Hello from Orange Park Florida

[tanner]

The only person I've given lessons to has been a most reluctant student; my wife.
I think she only goes so that I don't look foolish talking to myself.
At any rate we both seem to enjoy it.
These days we canoe together but I kayak and kayak fish by myself.

Do you guys have kayaks yet and if so, what kind?

I'd love to give some advice and insight but lessons might be a stretch.

[ShebaGinger]

Don't have Kayaks yet. Still looking and reading up on them.

[tanner]

Just throwing this out there:
Rent before you buy (test paddle test paddle test paddle)
Avoid tandem until you're sure you like solo and have a strong marriage.
Whatever kayak you decide on, get the best quality you can afford.
Make sure it's comfortable enough to spend all day in the saddle.

[08flagvlite]

Welcome tanner, Jacksonville also. We also have a V lite 30 wrls, 08 model. My brother and his wife live in Illinois on the Sangamon river, and he is the founder/prez of the USRC (upper Sangamon river conservancy group- (check out their website) he lives and breathes kayaks and canoes, bringing community folks into enjoying their river and conservation efforts, too. My sister and her husband live here in jax, own 2 kayaks, and get out on the water as much as they possibly can. I am a somewhat x canoeist and kayaker myself, but have become disabled from heart problems, but grew up on the Broward river in north jax, entered several canoe races when younger, and went to almost every spring in Fla that had a spring run to a river. Still love tubing and camping at all the springs! That camper looks great! I sometimes wish I had bought a smaller one- some places I cannot get in because of the length. Randy

[tanner]

Thanks Randy,
Just returned yesterday from a trip to Gamble Rogers SP. Sure is a nice place if you can get in. I didn't get any paddle time in due to some nagging shoulder issues but that area across the ICW at the boat launch sure looks good. I Know what it's like to want to do something but can't. Hope I can work past it.

That looks like a heck of a set-up on your TT and TV. Sweet! Someday, maybe?

tanner

[woodsman]

Welcome and congrats. Fl SP and county parks are great !

[Rick32040]

Originally Posted by tanner

My wife and I love going there on occasion when family comes to town. I'm partial to the "all you can eat" catfish. It's not too far from our house, the prices are fair and they have great entertainment if you can stick around late enough.



Another good spot and favorite of mine is Trent's, across from NAS Jax.



I'd be hard pressed to choose between the two and it most likely would come down to what time it was and if the base was letting out.

I love the fact that Trent's has remodeled and grown a bit. Great food.

[tanner]

We think Trents has the best clam strips of any place we've tried. Not sure why because I'm pretty sure they're frozen but darn good none the less.

The shrimp are great too.

[CT Camper]

Great looking rig! Get use to reserve America, you got alot of nice campgrounds down there. We loved Hanna Park!! Enjoy the camper...

[CT Camper]

Almost forgot, Rainbow Springs is a great stay as well!!

[Platokidd]

Welcome from the top side land of Lincoln

[Skippy38]

Welcome from Melbourne, FL

[tanner]

We were very lucky when the in-laws gave us a 6 year (I think) membership to Passport America. We haven't used it yet. All our trips so far have been to the FL State Parks and within a 1-2 hour drive.

We haven't had a negative experience yet in the State Parks.

We are still on a pretty steep learning curve and we're looking forward to longer trips. The Passport America membership will hopefully save us some money but it looks like there are a bunch of restrictions to sort through for each campground listed.

Any advice/experience with P-A ?