The Daily Dose – Urban fitness paddling in North Miami Beach to the Oleta River.

Fitness paddling through

North Miami Beach history and

exploring what’s left of the

original Oleta River tributary route!

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Land Sharks prey on unsuspecting paddlers on the tributary Oleta River.
Snake Creek Canal C-9 and the original Oleta River.

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The original historical Oleta River drained the unspoiled Everglades into the Atlantic Ocean via the (today’s) Baker’s Haulover cut. As such it was situated between the Miami River to the south and the New River to the north in today’s Ft Lauderdale. Thus it was a natural place for people to want to congregate and live there. There is evidence of human habitation since at least 500BC by the Tequesta native peoples. The current C-9 canal was originally a tributary to the Oleta River, called Little Snake Creek by 1841. By the late 19th century, the area was being homesteaded with fruit and vegetable farms. In 1922, Big Snake Creek was renamed the Oleta River by developers. Today it is part of the Oleta River State Park and still follows the historic contour of the original river. Everything else has been dredged into canals and rock quarry “borrow pits” which we might call “lakes” today.

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/coronavirus-quarantine-kayaking-dose-day-29-snake-creek-canal-c-9-and-oleta-river/

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! Bless UP

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© 2021 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 38: Fishform surfski, seat booster and a mango!

Mango days are here again!

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Yes!! After completely taking last year off, my mango tree is producing early this year! 🙂

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With the Coronavirus quarantine and lockdown well into the second month, I decided to switch things up a bit. I took out my vintage 90s Findeisen Shearwater surfski ‘ONEWAY’ and paddled it out to the ocean to eat a mango!

I don’t paddle this ski as much as I used to since obtaining the ‘Grey Ghost’ (a Stellar SES) for my fitness paddling. However there are times when this old ski is actually a better choice. In really rough water for instance, the split tub design holds almost no water as compared to a single tub common in modern surfskis. It’s also more stable than the SES, has more rocker and surfs real nice!

On this session I was not expecting rough conditions, but I took her out to test an extra seat booster pad. Most kayakers are familiar with seat pads, but mostly for the purpose of more padding and therefore seat comfort. Fitness paddlers in K1 and surfskis use pads to raise the seat up to elevate their CoG (Center of Gravity) to learn and train for ever-tippier boats and conditions. Also, raising the seat and/or lowering the feet results in improved ergonomics and power transfer. It’s for these reasons that I wanted to go with a two inch seat rise!

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My vintage Findeisen Shearwater surfski ‘ONEWAY’ is a great all around surfing / workout / fast tropical day tripping boat. Shown here back when the beach was open!
Surfski center stringer repair and the Findeisen Shearwater resurrection!

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Seat booster pads for better paddling form!

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Right about 2 inches of boost when the two pads are used together.

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Two inch booster seat pad for my vintage fishform sufski.
This make a noticeable positive difference in paddling form and ergonomics.
Stacked pads are for flat to moderate water conditions.

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Using just one of the pads brings stability back for almost all paddling in typical South Florida conditions.

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No pad I reserve for rough ocean surfing conditions. There’s not much leg drive but stability is excellent and anyway the point is to catch and stay on the wave train! 🙂

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Fish form vs swede form – contemporary (Stellar SES) ski vs Findeisen Shearwater surfski comparison.
A tale of two surfskis 20 years apart (Stellar SES vs Findeisen Shearwater).

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As nice as the split tub design of the Shearwater is in rough water, the rest of the time it’s not so great. It’s much harder to get really good (or even much) leg drive with that design because the hump under the legs is in the way. Also it feels as though the seat is lower than the feet, a very weird feeling once you’re used to a K1 or a modern surfski like the SES. The remedy is a simple seat pad or two in this case. The side effect is the aforementioned rise in CoG which makes the boat increasingly tippy!

In the case of the Shearwater which is 18.5 inches wide, I find a 2 inch booster seat to work very well in calm to moderate conditions. Stability is not bad, not much different from the SES that I am used to now (16.4″ wide).  It does really helps with ergonomics and enables some leg drive. It will never be as nice as say a K1 or even a modern ski, but definitely a positive step forward!

