Florida Kayaking Crystal River 3 Sisters Springs

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[@harryfritter8266]

I'm from western Colorado and visited this spring in the winter. A baby manatee kept swimming over to me and nibbling on my fingers and then like ten of the adult manatees surrounded me and stayed with me the whole time I was swimming. I tried not to touch them but they all were touching me. The people on land were calling me the manatees whisperer :-)

[@nathanjw940]

Manatee's love people

[@ltn4434]

How was the weather in Florida when you swam in the winter ? Trying to plan a trip of my own lol and what month did you go ?

[@nathanjw940]

@@ltn4434 I went in March I would recommend January or February manatee season is short and based on cooler weather. It's going to be fall like in the northeast 50s and 60s you might see a day in the 70s

[@tequilasmith5510]

I bet he is in good shape. This is how you're supposed to live. We only have one life we should live life to the fullest

[@3nertia]

If only we could all afford to!

[@CowboysYall]

3nertia crystal river Florida is a very affordable area from pricing I’ve seen on realtor for a 3bdrm home

[@noshoes]

Starting mapping out the route and access points is most affective. Thank you for making videos that are extra useful!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for the kind comments!

[@itsMamarazzi]

RIP Josh. A local legend gone too soon 😔 I’m a local and this was a great video 💚

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you for the kind comments Laura! After editing this video and getting it out there, I learned about the tragedy with Josh’s death. I was so sorry to hear, he seemed like such a great fixture in that local town. RIP Josh! Safe paddling this Summer Laura!

[@nicknipper9587]

thanks for the video tour, I have family in Brooksville Fl about 45 minutes away from the Three Sisters Springs area. I will be paddling through the next time I visit!

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting Nick! Enjoy your trip and safe adventuring once you get there!

[@gustovmagnum9667]

I lived in florida..I've swam in the crystal river many times so awsome great for ailments too. Mineral springs. Swam with manatees that just showed up once. Felt like warm gelatin. Thanks for rekindling those memories. Hoping to move back.

[@KayakCliff]

Gustov Magnum Gustavo, thank you for sharing your memories! I hope you get a chance to move back someday. But as I always say, “the best place to kayak, is the place that you currently are…”. Have a great weekend!

[@chasingbeaches]

The springs are always amazing

[@Strogonhoque]

I am brazilian and a new subscriber to your channel. Really liking your videos! It's my dream to kayak; seems like a therapy, so calm... tranquilizing... never done it, never heard of kayaking here in brazil and never left my country. I hope i can do that one day! Cheers, mate!

[@KayakCliff]

André Panhan Thank you for the kind comments Andre! Kayaking is popular all over the world. Do a web search for some specialty kayak stores near where you live. I hope you find one and I hope you start paddling! Cheers!

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

I'm definitely putting this one on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@lggomes74]

Hi Cliff, just loved this video! It’s really well prepared. Thank you!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank You Leonardo for watching and commenting!

[@roblepper8418]

Takes me back to the times when I swam some springs up near Gainesville. The ice cold clear water is surreal looking in the middle of swampy terrain. I never kayaked any springs but would love too. The good thing is you dont have to worry about gators too much since the water is so cold. What a way to cool off in the hot FL weather.

[@backyardkayakingcamping8778]

This one is on our list to check out. Thanks for all the info! I could watch all day, your storytelling is amazing.

[@AwesomeKhmer]

Love the trail tracing, that helped a lot with planning.

[@clarkewoodfin]

Hey Cliff, my wife and I did this trip over the weekend. Your video was very helpful, and we had a great time ! This is an excellent place to paddle. And we did see Manatees !! Thank you.

[@KayakCliff]

Hello Clarke, thank you so much for your comments. That’s great to hear that you were able to paddle Crystal River and that you and your family enjoyed it, and saw manatees! Safe paddling out there and have a great week!

[@larzhillbot1443]

Love the Crystal River area, My home town was Ft Myers but my Aunt lived at Homassassa so i got to visit the Waters there quite often. Wish i could be there Now lol Great Video

[@eemias6308]

Your videos are very informative thank you! !! Keep it up

[@WilliamUihlein]

awesome video! great info, exactly the content i was searching for! thank you sir

[@KayakCliff]

You are welcome, William! Enjoy Crystal River when you go :-)

[@supjaxfl5497]

I'll be going out there for the first time in a little over a week. Thanks for the video. It really had some good info on where to launch my paddle board. I'm hoping to get some good video of some manatees while snorkeling. Fingers crossed!

