Nice work! Less people on NYC waterways. 😂 Weeki Wachiee is beautiful. Everyone is trying to keep cool enjoying the water. Love the underwater manatee shots.
lol, yeah the Weeki Wachee is beautiful and probably why it's so busy. I don't blame anyone for getting in the water, especially when the air temp is so hot, and the water is so cool! Those manatees are a strange creature, I always get a kick out of seeing them :). Thank you for your continued support
Very Cool Casey. I have never been in the Weeki Wachee River or the state park. I was however surprised to see all those violators along the river. Makes me sad to see. I loved the sound of the Carolina Wren that was calling when you stopped to take in the peacefulness of it all. Thanks for sharing. oh Is that water deep in the river?
Yes, it was a great experience excluding all the people. The sights, sounds, smells and feel of the water were amazing :). The depth was quite variable from just a foot deep across some spots to at least 10-15' in others. Crystal clear water though and I could see the bottom no matter what the depths were :)
I’ve been up and down the Weeki Watchee a couple times, but it is way too crowded for me. It wouldn’t be that bad if people would use common sense and a little common courtesy, but those traits are lost on most people nowadays. The state park actually got in trouble a couple years ago because they have a quota of the amount of people they can send down the River per day and they were exceeding it by double. I agree with the anchor law, not the no getting out of your boat law. It would be ashamed not to be able to get out and swim because the water is so beautiful and refreshing there. Of course there is probably a lot pee in it way down river , haha. Looking forward to the Shell Key and Egmont Key video.
I remember when the park was sending double the allowed boats, I couldn't imagine what that would have been like. I'm out at shell key now. Lot's of storms around and the big one coming up on Sunday. Not sure how I'll play this one out, but I'm hopeful the weather is good enough to visit Egmont key tomorrow
@@sailingslowmotion yeah, they are predicting that tropical depression will be around here Sunday morning. It’s going to be wet and windy if it does. Stay safe out there.
They say that on the weekends you can walk up and down the center of the Weeki Wachee and never touch water with how many kayaks there are :). It was still pretty :)
Inspirational waters! How far up is it brackish? More rotation. Turn your torso from deep below your hips so we can see the paddle enter up by your feet on forward strokes and not just sweeps The rotation starting from the lower body engages those powerful legs. Using the legs means many repeatable long-distance days.
With the outgoing tide and heavy flow of the spring, it wasn't brackish for very long at all. The sheepshead fish and mullet don't seem to mind the fresh water much at all as I've seen them at all the springs that outflow to the Gulf. In fact it was clear water by the time I got to Rogers Park. You can check a map, but it's just past the canal neighborhood. Thanks for the tip on using the legs with more rotation. I'm leaving for a three day Kayak trip in a few hours and I'll put that into practice
Loved seeing a video at my favorite Lake! First I was truly surprised to see how very shallow Tooke Lake is. Has it always been this shallow? Also you commented "But check out what's over there" What did that mean? I played it over and over I thought maybe you saw one of our friendly gators.
Oh yeah, most of the lake is pretty shallow right now. There are two deep spots over on the "beach' side, one about 5-6 feet deep and the other one is the spring and I have no idea how deep that is. When I made this video I was experimenting with a camera float. The darn thing kept spinning away from wherever I wanted the camera pointed. I was just joking that the camera thought that whatever was "over there" was more camera worthy than me :).
lol, thank you, I appreciate that. I'm still learning the editing side of making videos but gathering the content has been a lot of fun. I hope I continue to get better and make even better content in the future.
Congrats. Nice to see people making it work for themselves. I'm 56. Can't do Eskimo roll, can't do the cowboy re-entry because I don't have enough strength to even pull myself aboard so I only dare do coastal excursions. If I roll, I attach the kayak's bow line to my PFD, roll on my back, and paddle backwards from water, pulling the kayak to shore. The PFD's buoyancy is crucial. It works but probably not for half a mile.
Pulling the kayak from a lead line is a great idea. I've been holding onto the side and kicking my legs, but I think "towing" it would work better. I'll give that a try next time and see how it works for me
Lol, I know right!?! It seemed like every time I wanted it the camera pointed at me, it swung around. It was just a piece of foam board so I could yell at it too much :)
youtube swallowed a long thoughtful comment i wrote on the risks of high braces versus low, getting "hang time" upside down and going for forward stroke excellence rather than bracing and rolling. i will summarize succinctly: forward and backward strokes are your best braces and are the strokes you need to cover longs distances. practicing these strokes will naturally improve your bracing - a "last resort" stroke - and reduce your reliance on it.
