Kayakers on Western Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Kayaks an easy fit for anyone interested in outdoor fun
With the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay and numerous lakes, creeks and rivers in the area, kayaking is a popular sport in the Panhandle. And with little maintenance cost after purchase, kayaking can be enjoyed by most anyone.
There are two basic configurations to choose from, the traditional cockpit style and the sit on top. In a variety of lengths, kayaks range from 8 – 20 ft. and weigh in anywhere from 40 – 70 lbs. Deciding which kayak to choose depends on the type of paddle experience one is looking for.
The Kayak Experience in Destin has both cockpit and sit on kayak types. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Marlice Brown of The Kayak Experience in Destin explained that the cockpit style offers a faster paddle and drier experience when using a skirt.
The Kayak Experience sells about equal amounts of both types, boasting a variety of manufacturers such as Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Wilderness Systems and Eddyline. The Kayak Experience personnel are experienced paddlers who assist buyers in finding the perfect fit.
The first Saturday of every month the store offers demonstrations, and anyone interested can try out any model of interest. The store also sells books, maps trailers and accessories.
Yellowfin Ocean Sports sells and rents a variety of kayaks including several geared for fishing. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Fishing kayaks have also become very popular, and can be accessorized with items such as live wells for bait and rod-holders.
Yellowfin Ocean Sports in Seagrove Beach offers both rentals and sales of a variety of kayaks, with a specialty in providing kayaks for the fisherman.
Yellowfin offers rentals and sales of Hobie and Ocean Kayaks, along with supplies for fishing excursions, live bait and tackle.
Yellowfin also offers daily fishing reports for the surf, inshore and the bay, and a variety of other services including suiting people up with an appropriate charter for fishing excursions.
Kayak sales and rentals
There are several dealers offering kayaks for purchase or rent in the South Walton and Destin area.
Big Daddy’s
Blue Mountain Beach
(850) 622-1165
Sell new and used kayaks
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
Guests are welcome on trips as long as they have the skills to safely navigate the waters being paddled. Guests must sign a waiver form and have an Eglin Recreational Pass if the trip is on the Air Force Base. Paddlers must supply their own boat.
looking for a sit on top kayak. My husband has a Mainstream Renegade (Mainstream is no longer in business) and we would love to have another one or one very similar to it. Any suggestions?
Check the kayak shops… Yellowfin, Big Daddy’s and Kayak Experience mentioned in the story, or go on Craigslist, that is I found a good bargain.
My husband is from Crestview,FL and has kayaked/explored many of the creeks, bays, and inlets in the panhandle. He has kept a journal of most of his day trips and loves kayaking.
The State of Florida Office of Greenways and Trails offers maps to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail:
Sue Townsend
May 21, 2009looking for a sit on top kayak. My husband has a Mainstream Renegade (Mainstream is no longer in business) and we would love to have another one or one very similar to it. Any suggestions?
Check the kayak shops… Yellowfin, Big Daddy’s and Kayak Experience mentioned in the story, or go on Craigslist, that is I found a good bargain.
Sue Townsend
May 21, 2009My husband is from Crestview,FL and has kayaked/explored many of the creeks, bays, and inlets in the panhandle. He has kept a journal of most of his day trips and loves kayaking.