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The beautiful Wekiva River is one of only two National Wild and Scenic rivers in the entire state.
Travel downstream with us and discover what makes this clear winding river-way such a national treasure. Once downstream, a private shuttle brings you back to your vehicle.
On most tours you can expect to observe wading birds, otter, alligator, deer, and the occasional manatee. Your guide is a graduate of the University of Florida Master Naturalist program so if you have questions they have the answers.
A light lunch is served mid-way, so let us know if anyone in your group has a food allergy or restriction.
All tours begin at 9 am. Paddle time is about 3.5 hours however, with lunch and the shuttle plan on getting back to your car around 2pm.
Min Person(s)
4
$ / Person
100
Paddle Miles
10
Hours
4.5
ABOUT LOWER WEKIVA RIVER KAYAK TOUR
Experience Lower Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour
The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve is a remarkable location to visit. Springs can be found throughout Central Florida; however, the ones here in Lower Wekiva River are special.
In this area, large and small springs originate from limestone labyrinths. These springs continue through miles forming creeks and rivers that span through forested floodplains and swamps, giving a scenic environment.
This beautiful environment in the Lower Wekiva River preserve state park is home to various animals like alligators, birds, and the wonderful manatee of Florida.
Canoeists, kayakers, swimmers, and snorkelers enjoy the springs in the Lower Wekiva River preserve. This is because the springs are well-known for the clarity and freshness of their water.
In a fast-paced world like ours, taking some time to breathe fresh air in an environment like the Wekiva River is very beneficial. In fact, experts say 20 minutes of outdoor activities like kayaking can lower stress hormones and improve general healthy living.
If you are considering taking your kayak out on the waters in the Lower Wekiva River preserve and paddling away from the stresses of everyday life, this article is for you.
This article will describe some of the amazing benefits of kayaking and why you must visit with a professional Lower Wekiva River Guided kayak tour like Wekiva Outfitters.
What are the Benefits of Kayaking at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park?
Before we go into the benefits of Kayaking, you must understand what a Kayak is and how it works. With this understanding, you will be able to appreciate Kayaking and the wonderful adventure ahead of you at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve.
It's easy to confuse kayaking with canoeing if you haven't done either before. There are, nevertheless, important distinctions that mark kayaking as a distinct activity.
A kayak is a kind of watercraft that is smaller and more maneuverable than a canoe, and its passengers sit on separate seats. Depending on the size of the kayak, you may need paddles that you can place on both sides. You'll need both hands to hold this paddle in the water while you kayak, dipping it in and out of the water at intervals to move forward.
Most kayaks are designed for single paddlers; however, tandem kayaks may accommodate two (and sometimes three) passengers. When paddling in tandem, the person in the front seat sets the pace, while the person in the rear seat mimics the lead paddler's strokes.
The following are some benefits of kayaking at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.
Kayaking is a fun and effective way to get in shape.
Kayaking might be the right option for you if you are looking for a fun way to lose weight.
According to studies by the Harvard Health Publications and the American Council on Exercise, an average-weight kayaker (weighing 125 pounds) can expect to burn about 283 calories per hour while paddling (or about 150 calories in about half an hour).
Kayakers that weigh slightly more (around 150 pounds) can expect to burn slightly more (340 calories per hour).
Of course, this is less than the number of calories you will burn within 30 minutes on a treadmill. However, the fun and pleasure you get while kayaking is not comparable.
Plus, the views and the lifetime opportunity of seeing beautiful animals at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park make this an incomparable experience. As you go on, you will likely spend more time.
Most kayakers who have visited the Lower Wekiva River Preserve spend almost the entire day with their Kayaks. When you do the numbers, that’s a considerable number of calories burned which is almost like a regular workout.
Kayaking is a Form of Low-Impact Activity
Not everyone can lift weights, run for long, or try other high-intensity workouts. There are some who, by virtue of their health, cannot try out high-intensity activities. For persons with these peculiar health challenges, low-impact activities are the best option for recreation.
In contrast to jogging, tennis, and many team sports, kayaking is a recreational activity that does not need you to bang your limbs on the ground repeatedly. The activity is gentle on the joints, and the workout is great for anyone with arthritis or injury concerns.
Even for people without injury concerns, low-impact activities are great because they do not take so long to heal. Moreso, a 2015 research has shown that low-impact activities can improve cognitive health.
Kayaking is a Great Way to Stay Happy
Everyone knows that having a good mood provides the greatest health benefits. On the other hand, it's common knowledge that spending time outdoors can improve one's mood. Therefore, kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and boost your mood.
Along with the positive effects of being outside, aerobic activities like kayaking also boost the production of feel-good chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain.
These neurotransmitters, notably endorphins, are associated with elevated states of happiness and self-assurance. As a result, health professionals advocate for kayaking and other forms of physical activity to alleviate stress. In a nutshell, it's a sport that has been shown to boost emotional and psychological well-being.
With clear waters like you have at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve, you may see the marine life and habitat below and boost your happiness levels.
Kayaking Aids in Vitamin D Formation and Activation
Most people associate vitamin D with exposure to sunlight or food. While both are correct, acquiring vitamin D from dietary sources is more challenging than getting it via sun exposure. The body produces vitamin D in inactive forms. But exposure to sunshine is necessary
to activate the vitamin D produced in the body.
Interestingly, unlike some vitamins that might be harmful when consumed in large quantities, Vitamin D has no negative consequences. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, a robust immune system, proper brain and muscle development, and a healthy heart.
Therefore, going on a kayaking trip in the Lower Wekiva Preserve State Park is one of the best ways to soak up some rays of sunshine.
Summary of Why You Should Consider the Lower Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour
To have maximum fun on your Kayaking trip to Lower Wekiva River Guided Kayak, you must plan ahead. An important part of planning is weighing your options and deciding whether you are going alone or on a guided tour.
Contrary to what you might have heard, hiring a local guide to assist with trip organization and logistics is a smart move. If you want to have a good time kayaking at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, you shouldn't stress out about the logistics of your trip.
Going with a Lower Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour will allow you to focus on relaxing as you enjoy a thrilling kayaking experience.
When you book your trip with professional companies like Wekiva Outfitter, you get knowledgeable local tour guides that help you get the most out of your exciting day on the water.
While kayaking with a Lower Wekiva River Guided Tour, you may take in the park's breathtaking scenery and abundant animals. Your tour guide will help you understand when and where to see the park's species and the finest vantage points from which to take it all in. In other words, if you want to maximize your chances of seeing all of the park's species and stunning scenery on your next kayaking trip to the Lower Wekiva River Preserve, you should go with the Lower Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour.
Finally, suppose you're planning on kayaking in Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park for the first time. In that case, it's a good idea to go with a Lower Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour, where you can learn about the area.
A professional Lower Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour will have trained local tour guides to educate you. For instance, tour guides working with Wekiva Outfitters have university degrees from the University of Florida's Naturalist Program. These tour guides have a wealth of experience and formal education to educate you about the area and answer all your questions.
These tour guides will ensure that your family's kayaking excursion through Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is enjoyable and informative.