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Cruising up the intracoastal waterway with a boost, feeling fine.

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My mutifunctional and versatile face protector / neck gaiter from the Church of the Double Bladed Paddle! 🙂

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Ft Lauderdale beach scene – vacant ghost town as expected.

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My vintage 90s Findeisen Shearwater surfski ONEWAY inside the little cove in Port Everglades inlet.

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You can see in these pics that this old surfski is a fishform design, meaning that the widest point is in front of the paddler. This is the opposite of and in contrast with pretty much all modern skis! So what’s the difference? It’s a subtle but noticeable feel. A photographic analogy would be akin to vintage film-era lenses vs modern computer optimized glass. Sure, the modern lenses with have more features and usability. The specs will blow the old lenses away – at least on paper! However the old lenses have a unique rendering and a quality about them that has to be appreciated and will show in the desired images. The older lenses may not be the best choice most of the time, but will be THE best choice to go with some – of – the – time.

It’s pretty much the same with this vintage surfski. The difference in how it paddles versus the more common modern swedeform design is in takeoff and cruising feel. During takeoff from a dead stop, the fishform feels like it takes longer to ‘get going’ than the swedeform. However something about the fishform makes this old ski glide with ease when cruising. It’s hard to describe, but I can definitely feel it as compared to the Stellar SES which is faster, but lacks this kind of ‘feel’. Btw, I also notice this in my Seda Glider aka the ‘Banana Boat’ – a fast fishform sea kayak!

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I’ve been paddling this boat since 1996. 😮
Now it’s a lil heavier but actually better than ever!!

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ONEWAY at Port Everglades inlet. Traffic was very light today!

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For now I’m using a featherweight flotation foam booster and an old skwoosh seat pad which is kinda heavy but has the benefit of having a slick covering that reduces ‘sticking’ to the seat significantly. In the future I will replace it with fabric covered foam, tethered of course. But the combination works well enough for now, in the ocean I just use skwoosh pad to regain more stability.

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Looking due south across the inlet channel at the Park (closed) and Dania Beach fishing pier in the distance.

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Boating traffic was light, but please remember that Port Everglades inlet is a busy 24/7 SHIPPING LANE and a FULL SPEED boating zone! Big ships can not and will not stop, and fast moving boaters may not see even you!

Be really sure you know EXACTLY what you’re doing before venturing inside or crossing the inlet !!

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Out of Boat experience swimming the ocean – a necessary task! 😉

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I paddled eleven miles so I could eat this mango on the water.

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Devouring my home grown mango on the ocean off Ft Lauderdale.

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Out on the ocean I enjoyed my delicious mango.

It’s good nutrition and hydration. Also, something about the salty air makes it taste even sweeter! 🙂

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My delicious home grown mango reminded me of summer camping on Florida Bay. 🙂
Everglades hot summer camping and cruising – the Central & Western Florida Bay loop!

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I will now give you my very best malocchio or ‘mal de ojo’ ..
Treatment for this condition requires going paddling! 😉

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Mango is Everything!

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Paddling back due north I caught some nice rides coming into the inlet! 🙂

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Back in the canal zone among the ships.

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When’s the last time you’ve seen a serrated bow on a boat!?

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The serrated bow reminded me of that one time I went ice breaking with my SOT kayak and a machete.
Paddling in a Winter Wonderland – kayak ice breaking on the Rio Grande!

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Please be well, keep on paddlin’ !

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! Bless UP

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© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 29 : Snake Creek Canal C-9 and Oleta River.

Fitness paddling through North Miami Beach,

some history and exploring what’s left of the

original Oleta River route!

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Uncommon 14.5 mile r/t route on the Snake Creek C-9 canal and Oleta River creek.

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During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to get on the water – anywhere! Thus it pays to get creative with launch points and routes, many now on local canals. There is nothing wrong with getting exercise on the water as long as one can get to it and maintains safe social distancing paddling practices!

