Get closer to the action with a kayak

With so many local waterways to be explored, kayaking has become a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike in South Walton, but it certainly is not a new sport.
Archaeologists date the use of kayaks in North America back more than 4,000 years. The indigenous people of Alaska handcrafted kayaks for hunting and fishing, fabricating the vessels from wood and skin, and propelled them with double-bladed paddles.
Although the manufacturing techniques have changed over the years, the concept remains the same. Kayaks continue to be powered with nothing more than human energy.
There are two basic configurations of kayaks, the traditional cockpit style and the sit on top. Coming in a variety of lengths, kayaks typically range from 9 to 14 feet and weigh approximately 40 to 70 pounds. Fishing kayaks are popular, and can be fitted with accessories such as rod-holders and live-wells. There are also pedal-driven kayaks, and a few manufacturers, such as Hobie, offer a sailing model.

The boat
The Kayak Experience in Destin specializes in touring kayaks. Boasting a variety of manufacturers such as Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, and Eddyline, the shop is run by paddlers who assist in suiting the first-time buyer into the right fit.
By appointment, The Kayak Experience offers customers the option of trying out a new boat before purchasing. The store also sells trailers, books, maps and instructional DVDs. They give demonstrations the first Saturday of each month.
Yellowfin Ocean Sports in Seagrove offers an inventory specializing in gearing up the fisherman. According to Yellowfin’s owner, John Farmer, their kayak customers enjoy the Gulf, the Choctawhatchee Bay and the costal lakes about equally. Their line of kayaks accommodates a variety of users.
Yellowfin offers rentals and sales of Hobie, Ocean Kayaks and Old Town, along with supplies for fishing excursions, live bait and tackle. They also offer kayak accessories and replacement parts.

Guided tours
Matt LeBo, a certified Florida Master Naturalist and ACA certified kayak instructor, operates Blue Sky Kayak Tours. LeBo offers a variety of tour options including Western Lake or a paddle on Peach Creek to Tucker Bayou ending at Eden Gardens State Park. Contact: www.blueskykayak.com, or (850) 368-3155.

Paddle clubs
Marlice Ford of The Kayak Experience organizes informal paddling trips. Call (850) 837-1577

West Florida Canoe
and Kayak Club
The West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club is a group who enjoy paddling on both day and overnight trips. Interests include camping, kayaking, whitewater, freestyle, and canoe/kayak sailing as well as general recreational paddling.
Web site: http://wfcanoekayak.com
Tel: Wes Mosteller (850) 995-1063
E-mail: wesjane@earthlink.net

Kayak sales and rentals

There are several dealers offering kayaks for purchase or rent in the South Walton and Destin area.

Sales and rentals
Yellowfin Ocean Sports
Seagrove Beach
(850) 231-9024
Rent: Hobie or Ocean Kayaks from $55/day
Sell new and used Hobie, Ocean Kayak, Old Town Kayaks; $300 - $2,300
Satellite rental location inside Grayton General Store
Grayton Corners
Rentals: Sit on top Ocean Kayak, Hobie Kayaks

Big Daddy’s
Blue Mountain Beach
(850) 622-1165
Sell new and used kayaks from $399
Rentals: single $60/3 hrs. double $70/3 hrs.
Free delivery and pick-up


Sales only
The Kayak Experience
Destin
(850) 837-1577
Sales new and used: Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Eddyline, Wilderness Systems
Sit-in, sit-on fishing kayaks from $350 – over $3,000

Old Florida Outfitters
WaterColor
(850) 534-4343
Sit-on fishing kayaks from $450 - $1,200

Orvis
Grand Boulevard, Sandestin
(850) 650-2174
Sit-in, sit-on fishing kayaks from $850 - $1,200

Bass Pro Shop
Destin Commons
(850) 269-6200
Sit-in, sit-on
Price range $249 - $999


Rentals only
Butterfly Bike and Beach Rentals
Seagrove
(850) 231-2826
$60/day single

Coastal Cruisers
Miramar Beach
(850) 543-6146
$40/day single and tandem