As I mentioned in my column a couple weeks ago, the feeling of information overload is all too common in paddlers when they are searching for a new craft. With so many makes and models on the market, it is no wonder that many people are deterred from buying a kayak. However, there are many ways to navigate around that awful feeling, and joining a paddling club can greatly help reduce some of that stress.

On December 15th, we hosted a group of 30 paddlers from our paddling club for a trip down Alligator Creek. We launched from Allapatchee Shores Park in Punta Gorda, and paddled two hours downstream to the mouth of Charlotte Harbor. It was a beautiful day. We saw a ton of wildlife, including two bald eagles, and everyone had a great time making new friends and catching up with old ones. These large group paddles are valuable resources for paddling newbies who are looking to get into the sport, but they are also ideal for seasoned paddlers looking to graduate up to the latest and greatest gear that is new on the market. Each paddling club has its own unique culture, and by joining multiple clubs and participating in several outings, beginners and veterans alike can get a feel for trends, styles, makes, models and designs, which can help simplify the purchasing process.