On invitation to join other paddlers, for this session I took out my K-1 trainer kayak “RGB”. I met up with Efrat A., Ross E., Gil R. and David F. – an interesting mix of an OC-2, OC-1, surfski and my K1.

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We’re the 5G’s – but don’t be afraid! 😉
Getting ready for some on-the-water quality time!!
Photo credit: Efrat Almog

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This early morning paddle spanned through the history of North Miami Beach and the Oleta River area. It also encompassed a bit of my own personal history since I grew up in this area in the 80s! The original historical Oleta River drained the unspoiled Everglades into the Atlantic Ocean via the (today’s) Baker’s Haulover cut. As such it was situated between the Miami River to the south and the New River to the north in today’s Ft Lauderdale. Thus a natural place for people to want to congregate and live there. There is evidence of human habitation since at least 500BC by the Tequesta native peoples. The current canal we’d be paddling on was originally a tributary to the Oleta River and was called Little Snake Creek by 1841. By the late 19th century, the area was being homesteaded with fruit and vegetable farms. In 1922, Big Snake Creek was renamed the Oleta River by developers. Today it is part of the Oleta River State Park and still follows the historic contour of the original river. Everything else has been dredged into canals and rock quarry “borrow pits” which we call “lakes” today.

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Late 19th century map detail of the original Oleta River: Little Snake Creek and Big Snake Creek.
These would later become the C-9 canal and Oleta River State Park.

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The canal we paddled is one of the earliest dredged through the Everglades and represents a small segment of the more than 2000 miles of canals and water control structures that make living in South Florida possible.

A section of the Snake Creek C-9 canal was previously known as the Royal Glades Canal and was dug in 1912 – 1913. Later on, portions of the canal were widened and the water control structure S-29 (saltwater lock) was completed in November of 1953. Thus the canal is freshwater and non-tidal, however there can be some flow as the water is periodically released through the lock into the Oleta River.

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One hundred years ago, many familiar geographical features were already laid out in place in North Miami Beach.
CLICK for larger map of greater Miami circa 1925.

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Early morning light .. on the Snake Creek C-9 canal.

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Setting off to paddle the Snake Creek Canal and Oleta River!

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The Snake Cree C-9 canal opens up into Skylake, one of several former rock quarries in the area.

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Blossoms floating on the canal which runs through diverse neighborhoods and a cross section of South Florida.

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Cherry blossoms on my skirt! (half skirt, mind you~)

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I’m not an Arborist, but I believe this one to be a blossoming Taiwan Cherry tree.

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Many ducks, geese and waterfowl live on the canal. Hello!

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A family crosses the Snake Creek canal.

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The banks on either side of the canal have been turned into an active linear park called the Snake Creek Trail.

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Snake Creek Trail

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Bike riding, jogging, walking along the canal are popular with the local residents, many wearing face masks.

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Linear Parks Make Healthy Hearts

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There are at least two bridges with very low clearance, but not a problem for paddle craft.

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The Snake Creek C-9 canal dead ends at the S-29 water control structure / saltwater lock on the east end.

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But wait – for us paddlers there’s more!
We can portage around it, we have the technology ..

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The S-29 lock, freshwater side (non-tidal) on the Snake Creek C-9 canal.

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NOTE: There’s a reason the water control structure is marked off with the buoy lines. The lock gates can open suddenly at any time and release a substantial amount of water depending on conditions and the SFWMD. Use caution when approaching and do not linger in place – the swift current can be overwhelming for any paddler!!

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S-29 lock on the C-9 canal from the saltwater Oleta River side!

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Paddling north on Maule Lake (another former rock quarry) we encountered an SUP paddler doing it wrong~!

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Remnant reminders of Hurricane Irma on Maule Lake.

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Entry into today’s Oleta River “tributary” which was actually the main run of the historic river before the C-9 canal was dug.

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Paddling up the Oleta River creek behind Greynolds Park (also the site of a former rock quarry).

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The Oleta River creek runs through neighborhoods and is a different take on watrfront living in South Florida!

