Keys to the rivers and springs of the Florida Panhandle, Paddler's Guide to the Sunshine State gives directions to 91 Florida waterways, separated into 271 individual canoeing and kayaking excursions. For each of the 91 destinations, veteran paddler and outdoor writer Sandy Huff
tells her readers where to rent or buy canoes and kayaks,
evaluates the difficulty of each trail,
supplies emergency phone numbers and a customized map showing launch and take-out sites, average length, and paddling time for each leg,
and presents a candid discussion of the waterway.

In introductory chapters, she offers safety tips on camping basics, dressing for comfort, coping with insects, sunburn, and power boats, and reading the weather and water currents. She describes Florida flora and fauna that paddlers might encounter--birds, alligators, manatees, snakes, plants, and trees—and lists paddling clubs around the state as well as Internet web addresses for additional paddling information.

6 X 9.
39 b&w photos, 92 maps, appendixes, index, lay-flat binding.
ISBN 0-8130-2282-7 Paper

I'll use this book often.


Paddling with a sense of humor   January 31, 2002
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

The lady who wrote this book must be a lot of fun to paddle with. Her dry humor shows up in every chapter. I'd like to meet her in person.
Besides a great deal of advice about problems specific to Florida, she gives a number of safety tips. I almost felt like I was being mothered.
Obviously an experienced writer, Sandy Huff has a story to tell about each destination, ranging from history to botany to birding to how NOT to cook while camping. I also intend to put a stick of hot glue and a book of matches in my emergency kit from now on.
Very enjoyable reading, and probably the most comprehensive where-to book ever pubished for canoers and kayakers about Florida waters. I'll go back to this book often


Paddling enjoyment   January 23, 2002
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I found the book "Paddler's Guide" easy to find ones way around in through a well organized index. The locations that I looked up i.e. Chassahowitzka and Weeki Wachie rivers had all the info that one could possible need to set off on a paddle.
Very important though is to read first the initial chapters on Tips for Paddling. Their is a wealth of information in this book. Congratulations.