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and your comments! I hope you have a great time out there!

[@jamesmorris9477]

RIP Josh

[@KJRitch]

Just discovered your channel. We have a couple of Eddyline Skylark 12’ kayaks. We are RV full timers and purchased them in Oregon last June. I kinda wish we knew about Oru kayaks back them. It would’ve made transporting much easier and we would’ve saved money not having to purchase our rack and load assist system. Oh well we still love them. We used to live in Frisco, Tx before retiring.

[@KayakCliff]

KJRitch - Thank you so much for your comments! Those Eddyline kayaks are very nice, you definitely have some good boats. I agree - the ORU Kayak concept really simplifies logistics! Safe paddling and thanks for subscribing!

[@karolinakardona2]

Great 👍and very educational and clear video ! Thank you so much !!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much Carolina!

[@CowboysYall]

Josh Hensley, the Captain Jack guy recently passed away unfortunately. He went missing while out on his paddle board. He was found in Kings Bay, then his paddle board turned up few days later. 😔

[@KayakCliff]

I read news reports after it happened and was very saddened. Captain Jack seemed like such a nice person, and he had a big following within his community. I enjoyed speaking with him while filming him in my video. RIP Captain Jack.

[@SHERVINIZE]

AMAAAAAAAAAZING Video & information 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you 🙏🏻🎊

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting SheriNaMon!

[@SHERVINIZE]

@@KayakCliff Absolutely 💯🙌🏻👏🏻

[@Wilsuuun]

Hey Cliff! We’re planning on doing the Suwannee this summer! May check out the Crystal next year. You should get up to Northern Michigan and do the Plate River run. It’s a day trip sprint and it’s a gas! We even got our Pick ‘n Paddle stickers on the boats!!!

[@brandoncompton7190]

Love your videos and commentary. Definitely subscribed!

[@chevyvantravel9735]

This is fantastic. Looking forward to hitting the waters there and having close encounters with the manatees...😀👀

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting!! Safe adventuring and Merry Christmas!

[@chevyvantravel9735]

@@KayakCliff Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@dompiumelli]

Gratitude for the cool video. Well done sir!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank You 🙏 Dom! Have a great Summer getting out there, and stay safe!

[@pupululllabytvofficial]

I have been to that area but could only went to the small beach and park.I wanna go back there again and try to do kayaking!

[@infosociety2112]

Looking forward to your next video

[@KayakCliff]

Frank Parent thanks Frank!

[@tesfm2000]

Great video!! Love the Clif bar and Captain Jack's paddle board! :D

[@KayakCliff]

Te S - Thank you so much! Safe paddling out there!

[@michellemazerolle8304]

Awesome video! I am an avid paddler in Canada and might be moving to Florida ! Glad to see that I could keep up my lifestyle! Your waters are so clear and beautiful, great video!

[@KayakCliff]

Michelle Mazerolle - That’s great to hear! Thank you for your comments! What part of Florida are you moving to? Between the salt water and fresh water, there are limitless places to paddle in Florida.

[@michellemazerolle8304]

Kayak Cliff not sure where we would be moving yet it would be in a year or two and that’s awesome! I definitely did not want to give up paddling!

[@readytogo8533]

Did you ever make the move?

[@michellemazerolle8304]

@@readytogo8533 no I have not yet!

[@JamesRobertSmith]

Great videos! You really know what you're doing. Excellent production and execution.

[@KayakCliff]

James Smith, The Quiet Hiker Thank You so much for the feedback James! Have a great week!

[@Trumpisdumb]

Cliff does such a great job with these videos, showing us how we should be living and that it is within reach.

[@xaphanofthenightfall1257]

KZbin algorithms... I've lived 10 minutes from kings bay my entire life (I'm 32) and can tell you that these places he shows you are only a fraction of the natral beauty of Kings Bay. Also, RIP Josh, sadly he passed away a few months ago

[@KayakCliff]

I too, was very saddened to hear of Josh’s untimely passing. I enjoyed talking with him, he really was loved and respected by the community.