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On the Oleta River creek – the backstreet of NMB’s older waterfront neighborhoods.

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Backyard decorations along the Oleta River creek.

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At the turnaround point on Ives Dairy Road (NE 203rd St) – my old Jr High is just across the street!
The Oleta River creek actually continues north through a culvert but it has been silted over for some time!

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Ornate yard decorations on the Oleta River creek evoke memories of simpler times in Miami.

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I have found IT on the Oleta River creek – BEWARE!! 😮

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Where the Oleta River creek runs under Biscyane Blvd / US 1 the tidal current can flow strong, even creating small rapids at times!

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This is a tricky spot, especially for a 25ft long boat. Ross and Efrat handled it well ! 🙂

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Back on the freshwater side of the C-9 Snake Creek canal.

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Portage chance encounter with Edgar, a Miami SUP paddler who was on his way out towards the ocean!

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Numerous lines, pipes and conduits cross the canal.

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Under the bridges on the Snake Creek C-9 canal.

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Then – I seen the (beautiful) light!

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My white kayak bow reflecting the colors over the canal.

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Paddling back up along picturesque tree lined recreation paths.

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The canal opens up into Skylake next to I-95.
I remember looking at this lake in wonder while riding the school bus when I was a kid.
Now, years later I’ve finally paddled it! 🙂

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Crossing under I-95 in Skylake on the C-9 canal.
I’m not sure how manatees would get here, but jetskiers and small motor skiffs certainly can.

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Homeless scene under a bridge over the canal. 😦

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Paddling up the canal, I could smell the bakery not too far away on Miami Gardens Drive.
Another memory from my school bus riding days.

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Water main (or sewer line?) crosses the Snake Creek C-9 canal.

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That’s Hot Stuff !! (Huki OC-2) 😉

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Packing it up back at the put-in off St Rd 7.

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Ross is a good guy, he took some time out to pick up a bunch of the trash that otherwise ends up in the water. Thank you!

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Please be well, keep on paddlin’ !

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! Bless UP

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© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 27 : Now with even more trash!

The COVID-19 Pandemic is still ongoing and we are now also seeing some of the unintended consequences. This is just the tip of the iceberg, sadly there will be more, no doubt.

Irresponsible, unnecessary, ignorant (mis)use and lack of proper disposal of PPE gear showing up in our waterways! 😦

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(click pic for story)

April 16, 2020 – this is NOT helping!!
PPE disposable glove floating in Port Everglades amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami (S Florida)!

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/reality-check/all-that-trash-the-ugly-side-of-kayaking-in-miami/

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! Bless UP

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© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 25 : Ocean to the emotional rescue!

How many days has it been?

The ocean to the rescue!

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“Emotional Ocean Rescue” 🙂

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Surfski tropical variation on the “Balance Brace” resting position! 😉

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The REAL balance brace – traditional Greenland kayaking from QajaqRolls.com !

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Getting some on-the-water ocean quality time is important to me because I get a lot of my exercise from paddling. To be clear: I did not stop anywhere, did not buy anything and did not touch anything. On this session I took out my surfski kayak the “Grey Ghost” and met up with local paddlers Efrat A. and Gil R. who paddled an OC-2. We maintained safe social distancing paddling practices!

The stay at home order for the State of Florida is to keep the Covid-19 virus from spreading person to person. This is why most places where people could congregate are closed. However the order specifically allows personal outdoor recreation and exercise as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. Therefore there is nothing wrong here!

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“Blinded by the lights“

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Paddling side by side with an OC-2 is interesting. The extra HP (people power) and several feet of waterline give it a real advantage once it’s up on the glide, about 6mph on flat water. Efrat and Gil make a strong paddling team, and I had to work hard to try and keep up! We didn’t get any real swells or surfable wakes, but it will be interesting to see both craft surfing! On flat water this presents a challenge for me to further refine and put more consistent power into each stroke so that I can hope to keep up with these two!

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New Florida resident and powerhouse paddler Gil R. enjoying a refreshing swim.