I hate when long comments get lost, sorry that happened to you but thank you for the summarization. I really do appreciate all the information you pass my way and I owe my current and future abilities to you.
@@sailingslowmotion it was good to edit it. on the re-entry, i like to put my chest on the back deck, swing a leg over and straddle like a surfer in the line-up, actively use my paddle (surprise!) and work my way into the cockpit. legs get in when they get in and there is no shame in paddling with your legs out. the surfski mantra: when in doubts legs go out! this can prevent you from sitting upright and may encourage you to arms paddle, so use care.
Okay, I wouldn't have thought of that. I was just trying to get in before doing anything else. Making just getting my butt in the seat is an easier goal
I give you big credit for learning an ocean kayak, I moved to a sit on top fishing kayak and would never be able to stay up. I do remember that trying to put your nose to your toes when upside down makes it easier to roll over upright . But I don't know about lots of gear and a sail. Thanks for the shout out, I enjoy watching your video's!
Thank you for that "nose to toes" quote. That will help me remember to lean forward :). And I'm glad you like watching my videos, I'm happy to hear that and happy to make them for you to watch :)
Fun video! I wanna know how your camera was floating around. So cool. I like the cowboy self rescue technique. Climbing up the back of the kayak and re-entering. I also use a paddle float for extra stability. When you can't stand and have to tread water, it makes every aspect of self rescue harder. Especially getting the water out of the kayak. The cockpit on my kayak is so tight, and I have long legs, so it's tough getting in even in ideal circumstances.
I used a piece of pink foam board insulation, made a hole in it and dropped my selfie stick through the hole. I even added a lexan skeg to it, but my crude set-up wouldn't point in one direction for long :). And yes, long legs are a real burden when trying to get into a kayak. Even with the mods I made I still have to force bend my legs to get in. I expect real issues in rough water doing a self rescue.
I have a few more wipes if you want. I am glad they worked for you. It's what helps me not get eaten alive by chiggers out there. Hey surprising to see a gravestone in the middle of nowhere.
Thank you, it was pretty crazy seeing that in real life. The video did a good job capturing the experience but I wish it showed how big the big gator really was
Im sure your not short on ideas, but I’m in Sarasota and took the myakka river down to Venice a couple times on canoe, takes 2 days, I would be willing to drop you off and we can park your vehicle at snook haven restaurant on the river, or talk about the logistics, it’s truly a beautiful experience, lmk and thanks for another awesome video!
That's fantastic, Myakka is definitely on the list and I could definitely use a shuttle :). Message me on Facebook: facebook.com/casey.woods.96?mibextid=ZbWKwL Or email @: Casey.woods.2017@gmail We can get the trip figured out
Great intro! Starting with the bridge and you coming across was a good call. Made it interesting. Your voice and positive tone are pleasing to the ear.
Thank you, I'm still figuring out how to put these videos together and your input is appreciated. I learned a few things on this video that will make the next ones even better. 😁
The city is a lot better looking from the water- a good Way to see what's there without dealing with traffic and confusion! Whoever the cops were after needs a kayak! Lol. Great trip
Cool trip! Thanks for the shout-outs. This video brings back lots of memories from my days living in Tampa. It looked to me like the University of Tampa crew team out there practicing. They're on the river a lot. Those historic buildings on the UT property are beautiful. So cool spotting a manatee up in the river. At the end, I'm guessing you paddled into the area where the yacht club was and found the beach? Or did you paddle further around to the boat launch? Good stuff!! 👍
Yeah, I went up into the cove past the yacht club and found the beach (just south of the little airport). There was a lot of broken glass and it looks like it might have been a bad spot to be at some point in the past, but seemed pretty decent now. :)
That was interesting. I saw places we used to go when we lived there. The Gasparilla was a lot of fun with you guys. We will have to do that again sometime.
I remember the name Lowry park (where the cops were) but not sure if we went there when I was a kid or not. I had a great time at gasparilla too, if you come back for it, I want to do the seats up in the booth too, or take my boat and anchor in there ;)
@sailingslowmotion yes we went to Lowry park when you guys were little. I don't think the crime was that bad back then. Kelli and I had great seats for the Gasparilla this year.
