On March 1, 2014, kayakers Marc DeLuca and Jim Windle finished the entire 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. In this video made during the trip, DeLuca reveals what essential items—stored within reach on his PFD—kept him safe and comfortable on the four-month journey.
The two retired police officers from Charlotte, N.C., began their trip Nov. 2, 2013 at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola and finished near Fort Clinch State Park just south of the Georgia border. They are the 12th and 13th paddlers to complete the entire trail since it opened in 2007.
“While thousands of people paddle short segments of the trail each year, we can appreciate the few who have the time and fortitude to paddle the whole thing,” said Donald Forgione, Director of the Florida Park Service, “It’s a huge accomplishment.”
The two men faced extreme weather, large ocean swells and some health scares. On day three, DeLuca’s kayak almost sank in rough seas due to a leaky rear hatch cover. They battled a case of influenza near Miami, and a serious foot infection requiring hospitalization almost sidelined Windle in St. Augustine. The two pressed on, vowing not to give up.
Despite the hardships, what they remember most is the coastal beauty and acts of kindness and hospitality along the way. “People opened their homes to us, offered food, and helped out in various ways,” Windle said. “You find out how important the little things are like a hot shower or clean clothes.”
DeLuca added: “We saw some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the country in a way few others have. Pods of dolphins escorted us almost every day.”
Designated as a National Recreation Trail, the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail educates paddlers about Florida’s rich history and fragile coastal environment. Following the Florida peninsula from Pensacola around the Keys to the Georgia border, this 1,515-mile sea kayaking paradise is often described as the saltwater version of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The trail highlights 37 of Florida’s 41 aquatic preserves and offers paddlers access to numerous state, national and local parks, seashores, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries and historic sites.
For more information on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, visit www.FloridaGreenwaysandTrails.com.
A multi-media blog capturing DeLuca and Windle’s experiences can be seen at http://KayakAroundFlorida.wordpress.com/.
Read more about Florida’s world-class network of paddling trails in the May 2014 issue of Adventure Kayak, available soon!