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Local fitness paddler Efrat A. on “Hot Stuff”!

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I realize that some places are so locked down that people can’t get on the water anywhere. This is wrong IMHO!! People need to get outside for physical, mental and spiritual well being! Why close off all avenues for people to get out on the water? Why close off backcountry access to national parks where people could otherwise recreate by themselves? Just makes NO sense!!

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Paddling freedom goes up against the wall!

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Are we free to paddle like we want to? Perhaps some good can come out of this pandemic if we can re-evaluate the role of paddlecraft in South Florida!

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Urban paddling in Ft Lauderdale.

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Wake UP!!

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Were we free to paddle like we want to, even before the lockdown?

Maybe some good can come out of this pandemic if we can re-evaluate the role of paddlecraft in South Florida. Things like water access and parking, water quality, enforcement of boating speed zones, etc.. !

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Look I found Jesus – an Easter miracle! 😉

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Truth is that I’ve already found Jesus underwater! 😮

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Kayaking to Dry Rocks Reef – a Pilgrimage to find the “Christ of the Abyss” off Key Largo!

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Be well friends!!

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You may also like:

“From Jesus to Christ to Art!”

Alt Jesus Study is a non-religious but spiritual look at the meaning of sacrifice, rebirth, fertility and duality. Exploration of symbolism and culture as represented in the forms of Jesus and northern hemisphere Western Mythology.

Alt Jesus Study digital art series from DecoratedReality.com

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“Goal Keeper”
CLICK for the Alt Jesus Study digital art series from DecoratedReality.com !

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Emotional Rescue!

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© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

The Coronavirus might stop our world, but can’t reach the sky nor the moon!

It really was pink !!

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“A scientific colleague tells me about a recent trip to the New Guinea highlands where she visited a stone age culture hardly contacted by Western civilization. They were ignorant of wristwatches, soft drinks, and frozen food. But they knew about Apollo 11. They knew that humans had walked on the Moon. They knew the names of Armstrong and Aldrin and Collins.

They wanted to know who was visiting the Moon these days.”

― Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot (1994).

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“Pink Moon”

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(click image for more)

camping everglades kayakfari stars photography night moon
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part I

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https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-camping-with-the-stars-part-i/

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Enjoy!

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! BLESS

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© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com . All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 16 : Seventeen mile loop around Ft Lauderdale

Quick 17 mile paddling loop on the New River – Dania Cutoff Canal in Ft Lauderdale!

Getting some on-the-water quality time is important to me because I get most of my exercise from paddling. For the record, I did not stop anywhere, did not buy anything, did not touch anything. This session I took out my K1 trainer kayak RGB and met up with local paddlers Ross E. and Efrat A. who paddled an OC-2. We maintained safe social distancing paddling practices!

The stay at home order for the State of Florida is meant to keep the Covid-19 virus from spreading person to person. However the order specifically allows outdoor recreation and exercise as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. Therefore there is nothing wrong here, in fact being outdoors on such a nice day can only improve health!!

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New River – Dania Cutoff Canal paddling loop around Ft Lauderdale is 17 miles with several places to get on or off.

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Which way to go ??
Go with the flow – the tidal flow!

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First we had to get past the manatee! 😉

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Local paddlers Ross E. and Efrat A. in “Hot Stuff” an OC-2.

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Downtown ft Lauderdale was quiet and idle though we saw several other paddlers on the water!

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Ft Lauderdale beach used to be like this!

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Efrat paddling through Ft Lauderdale.

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On the intracoastal waterway.

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Father and son fishing off a dock in Ft Lauderdale.

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Ft Lauderdale’s iconic 17th Street tall bridge!

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RGB on the shoal inside Port Everglades in Ft Lauderdale. “RGB” is my versatile Kirton K1 trainer fitness kayak.
ART of Primary Colors – the RGB on my CRT!

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That’s Hot Stuff right there!! 😮

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Weekend boating traffic was steady, and remember that Port Everglades inlet is a busy 24/7 SHIPPING LANE and a FULL SPEED boating zone! Big ships can not and will not stop, and fast moving boaters may not see even you!

