Wild Florida Waters: Exploring the Sunshine State by Kayak and Canoe

by Doug Alderson

Let the names of Florida’s rivers and coastal waters roll off your Ocklawaha, Chassahowitzka, Suwannee, Waccasassa, Aucilla, Wacissa, Sopchoppy, Withlachoochee, Loxahatchee, Homosassa, Pithlachascotee, Econfina, Kissimmee… If you’ve paddled these waters in a canoe or kayak, the Native American place names evoke winding streams and shaded hammocks, shimmering coastal waters and wild tree islands. Florida is made for paddling. "Wild Florida Waters" places Florida’s unsurpassed beauty and abundant wildlife in the forefront, from the mangrove labyrinth of the Ten Thousand Islands to the springfed Ichetucknee River. It also includes an exciting dose of paddling adventures, whether it’s tipping over in the Suwannee River’s Big Shoals rapids, surfing wind-generated waves while paddling the remote Apalachee Bay, or meeting up with a different form of “wild life” on a scenic waterway. Through all of the adrenalin, a strong conservation message permeates the volume, and useful how-to information is included at the end of each chapter. “A celebration of a part of Florida most visitors—and many residents—never see, a celebration of what old-timers call the real Florida.” --Warren Richey, author of "Without a Racing Twelve Hundred Miles Around Florida by Sea Kayak" “It is past time somebody wrote a book of this caliber. A treasure trove of information for nature enthusiasts.” --Bill Richards, Executive Director, Paddle Florida “His blend of history and personal anecdotes is both entertaining and enlightening.” --Tom McLaulin, president, Florida Paddling Trails Association

274 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Doug Alderson prefers a kayak to a desk, hugs trees and friends, and loves observing alligators, manatees and other wildlife in their natural environment. Most of his 17 published books focus on the dynamic and quirky nature of his home state of Florida. They include America's Alligator, Wild Florida Waters, Waters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Encounters with Florida's Endangered Wildlife and A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions. He has won six first place Royal Palm Literary awards for nonfiction books, three gold medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and several other state and national writing and photography awards. His latest book, Discovering Florida’s Coast, was the fourth runner up for 2023 book of the year by the Florida Writers Association. Additionally, his articles and photographs have been featured in numerous magazines such as Native Peoples, Sierra and Mother Earth News.

Doug received the inaugural Environmental Service Award by Paddle Florida in 2015 “for conspicuous commitment, unflagging dedication and love of Florida’s natural environment.” For several years, he coordinated Florida’s designated paddling trail system and helped to establish the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. He is currently the Outreach and Advocacy Director for Apalachicola Riverkeeper.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Alderson has captured the essence of Florida in his latest book, Wild Florida Waters: Exploring the Sunshine State by Kayak and Canoe. Travel along with him as he paddles deep into the true Florida experience, full of cypress sloughs, mangrove tunnels, and wind-swept bays. His stories are full of adventure and humor, and speak to the reader of wild places seldom seen by tourists.

Doug Alderson writes with a casual intimacy that brings you along with him and then leaves you wanting to explore for yourself. He leaves you wanting to encounter the wildness that he describes and gain a piece of that relationship Mr. Alderson clearly has with Florida for yourself.

His writing will leave you with a stronger understanding of a mystical place, a place where water is the lifeblood and rivers are the arteries, a place where wild waters are essential, and a place where you will find the author, constantly writing for its enjoyment and protection.

Whether you are from Florida or not, this book offers you an opportunity to see the state with new eyes, with clear eyes, and with watery eyes.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of short first person stories about boating (kayaking or canoeing) in Florida. I enjoyed it very much!

[Mike M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

I'm a little more knowledgable of the great paddle trails we are so lucky to have here in Florida. Now I'm off to do some paddling
Thanks Doug!