This was great! A little on the warm side for me, but beautiful. Love how the cot and hammock worked out for you. I usually bring a camp chair, but now you got me thinking! What cot is it?
Thank you, and yes I love the cot as an extra spot to sit or lay down. It's an "extremus camping cot" that I got off Amazon. I'm a hammock camper, but I love the versatility of the cot
@@sailingslowmotion I'm a hammock camper as well, but I got into hot tent camping this past winter (New Jersey) and bought a cot (not sure the brand, but it's quite voluminous - I wouldn't be able to fit it in my kayak). Love your videos and your laid-back approach! Keep on keepin' on!
I wouldn't only because the river sections are pretty windy, and at the springs it's pretty busy with kayaks, tubes and SUP's. But I'm also not skilled in a row boat. if you got the skills and don't mind zigzagging around, I say go for it
Yeah, I really wanted to hang my hammock up in there, but I'm glad I couldn't get out of the kayak, I probably would have been told to leave by the guy in the truck that patrolled the path
Great video!! I did the Rainbow River about 20 years ago. We stayed at the camp ground just down from the spring head. It was privately owned back then, but I think it’s state owned now. We stayed the weekend and tubed the river Saturday and Sunday. It was awesome and the river was so clear and beautiful.
That's awesome! I actually had the campground in my GPS when I drove up there and there is a big sign at the road saying that the kayak launch is at the spring head :). I think you're right that the State owns and runs the whole thing now. It sure was beautiful though :)
Yeah, it was quite the trip :). I want to do it again when there is an east wind and bring the falcon sail. I think I could make it all the way to Yankeetown In a day if conditions were right. Thanks for watching :)
Good video, loved hearing the history of the place, seeing the otters, scuba divers and crystal clear water. Hope the cut on your foot is ok and heals fast.
Thanks again, I'll do that trip again but with an east wind :) the cut, It's from an oyster or clam so I'm keeping antibacterial cream on it. It doesn't sting like it did, so I think I'm good.
Thanks man, I appreciate the feedback you give me. I didn't advertise this video so I only expect 200-300 views but maybe it will get seen. I'm getting excited for the Tampa run and making another video. Hopefully it turns out :)
Well, at least you know I watched the entire video. Thanks for the shout-out at the end! What a trip that was. Pretty long and grueling. Love the footage of the divers and otters at the beginning. Bummer you had to cut the trip short. Good thing the kids could come get you! Would have been a rough night with the storms rolling in. I hope your Tampa paddle is a fun one.
Thanks man, I appreciate the feedback you give me. I didn't advertise this video so I only expect 200-300 views but maybe it will get seen. I'm getting excited for the Tampa run and making another video. Hopefully it turns out :)
@sailingslowmotion All we can do is make the best videos we can and let the RU-vid algorithm do its thing. I a separate note, I couldn't believe how long your hair was when it's down. I think I've only seen it pulled back. I was like, wow!!! Here I am with a buzz cut.✂️ 🤣🤣🤣
Lol, yeah four years ago a friend and I had military style hair cuts and he challenged me to see who could go the longest without a haircut. We are still waiting for the other person to cave :)
Another great video. That palm frond wall was a great idea. I’m guessing that pink feather was probably from a roseate spoonbill, what a great find. Those horseshoe crabs could have been molted shells. If the front edge seam of the shell is split open and there is little smell, it is a molt. If it isn’t split and it smells like death, then it’s a dead one. How do you like that cot. Does it seem like it will hold up. I have looked at similar ones on Amazon and there are mixed reviews. Anyway, thanks for making these videos, it is inspiring me to think about doing some overnight trips like this.
Ah, thanks for the horseshoe crab knowledge, I did not know that and I'll look for the split next time. And I agree about the feather. I haven't seen flamingos up this far north but I have seen the spoonbills on occasion. The cot is awesome, it packs down really small and is light aluminum so it doesn't rust. I've used it a few times and I'll bring it with me just to sit/lay on at camp from now on. The one I bought was off Amazon Called the extremus camping cot. I just checked and it shows unavailable right now but other vendors might have it. It's surprisingly easy to set up, unlike the old military cots :) Thanks again for watching