Be sure you know EXACTLY what you’re doing before venturing inside or crossing the inlet !!

.

Ross and Efrat paddling past the virus stricken cruise ships in ft Lauderdale.

.

We are all living on the Edge in Ft Lauderdale!

.

Efrat and Ross paddling along the edge. 😮

.

Big ship meets little ship in Port Everglades.

.

Port Everglades was a ghost town on Sunday!

.

Sneaking under ..

.

Back into the loop .. was a nice paddle! 🙂

.

Social Distancing and paddling together!
Photo credit: Ross Elder – CLICK for video!

.

Be well and exercise !!

.

.

.

Escape!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 13 : Zaandam and Rotterdam cruise ship encounter

On the water again and a chance encounter

in Port Everglades!

These days people are all cooped up and seemingly about to blow their lids. So getting some on-the-water quality time is more important than ever. For the record, I did not stop anywhere, did not buy anything, did not touch anything. I did meet up with local paddlers Ross E. and Efrat A. who paddled in their OC-2, but we maintained safe social distance practices!

The stay at home order for the State of Florida is a good idea to keep the Covid-19 virus from spreading person to person. However the order also specifically allows outdoor recreation and exercise as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. Therefore we are doing nothing wrong here, in fact being outdoors on such a beautiful day can only improve our health!!

.

“Hot Stuff” – Ross and Efrat cruising in the Huki V2-X OC-2

.

Ross named his OC-2 “Hot Stuff” and has some cool graphics to go along with it. This made for an interesting pairing with my ‘Grey Ghost’ – a Stellar SES surfski. I wasn’t sure who would be racing whom, but it turns out we kinda took turns. I’d say in chop I could sprint ahead for a bit, while in flat water the extra waterline length and power of the OC-2 made me work hard to keep up!

.

We arrived near Port Everglades just in time to see the MS Rotterdam coming into port.

.

Local paddler Efrat takes a break while the ship comes in.

.

I don’t think that any of us knew it, but we arrived near Port Everglades inlet just in time to see the MS Rotterdam coming in to dock. It along with the sister ship MS Zaandam have been in the news lately as no port was willing to receive them because of multiple Coronavirus cases and deaths on board! The several hundred passengers on board the two vessels will finally be able to go home and the sick will get the treatment they need. I’m glad the authorities were able to work it out and take care of all those people!

Coronavirus-hit cruise ships dock in Florida as yet more wait at sea

.

Watching the action unfold with helicopters overhead.

.

The Grey Ghost and the MS Rotterdam in Port Everglades, Ft Lauderdale.

.

Cruise ships dock at Port Everglades; critically ill passengers will be taken to Broward Health

.

The Grey Ghost meets Hot Stuff amid the pandemic !!

.

Out on the ocean ..

.

Necessary ocean swim break! 🙂

.

The money shot of Ross and Efrat paddling on the ocean.

.

Good paddling with you guyz!!

.

Take some time out and remember to look UP.

There’s a show going on in the sky!

.

Quick shot of the Orion Nebula M42.
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part II

.

Close conjunction of Venus and Pleiades this evening!!
ART of Darkness – Camping with the Stars! Part II

.

Be well friends, this too shall pass!!

.

.

Escape!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Cabin Fever – feat. Four Walls & the Eyes!

The .. walls .. have .. eyes! 😮

.

The Coronavirus global pandemic of 2020 has forced many people to isolate themselves to prevent transmission on the novel Covid-19 virus. Necessary, drastic steps as not seen in living memory! Many are stuck indoors in apartments and homes looking at the four walls around them.

Some years ago I experienced something similar living in a tiny cedar cabin while guiding in northern Michigan. The sparsely populated small town of Cedarville was quite a change of pace from urban S Florida!

The walls of my cabin were lined with planks of cedar, and eyes literally popped out of the wood work.

The eyes of the forest were looking back at me!

.

(click pic – eyes are waiting!)

