seminole paddle adventures

Whenever I travel, I'm always looking for local adventures, as was the case while visiting Orlando for the AAU National Volleyball Tournament. Not one to spend spare time shopping and dining, I discovered Seminole Paddle Adventures online - and what a great discovery it turned out to be!I called to inquire on Sunday afternoon if it was possible to rent a solo kayak on Monday - a day when many outfitters are closed. Heidi was more than happy to accommodate, and she quickly set up my trip. The process could not have been easier - she was efficient, organized and so friendly.Adrenalin flowing, I met her husband Tim and son Ethan at the put-in as scheduled on Monday morning. They were there early with a sit-on-top kayak, paddle, PFD and dry bag with complimentary water bottles - everything new and clean. I'm a long-time, avid paddler - as is Tim - and he was able to answer all my river questions in detail, which only heightened my anticipation as I looked out at the beautiful river..He also provided a detailed river map with phone numbers and landmarks. Ethan snapped a half dozen photos as I launched - which Seminole later e-mailed to me - nice touch!The Econlockhatchee River was a tropical treat, and offered everything I love about paddling. The 8-mile trip starts through a narrow, twisty channel that is canopied by stately palms and cypress trees - I loved paddling this intimate, remote-feeling stretch. After several miles, the river becomes a bit wider and more open. While there is frequent dead fall, it only adds to the wildness of the river and is easy to maneuver around. Quiet and peaceful, the river features a gentle but steady current that nudges you along. Wildlife is plentiful - I saw at least 20 alligators, but nearly all of them would slink and slither into the water before you can click a photo. Many times, I'd come around a bend to see them scurry from a sandbar - or they were already in the water, with only their beady eyes protruding. They are nothing to fear - just be respectful of them and their habitat (as in, don't mess with 'em and they won't mess with you!).Beautiful blue herons, soaring turkey vultures and turtles galore highlighted the trip. While I paddled at a steady pace, it was so relaxing amid the sounds and sights of this tropical haven. Nearing the takeout, all it took was a quick cell phone call, and the young guys from Seminole (Tim & Heidi's sons) were there to transport me back to the put-in where my car was parked.I'd highly recommend this outing to anybody and everybody who wants a memorable outdoor experience. I've paddled hundreds of rivers in my life, and they all have a certain charm and character - this one especially! Seminole Paddle Adventures provides professional, first-rate service to make it all possible. The price ($49) was extremely reasonable and they treat their customers like family friends. Thanks to Seminole for making it happen! I'll be back every time I can!!

My lady friend and I rented a kayak from Seminole Paddle Adventures last Saturday, and enjoyed a wonderful 8 mile paddle on the Little Econ River near Oviedo and Chuluota in central Florida. They had a good selection of kayaks and canoes to choose from, and they also rent them on nearby Lake Mills, where they also rent paddle boards. The Little Econ River had a good current, slower and steady, and we saw lots of wildlife, including alligator, turtles, fish and lots of large birds, blue herons etc. The river has lots of beautiful trees, which provide good shade on many portions, so it was quite comfortable in Florida summer weather. Heidi, the owner of Seminole, was extremely helpful; first in reassuring my lady friend, who is new to kayaking, about how pleasant and safe the river is for kayaking (or canoeing). Heidi and her son, Ethan, shuttled our rented kayak upstream, and I had my own kayak, which they shuttled too, and they picked us up at the downstream exit point on Sunday. We camped overnight on the river, but most people paddle through in 4- 5 hrs. on the same day. Their price was quite reasonable for renting the kayak, including the river shuttle (drop off upstream and pick up downstream), especially considering the outstanding service and helpfulness provided by Heidi and Ethan, who also made sure we were prepared with sun screen, a trash bag and bug spray, which we didn't really need. No bugs until evening along the river. We learned that Heidi has worked a lot with the Boy Scouts with her sons, so great service and helpfulness seem to come naturally to her (and Ethan). My lady friend, who at first was hesitant to go, had a wonderful time, and she wants to do it again soon... , so we definitely recommend Heidi and Seminole Paddle Adventures.