Posts

SUP Tour: Dutton Island Preserve

Image
Dutton Island preserve is one of Jacksonville’s hidden treasures and a favorite spot of mine to go paddleboarding. Located on the intracoastal in Atlantic Beach off Mayport Rd., it is hard to believe that Walter Dutton had this area slated for residential development just 25 years ago. In 1998 the cities of Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville purchased the land and opened it as a natural preserve in 2002. Let’s all be thankful that this land was not turned into another residential area for only a few residents to enjoy. Dutton Island Preserve is actually two parks, Dutton Island Preserve and Dutton Island Expansion Park and Preserve. As you head west on Dutton Island Rd. you will first see Dutton Island Expansion Park and Preserve on your right. If you continue west, you will pass the gates into Dutton Island Preserve. Once you are through the gates you are greeted by an amazing view that will make you think you’ve teleported to another place. Dutton Island is filled with wildlife
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Easy Ways to Protect Yourself From the Sun While Paddelboarding

Image
If you're like me, you love being outside and on the water. But that means you've probably had a few bad sunburns too. But did you know that more Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined? In fact, 1 in 5 people will get skin cancer by the age of 70. With those statistics from skincancer.org you may never want to go outside again. But you don't need to lock yourself inside. Here are five easy ways to protect yourself from the sun: 1. SUNSCREEN Now this one seems like a no brainer and the most obvious but can easily be underestimated. There are a few things to look for in a sunscreen. One of the first things to consider is do you want lotion or spray? Lotions are you usually better because you can apply them evenly. While sprays are convenient, they can be easier to miss spots. You will also want a sunscreen that is water-resistant so if you sweat or jump in the water it doesn't come off. Finally, you will want a sunscreen that has a
Post a Comment
Read more

SUP Tour: Julington Creek

Image
A fallen tree that has been made it a latter to jump off It was an early start, 6:15 am or just minutes until sunrise when I launched my paddleboard at Palmetto Leaves Regional Park (south entrance). My plan was to paddle the nearly 3.5 miles to the famous Clark's Fish Camp and hopefully make it out to a part of Julington Creek to see the sunrise. Both of these turned out to be failed missions. Palmetto Leaves Regional Park is a city maintained park tucked away off Old St. Augustine Rd. near the I-95 interchange. Its entrance is difficult to see, and it can be easy to miss. The park has a small parking lot with about 7-8 parking spaces. There is room for about 10 additional vehicles if they park in the grass. The park does have bathrooms near the entrance as well. The launch is a short walk down a dock where you will be greeted with a kayak launch attached to the dock. This makes it easier for kayakers to load and get in and out but does little for paddleboarders
Post a Comment
Read more

Igniting a Passion

Image
Castaway Island Preserve Florida is home. It’s a wonderful piece of land that has endless bounds of water. Whether it’s the Atlantic or Gulf coasts, or the many rivers, estuaries, and creeks; there is plenty of water to explore. I have fond memories of playing in the St. John’s river off Mandarin Rd. as a little kid. We would sneak onto properties with giant mansions just to swim off the docks or fish and crab. It was there that I really began to develop my love for the water. It was a great way to grow up and a great way to entertain ourselves as kids before there were all the distractions caused by the technology and our devices of today. Once I received my driver’s license I began to spend more time in the ocean. I would sleep on friends’ couches that lived at the beach just so I could wake up before dawn to get out on the waves before anyone else. There is a sense of calmness and inner peace when you are sitting alone in the lineup waiting for the next set to arrive. It w
Post a Comment
Location: Jacksonville, FL 32246, USA
Read more