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For the Long Distance Paddler…
Thinking of a long
distance journey on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater
Paddling Trail? Want to paddle the entire trail? You can choose to
tackle the trail in segments over several years or attempt a thru
paddle all at once. Either way, several factors and considerations
should be part of your preparation and planning. Also, view the
“Trip Tips and Safety Information” and the
“Recommended Gear and
Safety Equipment” pages on this website for more information. Some
of this information may also be useful if you’re planning a
shorter trip.
1: Experience.
Long distance paddlers should be competent in all types of
environments and conditions, capable of dealing with strong winds
and currents, and skilled at crossing open water stretches and
boat channels. You should be able to navigate at night and in poor
visibility, capable of using navigational maps and charts and a
GPS system, and trained in advanced rescue techniques, wilderness
first aid and primitive camping skills. The trail is marked by GPS
points on a map, not by signs. Cell phone coverage can be spotty
in some sections.
2: Distances.
In several stretches, one must paddle more than 20 miles to reach
a legal campsite or motel. For this reason, proper conditioning
and equipment, and awareness of weather forecasts and wind
conditions, are all imperative. Stiff fines and possible arrest
can result from illegally camping on private or public lands,
especially military lands and national wildlife refuges. Only
emergency conditions such as injury or dangerous weather should
dictate a decision to stop short of an authorized overnight stop.
3: Weather.
As with any long distance paddling journey, weather may not always
be ideal. Storms and high winds can prohibit travel for a day or
more. Lightning can be especially dangerous. Occasional storm days
should be factored into your planning. A weather radio is an
important addition to your equipment list along with the ability
to read changing weather conditions while in the field.
4. Timing.
Generally, it is best to avoid the summer hurricane season for a
long distance journey. Recommended paddling months are late
October through April. Bugs and hot steamy weather, along with
lightning storms, will be less prevalent as well. The entire trail
is about 1,550 miles. Allowing for some days off, plan to take
about four months if planning to traverse the entire trail. Or,
paddle the trail in segments over a longer period of time. Make
your trip a journey of discovery, not a race.
5: Budget. Be
realistic about costs. While every effort has been made to provide
low cost or free campsites for paddlers, motel stays will
occasionally be necessary. Waterfront motels, and some established
campgrounds, can be expensive, depending on the season and locale.
6: Supplies.
Plan on having 4 to 7 days worth of supplies at any given time,
depending on the segment. The longest stretch without an
opportunity to re-supply will be from Everglades City to Flamingo
in segment 14. While we list or describe a few supermarkets within
easy walking distance of the trail, there are several more that
may require a longer walking distance. Inquire locally for
directions. Some small towns or fish camps may only have a
convenience store for re-supply. In some places, care packages can
be sent ahead to post offices in care of general delivery, but
your arrival time needs to coincide with post office hours.
Regarding water,
you’ll be able to replenish water supplies almost daily in
developed sections of the trail due to the many parks along the
route. However, in the Big Bend and Ten Thousand Islands in
particular, fresh water re-supply opportunities can be spaced
several days apart. See segment guides for specifics. The general
rule is to figure on one gallon of water per person per day. Be
mindful that animals such as raccoons on remote coastal islands
may seek your fresh water as much as your food. Hang food and
water or store in secure hatches.
7: Trail
Direction and Camping. Note that the trail is designed to go
north to south along the Gulf Coast, and south to north along the
East Coast. This will help to prevent trail groups from
overlapping at campsites. For many fragile coastal camping sites,
the size limit is 8 persons and 4 small tents. Campsites are often
on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not always limited to
paddlers. Camping rules may differ according to the managing
entity. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines when primitive camping,
http://www.lnt.org/main.html.
8: Advance
planning. Many motels and state park and private campgrounds,
especially in central and south Florida and in the Keys during
peak seasons (holidays and early spring), require advance
reservations in order to be assured a spot. Bring a cell phone and
call ahead as soon as you have a good idea of your schedule.
Regarding the Big Bend portion of the trail managed by the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Aucilla River to the
town of Suwannee, part of segment 6), free permits are required
and trail managers must have a signed permit on record, so allow
at least two weeks lead time for this process (http://myfwc.com/recreation/big_bend/paddling_trail.asp).
Peruse all segment guides, maps and associated websites beforehand
to aid in your planning, and be sure to leave a detailed float
plan with a reliable friend or relative before you begin your
journey.
9: Trail changes.
Hurricanes and other factors can alter trail conditions and
overnight stays. Check the Circumnavigational Trail website for
trail updates. Maps and segment guides on the website will
occasionally be revised, so download or peruse the latest versions
before beginning serious planning. Contact the trail manager if
you encounter situations that differ from what is currently on the
website.
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