Kayaking in FL in Feb?

[KYCAMPER]

Headed to the Tampa area the first couple of weeks of February. I have to pick and choose what I can pack and I am debating whether to bring Kayaks. Any of you native Floridians know if the lakes/rivers are usually too cool to enjoy (casual) kayaking (and of course falling off the kayak) early Feb?

[Kenelz]

I'm not in Tampa, but straight across the state at Palm Bay. Its been in mid 70s/low 80s most the winter. We had only a few cooler days. Weather guy on TV says its been a much warmer than normal winter.

I see Kayaks out a lot around here, I can't see any problem.

The 7 day forecast shows 80s here, I would guess the same around Tampa, check the internet weather like Weather.com.

That said, can't say what it will be when you head down. Never know when a cold front might come through.

[norty1]

We go every year in mid February. Perfect weather for kayaking. We paddle the Silver River, Rainbow River , Homosassa River and Crystal River. We have camped in State parks all over central Florida with beautiful paddling.

Hillsborough River near Tampa, Blue Springs, etc, etc

We will be there early Feb at Silver River SP, now Silver Springs SP.

[Grawe]

Ok KYCAMPER now ya got me jealous. As a couple who love Florida but for other reasons are hanging out in South Dakota this winter; the mere mention of Kayaking pushed us over the edge and started the anxiety for summer... thx! JK, enjoy your trip!

2015 Jayco Pinnacle FLSA & 2008 Chevy Duramax

Anxiously awaiting retirement where I have been told everyday is a Saturday

[Grumpy]

Just avoid falling out, especially in LAKELAND..

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FWS5xfIaoeA

[eldermike]

I would go even if it's cool. I kayak fish all year round here in NC and some salt water up to about early Dec. But I have not fallen out of a Kayak in the last 10 years or so. There is only one trick to staying in a Yack, never allow your shoulders to break the plane of the gunnels and you always be on top and dry. But, you will get wet every time you break that simple rule.

[norty1]

We have kayaked thru some waters that were loaded with gaters and big ones.

In Jan-Feb in Florida they are not feeding for a few months, They can intimidate you while laying on the bank sunning themselves or slipping into the water as you pass by.

Neither my wife or I have ever turned over unintentionally.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by norty1

We go every year in mid February. Perfect weather for kayaking. We paddle the Silver River, Rainbow River , Homosassa River and Crystal River. We have camped in State parks all over central Florida with beautiful paddling.

Hillsborough River near Tampa, Blue Springs, etc, etc

We will be there early Feb at Silver River SP, now Silver Springs SP.

Norty, how do you transport your kayak(s)?

[norty1]

We have a Yakima roof rack system. We have hauled these 2 kayaks all over for 8+ years. This is the second truck they have been on.

[spoon059]

First time I ever kayaked was in Tampa Bay in February a couple years ago. By "kayaked", I mean consistently rolled the kayak over and dumped myself into the Bay. Water was a little chilly the first time, but not bad. We've gone swimming in the Gulf and the Bay on our February trips before, you should be fine.

If you find its too cold, go to Apollo Beach... the water is warmer there due to Big Bend Power Station.

You'll be fine, enjoy!

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by spoon059

If you find its too cold, go to Apollo Beach... the water is warmer there due to Big Bend Power Station.

Great place to watch the Manatees in winter.

[2naEagle]

norty1 we stayed in Salt Springs last March. Kayaked the Silver River, Juniper Springs and the Ocklawaha River. Had a great time.
Planning on going to Rainbow Springs this spring. If anyone has any good kayaking suggestions let me know.

[FishAr]

I thought kayaks would be neat, looked at a 2 person one for me and wife. Neighbors here at The Glades Resort had kayaks last year and seemed to really enjoy them.

Then I remembered the time wife and I tried to ride a jet ski together.

Then I looked at the gator sunning himself on the bank of the canal in front of my trailer.

Then I looked at the gator on the pond bank at the golf course behind my trailer.

And then I said to myself, "Self: bicycles will do fine, no need to have too many hobbies"

[norty1]

We could not get reservations at Rainbow Springs this year. But will paddle it from where we camp at Silver Springs or Homosassa Springs. It's about half way between them.

We have paddled the Okalockawa but the gators are huge there and I like to see the bottom.

If you don't have kayaks, there is a county park called KP hole near Rainbow springs that rents them by the hour.

[Kim Gass]

Sure . We will be kayaking in Apalachicola, Cedar Keys, the Everglades, The Wekiva River System in Feb.. We have a roof rack on our truck and the boats clear the TT just fine.

We have been kayaking FL since 2005.

The Hillsborough River has kayak rentals.

Canoe Escape: Canoeing the Hillsborough River near Tampa, Florida

Weeki Wachee rents kayaks

Silver Springs State Park does too ( its a bit of a drive)
Chassahowitzka does too Chassahowitzka River Campground RV Park Camping Canoeing Kayaking Rentals
The last three are spring fed runs

Humpback is at a Polk County Park no kayaking..

Myakka River SP also rents kayaks

[eldermike]

We have this rack and it works great.
https://www.rvkayakracks.com/