I’m in bed with a fever – cabin fever .. that is.
Cabin Fever – when the walls have eyes!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/humor/cabin-fever-when-the-walls-have-eyes/

.

Be well friends!!

.

.

Bless UP!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 5 : I escaped!

::: Day 5 :::

Escape from Fortress South Florida!

When it seems like people are all cooped up and about to blow their lids, getting some on-the-water quality time by yourself is more important than ever. I was able to get out today by myself. I did not stop anywhere, did not buy anything, did not touch anything. I did meet a fellow escapee paddler and a couple on SUPs, but we maintained safe social distances!

.

Things are really changing fast – a week ago I was still beach launching my Stellar SES !!
The launching of the Grey Ghost (Stellar SES Multisport surfski).

.

Is it wrong to want to be out on the water by yourself?

No!

I love paddling and working out in my Stellar SES surfski, aka the ‘Grey Ghost‘. I often paddle solo fitness sessions, so the current social distancing measures have not changed my paddling except that it’s now hard to find a place to launch from. I understand the serious situation we are in, however I also feel that getting on the water is important for mental well-being to get through this crisis.

There is no better way to self-isolate than to be paddling!

.

The Independence of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world was in Port Everglades today.

.

The huge ship has it’s own water park entertainment on top!

.

A serene scene which hides the chaos that is unfolding before us now .. 😮

.

Self quarantine, Social Distancing and isolation?

Yes. Another day fitness paddling!

.

Just offshore, south of Port Everglades inlet.

.

Enjoying a refreshing swim in the Atlantic alongside the Grey Ghost. I needed this!!

.

Independence of the Seas is so big, it can’t hope to hide behind the MJ Park vegetation.

.

The desolate beach and large cruise ship remind me of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma back in 2017.
Hurricane Irma aftermath at Dania Beach and Mizell Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park.

.

Huge cruise ships like the Independence can set off dangerous currents in and around this inlet!!
Rip current hydraulic – a cruise ship so big that it actually drains the water out of Port Everglades inlet!

.

Traffic was light today, but remember that Port Everglades inlet is a busy 24/7 SHIPPING LANE and a FULL SPEED boating zone! Big ships can not and will not stop, and fast moving boaters may not see even you!

It’s best not to venture inside or cross the inlet unless you know EXACTLY what you’re doing!!

.

The Grey Ghost meets the Independence of the Seas! (As close as I will get ..)

.

The impressive stacks of the Independence of the Seas.

.

The Port is Alive with Music! (Industrial type music, that is..)

.

Paddling the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic worldwide shutdown and now stay-at-home / lock-out!

It takes a crisis of this magnitude to expose the incompetence, inequalities and hypocrisy we otherwise put up with, day to day. One of these is the lack of adequate put-ins for paddlers and the dismal quality of our waterways!

.

Another escapee from Fortress South Florida – local paddler Eric Z. in his beautiful custom wooden sea kayak.
Note that we are maintaining a safe distance!

.

Sneak shot of Eric on his way back to the put-in .. keep on paddlin’! 🙂

.

Upon returning home, I learned that Broward county is now under a stay-at-home order! The order however allows for individual outdoor exercise while maintaining social distancing guidelines. So it appears that we can keep paddling! 🙂

I am truly thankful to have escaped for a couple of hours of paddling today.

.

Be well friends, this shall pass!!

.

.

.

Escape!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 3 : on the water again!

::: Day 3 :::

Kayaking withdrawal!

What happens when you stop paddling?

Kayaking has what doctors call a euphoric and calming effect on your system. It enhances brain and body function and changes the way your nerves interact with each other.
Over time, your central nervous system adjusts to being on the water all the time. While your body works hard, your brain stays in a more relaxed state.
When kayaking activity suddenly stops, both your body and brain are left in a state of limbo.

It’s the anticipation that causes the withdrawal!

.

It’s getting tough to find a place to launch in Broward county, Florida.
I had to dig deep into the mid-90’s to remember this spot! 😉

.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild symptoms can show up as early as 24 hours after you put down your paddle.

