Winter Springs, FL Outdoor Activities

Adventures in Florida gives you the chance to experience the serene beauty of Florida galaxies away from the T-shirt-cannon-wielding mascots and bedazzled, man-eating airhorns of modern life. After grabbing your favorite life partner for your full-moon paddle, you'll be briefed by an ACA-certified kayak/canoe instructor who will put your paddling apprehensions at ease with a local's deep knowledge of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Set out in the midst of a sultry sunset and watch the moon come out to drench your vessel in dim, flattering light that's ideal whether you're looking for high romance or an atmospheric night of ghost stories. Adventures in Florida welcomes customers to bring wine and/or spirits to heighten the dizzifying majesty of the moon people that hide in their peripheral vision.

Most of the CPR-certified instructors at Central Florida Paddleboarding grew up exploring central Florida's myriad bodies of water. They use their firsthand, intimate knowledge of the region to lead group standup-paddleboard excursions through waterways such as Wekiva River and Lake Fairview. As they paddle past banks flush with mangroves or beaches lined with palm trees, the crew points out manatees, turtles, and other various forms of alleged wildlife. Trained in water safety, they also teach paddleboarding with one-on-one personal instruction, rent and sell paddleboards, organize summer camps, and maintain balance during on-the-water birthday parties.

When French native Joel Martin was young, his family moved to Africa. While there, Joel learned to stalk many jungle creatures including crocodiles with the help of his Malgache friends. Years later, in 1995, Martin packed up his own family and moved them to Florida, where the heat and humidity reminded him of his beloved childhood in Africa. Today he owns and operates Black Hammock Adventures and charters picturesque airboat rides on the gator-infested waters of Lake Jesup. His boat, equipped with Goliath's desk fan, skims earplugged riders past alligators and other lake fauna at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. During rides, experienced guides pilot the vessel safely through narrow creeks and shallow wetlands, and help tourists to spot sunning reptiles. After zooming by a congregation of gators, guests can stop by Black Hammock's wildlife exhibit, enjoy a lively libation at the Lazy Gator Bar, or hand over their cameras as they pose for pictures with Black Hammock's 12-foot-long alligator, Hammy, at his dockside cage or barter for an autograph with hunks of raw meat.

Originally set afloat as the Florida Athletic Club in 1968, the Orlando Rowing Club promotes paddle sports through a variety of competitive and recreational offerings. Introductory rowing courses establish a buoyant foundation for more advanced levels of the sport, familiarizing students with fundamental equipment, techniques, and safety basics, such as the proper handling of boats saddled with a crippling fear of water. Serving as a testament to the club's dedicated instructors, previous members have splashed their way to the rowing world's apex by winning national championships and regional races. The club also offers classes in sculling and dragon boating as well as team-building services, which provide a bruise-free alternative to building inverted human pyramids to enhance office unity.