This is where I chronicle my paddling adventures on a regular basis. Most of these adventures are based in North Carolina where I live or in northern Wisconsin where I have a summer home. Most adventures are day trips, but I usually do a few overnight trips each year with one being around a week long. I hope these paddle reports help you follow in my path and inspire your own paddle adventures
First paddle trip of the year – Naples, FLA – January 27, 2025 – 3.1 miles
Trip Background
Every winter I spend 5 weeks in Naples FLA with my wife. We rent a place in Old Naples. I wasn’t sure if I was going to do any paddling since I am busy golfing, fishing, playing pickleball and working out but I stumbled across a kayak rental within walking distance.
https://www.bayfrontrentalsnaples.com/
I went over with my nephew, James, and checked things out. Their only double kayak needed repairs so we rented single kayaks. They have a very convenient boat launch ramp. The kayaks were sit-on-top 11 feet.
https://www.feelfreeus.com/collections/sit-on-top-kayaks/products/juntos
I brought my fishing pole and did a bit of fishing but didn’t have a bite.
We paddled across Naple Bay into a residential canal that was lined with mangroves. It was a mix of nature and residential.
We then paddled around a residential island that involved going under 2 bridges. We got a firsthand look at lots of expensive yachts.
Overall trip took 2 hours. We ended the day at the nearby Cabana Bar that had entertaining patrons. Great way to spend an afternoon.