[@firefighter2699]

I’m from stuart fl originally moved to co about 9ish years ago, really thinking about moving back. Love paddling the lakes out in Colorado, but there’s just something about the intercostal and rivers that just make me feel at home.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Mark! I’m originally from Clearwater Beach. You can’t take the saltwater and rivers of Florida out of me either! I’ve been in Dallas 28 years, but still get back to FL as much as I can. Safe adventuring out there this Summer!

[@firefighter2699]

Kayak Cliff I totally get that. I’m actually going next month. I normally try to make it a few times a year. And you as well!

[@DavidStrain]

Great videos! Dayum you paddle fast!

[@KayakCliff]

David Strain - Thanks a lot. The miracles of video editing!!

[@karlawuerl7865]

Great video

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks Karla!

[@marialaubenstein4032]

We love your kayak philosophy! Where can I get a hat like yours for my husband?

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you for your comments! I purchased mine from REI. It’s made by Kuhl and I believe the model name is the sun blade.

[@BrodyToYou]

Welcome back!

[@KayakCliff]

Emanuel Buttigieg - Thank You Emanuel! Sorry for the dry spell. I promise to pick it up in 2019!

[@harryfritter8266]

My best friend lives in Crystal river and he told me that guy who dresses as captn Jack sparrow has passed away. I think he said he was found somewhere out in the bay. It's really sad, I got the chance to meet him and he was a really nice guy

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for your comments and watching the video! I learned about his unfortunate death about a year and a half after producing this video. I was very saddened by this news as I thought he was a really neat individual to interact with during my paddling on the river. It’s really evident that he had quite a following of friends within the Crystal River community. Rest in peace!

[@KJRitch]

Can you show some video of getting into and out of your Oru. When getting into my Eddyline I rely on the support of the cockpit rim behind the seat to support my 200 lbs to gently lower myself onto the seat.

[@tequilasmith5510]

My sister and I are bringing the kids on a four day trip so we can explore

[@KayakCliff]

Tequila Smith have a great time and safe paddling!

[@allonsy9808]

Hi Cliff! I'm going to ask a totally ignorant question. Florida is one of the few states I've never been to or ever passed through, so I know very little about it. (Your videos make me want to rectify that.) Someone once told me that if there's fresh water in FL, then there will be gators. In one of your springs paddles (you were in the 393RL), you even passed an alligator on the shore by a shipwreck. Yet, in so many of your videos, people are swimming in the springs, and you mentioned diving in the springs wherever it's permitted. So, was someone having a laugh at my expense or what? No one in this video seemed the least bit concerned that there could be alligators. Thanks! P.S. I did end up buying the 393RL, and it should arrive today or tomorrow! Very excited to try it out.

[@KayakCliff]

Hello AllonsY ! - Congratulations on your new RazorLite, you’ll LOVE it! I’m editing an adventure video with it right now and plan on shooting another one this weekend. As far as Alligators go, we have them too here in Texas. I think of alligators like I do sharks when I’m swimming at the beach. For the overwhelming majority of the time, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Now, If there is an alligator nearby, I won’t get in the water. If the coast is clear, I’ll get in (just like at the beach) but my head is always on a swivel keeping an eye out. . . Lol! Safe adventuring out there!!!

Hi, just discovered your videos. I want to start kayaking all of the springs. Where did you get the front pack/bag you’re wearing in the video? Thanks!

[@KayakCliff]

J. Carter That is my lifejacket. It is the NRS ninja. Very good minimalist kayaking life jacket!!! I highly recommend it. Front pocket is only about the size of an iPhone.

[@bakon321]

RiP Josh. Your pirateness is missed

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and liking! Safe adventuring out there!

[@AmyRigsbyPhoto]

On my bucket list. Looks like a bit of a workout for a paddle board. How are you moving so fast???

[@tinawhitworth5539]

What kind of drone do you use? Great videos!

[@KayakCliff]

Hey Amy. I’ve just been paddling a while. Touring kayaks are pretty fast and easy to maneuver. You should be able to get there on a paddle board from Pete’s Pier marina. Pack a lunch and some drinks though. Have fun!!!

[@dpooleraps7855]

Hey Cliff, love your videos! My wife and I live in Largo and go up to Crystal River all the time! Two weeks ago we saw about 20 manatee! I also just subscribed to your channel! I have a 3 Sister Springs video on my page as well - if you have a second I would love for you to check it out! Cheers! ohhhhh and the cliff bar joke was hilarious!!

