Sunday, December 23, 2012

Paddling on the Chipola River

 
The Chipola River located outside of Marianna is an amazing paddling experience.  Being unfamiliar with the North Western part of the state, we only recently heard about this paddle. The 51 mile  Chipola River Paddling Trail offers many unique qualities- large limestone bluffs, caves and RAPIDS!
 
We enlisted the help of Chipola River Outfitters for transportation and equipment rentals.  The couple that owned the company were very knowledgeable and helpful.  The informed us that in the summer the river is a popular spot for people on tubes and rafts as well as kayaks.


Scott was a bit concerned about his homemade kayak getting damages by the limestone rocks.  There were many segments, especially at the rapids, where it was difficult to avoid scrapes from the limestone.  If you have a nice boat you may wish to rent something instead in order to better enjoy your experience.

 
We set out on a particularly chilly December morning. We were fortunate to have escaped the rain!


 
Jack checking out a rope swing

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