These can include:

I began to acutely experience all the withdrawal symptoms and

knew I had to get my kayaking fix on – and get it FAST!

.

Free at last and on the water again! Just one Fix, PLEASE! 🙂

.

Self quarantine, Social Distancing and isolation?

Yes. Another day on the water!

.

Things are changing fast – less than a week ago I was beach launching from MJ Park..
Paddling and the Corona Virus Pandemic – bring on the private sessions!

.

Now, Florida State Parks are closed – no water access!
Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.

.

MJ Park paddling concession shut down.
Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.

.

“You can get FREE Wi-Fi, but you can’t stay here!”
Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.

.

Paddling the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic worldwide shutdown and now lockout!

It takes a crisis of this magnitude to show bare to all the incompetence, inadequacies and inequalities we otherwise put up with, day to day!

It also shows us how little (or no) consideration paddlers receive in South Florida. We may think there’s a lot of us, but there are many more boaters. As the authorities close down all water access to the boaters, we are also left out!

Is it wrong to want to be out on the water by yourself?

.

Paddling north on the intracoastal waterway. Industrial Port Everglades on left, MJ State Park on right.
Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.

.

WTF! Go paddle America!!
(or pedal, in this case..)

.

As expected, traffic on the water was very light. I did come across two other “paddlers”, but I’m not sure if they count.

One was in a motorized canoe, the other was pedaling, not paddling! 😉

.

Out in the open Atlantic and the wild blue yonder! 🙂

.

The beach was vacant, noting but footprints.

.

“Why don’t we all just self-quarantine together?!” ( j/k )
Rip current hydraulic – a cruise ship so big that it actually drains the water out of Port Everglades inlet!

.

“RGB” is my versatile Kirton K1 trainer fitness kayak.
ART of Primary Colors – the RGB on my CRT!

.

Low tide beach cove inside Port Everglades inlet was a good place to pop out for a refreshing swim.

.

Port Everglades is a busy shipping channel 24/7 !

.

Seawall on the north side of the inlet – definitely stay away from here under normal conditions!

.

Ever changing sandbar where the inlet meets the intracoastal waterway. It was a slow day, as expected.

.

I be remiss if I did not point out the tricky currents and conditions around this inlet!!
Rip current hydraulic – a cruise ship so big that it actually drains the water out of Port Everglades inlet!

.

Traffic was very light today, but remember that Port Everglades inlet is a busy SHIPPING LANE and a FULL SPEED boating zone! Ships can not and will not stop, and fast moving boaters may not see you!

It’s best not to venture inside or cross the inlet unless you know EXACTLY what you’re doing!!

.

Loading cranes at Port Everglades.

.

Wouldn’t this be something? Stay well!

.

My sanity has been restored after just a couple of hours of paddling.

Be well friends!!

.

.

.

Just one Fix!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 2

No paddling today,

further water access restrictions implemented in South Florida. 😦

 

The 2020 Covid-19 pandemic worldwide shutdown and lockout enabled me to finish up this custom SOT foot plate project!

.

(click pic for details)

RTM Disco kayak customization on Day 2 of my Coronavirus self quarantine, social distancing and involuntary vacation.
Custom SOT kayak solid foot plate for the RTM Disco!

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/tech/custom-sot-kayak-solid-foot-plate-for-the-rtm-disco/

.

When the going gets tough, the tough go Disco.

See you on the water!

.

.

.

Bless UP!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂

 

Coronavirus Quarantine Kayaking Dose – Day 1

So far, so good, so what?!

Self quarantine, Social Distancing and isolation going well.

Was even able to sneak in a lil surf session!

.

(click pic for more craziness)

Surf’s UP – Going Full Tilt on Day 1 of my Coronavirus Involuntary Vacation!
Kayaking the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic Worldwide Shutdown and Lockout.

.

https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/kayakfari-art/art-of-darkness-kayaking-the-final-frontier-of-imaging-and-photography/

.

.

.

Bless UP!

.

.

© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

…

DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, no barbie, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

…

I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

.

With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