Talking About Adventure In Small Boats
BeastOarman
Member
I will be in Miami around Christmas with a friend, and was planning to kayak a section of the Turner River from the Tamiami Trail in a double. Will start as early as an outfitter can get us a boat, to avoid crowds.
Is this a good intro for my recreational paddler friend?
Any suggestions for kayak rentals?
Thanks!
Jarhead
Member
I haven't done it in years, but it was a nice easy paddle with plenty to look at. There was a mangrove tunnel that was kind of like The Nightmare but much shorter. Near the start of that you can access an old canal they used to alter the river course about 60 years ago. It's blocked off but a 20 foot portage or dragover will put you in it. In the 90s it was the home of many garfish and gators. That canal was the point of entry for my first boat trip into the glades in 1960. No, I was not with Harney fighting Indians.
Wow! Jarhead did the Turner in 1960! I wouldn't do that dragover into that old canal...those gators will likely still be there and very hungry.
The Turner River is about 9 mi long...easy paddle for Jarhead. It may have suffered some damage (fallen trees) as a result Hurricane Irma, and they may not have been cleared out. Bring your saw, in case. As Jarhead says, there is a short tunnel where your paddle is of little use.
I haven't done the Turner in about 10 yrs, so this is my recollections from those times.
Keith
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