Help Needed: list of Florida kayak dive sites/launch points

[cubscoutdad]

Hey, all Florida kayak divers: What we need is a list of dive sites that are within reach of a kayak, for all of Florida. My sons and I are trying to put together a list of kayak accessible dive sites, along with launch points, parking information, etc. Kayak diving is the fastest growing segment of diving, and we are hooked. My diving sons (11 and 13), young, but gifted writers nonetheless, want to compile a list for the whole state of Florida (a long-term project no doubt). We also want to include a little info on the best local place to grab a bite to eat after diving (that serves fish of course), and any hotels that are a good fit for the particular dive site, for the weekend trips that we are so fond of.

So, what's your favorite kayak dive site??? Anyone willing to help out with a dive site and launch point would be greatly appreciated. We have a good start on Broward, Dade, Monroe, and Sarasota Counties (not complete by any means), but have nothing anywhere else. Need help with all of Greater Tampa Bay, Bend Bend area, and Panhandle. East coast of Florida north of Stuart, the clear water is too far offshore for kayak diving, so for now we are not planning on doing much with that area, unless someone knows of some spots that occassionally get some good visibility and conditions.

Any and all help would be appreciated.
Will in Sarasota (and Derek and Liam too!)
ancientdiver@verizon.net

[SpearMax]

So, what's your favorite kayak dive site??? Anyone willing to help out with a dive site and launch point would be greatly appreciated. We have a good start on Broward, Dade, Monroe, and Sarasota Counties (not complete by any means), but have nothing anywhere else. Need help with all of Greater Tampa Bay, Bend Bend area, and Panhandle. East coast of Florida north of Stuart, the clear water is too far offshore for kayak diving, so for now we are not planning on doing much with that area, unless someone knows of some spots that occassionally get some good visibility and conditions.

A few years ago, I went to a Palm Beach Freedivers club meeting run at that time by Mike at the store Florida Freedivers. His website is http://www.flfreedivers.com. The speaker at that meeting did a great job talking about kayak spearfishing. You might ask Mike about that fellow as I do not remember his name. He probably knows lots of great kayak spearing sites. Good luck, Tony

[cubscoutdad]

Thanks for the tip. I will give them a call. Will

[nizutz]

There are a few spots off of venice (not including the boneyard). I belive there is a man made reef off of venice beach. There is also a bunch of concrete culverts just north of Sharkys pier. I also hear you can dive Spanish Rocks from your yak although I havent tried it yet. If your interested in getting together and trying to find some decent spearing spots let me know.

[florfreediver]

Thanks for the tip. I will give them a call. Will

Hi csd,
The kayaking spearo that Tony is referring to, is George Sager.
Unfortunately I do not think he follows SB :>(

I am away from the shop for a while and will be difficult to phone
But, would like to mention that we have some very kayak good diving in the Intra-Coastal in West Palm Beach, especially nice for beginners.

Offshore, we have some great spots, but you have contend with strongish currents, restricted parking and some long paddles getting to some of the better spots. Thats why I upgraded to a Jet-Ski.

For the ICW you just got to get the tides right.
I suggest launching from Phil Foster Park. This is on Blue Heron Boulevard, just over the bridge going to Singer Island.
They have a special launching spot for non-motorised vessels. Quite nice.

Regards,
Mike

[cubscoutdad]

Thanks for the tip. I am coming over to your side weekend of Oct. 25. Do you know how to get in contact with George? Does he own a landscape business in Boynton Beach? Thanks, Will Wright in Sarasota

[florfreediver]

Thanks for the tip. I am coming over to your side weekend of Oct. 25. Do you know how to get in contact with George? Does he own a landscape business in Boynton Beach? Thanks, Will Wright in Sarasota

Hi Will,
Yes, George does own a landscape business.
He has however, in the last few years, switched to a 22' Twin Vee Cat and I doubt he is still paddling much.
I received your PM and will try to answer it in full tomorrow as they have given me the day off.
Regards,
Mike.