[@KayakCliff]

dpooleraps Thank You so much for your kind comments! Even though, I live in Texas, my goal is to video all major spring fed rivers in Florida, eventually.....Much of my family is still in Clearwater, so I get there often. I will absolutely check out your 3 sisters video, thanks for sharing and safe paddling out there!

[@kgsundberg]

hey cliff! awesome video - very helpful info and to get the lay of the land. Are dogs allowed in all of the areas you cover? he will stay in my kayak 99% of the time but do you know if there are any areas specifically where he is/is not allowed?

[@KayakCliff]

Katie Sundberg - hi Katie - thank you for the kind comments! I do not believe that you will have any problem with your dog in your kayak in any of the areas. Certainly not at Pete’s when you are launching. The only place that I would probably want to check before hand would be the hunter Springs Park. Safe paddling out there!

[@blazentoo4904]

Beautiful place not too far from my house in Altamonte springs..can you camp at buzzard island?

[@KayakCliff]

Blazentoo from what I could tell circumnavigating buzzard Island - there really were not any beach areas where you could pull up along shore. It’s pretty much marshy and grassy around the whole island. I don’t know officially what you can do, but logistically it just did not look like a good fit for camping.

[@teresakent3172]

Hi Cliff, I am looking for an inflatable paddle board. Do you have any suggestions or a name of a website? Thank you Teresa

[@KayakCliff]

Hi there Teresa, Sea eagle has a couple models of paddle boards. I have the needle nose, which is more of a high-performance paddleboard that I’m going to get a review out on sometime once the weather warms up. Here is a link for their paddleboard site. bit.ly/35b6VBV Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MuseumLover]

May I ask where you get your front bags & how do you set up your camera ? How many camera do you have ?

[@KayakCliff]

Those are yeti dry bags. I love them and use them for everything! You can buy them at Dick‘s sporting goods, Academy sports, REI

[@c8linlou]

Going in a month...can't wait! I really hope I see a manatee.

[@KayakCliff]

I hope you do, have fun!!!

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

This is a really cool spot. But newcomes need to be very careful of the boaters. Between the ramp and main channel can be very dangerous. Power boaters in Florida are like drivers in Florida. They would pass you on their way to their own funeral. The rivers are amazing and dolphins are usually around someplace.

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting Tire Ballast Service Of Florida! Safe adventuring out there!!!

[@daddyplaysbass1084]

Like

[@christianc6421]

i’m considering paddling here tomorrow. is it free to launch at pete’s pier?

[@KayakCliff]

I had to pay something at the marina store. Either five or $10, I can’t remember exactly, but it was not much. Have fun!

[@johncaban4310]

Going down from Massachusetts next Thursday. Can you recommend a place that rents kayaks on the water? Great video and informative

[@rafaellad7147]

Where are all the Florida alligators? Seems like it would be prime hunting grounds.

[@KayakCliff]

They are out there, I did not see any on that particular trip though. I’m getting ready to do a 4 day trip down the Suwannee and I’m sure I will see them there! Safe paddling!

[@readytogo8533]

@7:08 Is that an alligator resting on the bottom?

[@KayakCliff]

Hey Readytogo85, I checked the video at or around 7:08. I didn’t see anything that looked like a gator to me. You might be looking at a log or some grass? Safe adventuring for you!

[@joshuacoleman4817]

Can you do a video on how to pick a kayak?

[@KayakCliff]

Joshua Coleman thank you so much for your suggestion! LOL, actually that topic is on one of my next to do video lists. I am going to do a comparison between a sit on top and a sit inside kayak to try to talk about the pros and cons of each type of kayak. So many people are trying to decide on what is best for them, I just want to give a little bit of guidance in that subject. Take care and safe paddling out there!

[@joshuacoleman4817]

@@KayakCliff Thank you for the quick response! We aren't sure how to pick a kayak and since we're moving to the Clearwater area we want to buy kayaks! I'll look forward to the video!

[@crearyapril4362]

The water is crystal aqua blue

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@3nertia]

Why aren't we allowed to paddle beyond the pylons in the winter?

[@KayakCliff]

3nertia - Hi👋 - it is because there is a very high concentration of manatees staying warm in there and they do not want them interfered with by the public

[@3nertia]

@@KayakCliff Ah, gotcha! Thank you so much for the answer! Good to know!

[@KayakCliff]

You can swim 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️in there in the winter, just can’t paddle boats in there. . .

[@Logan-pc1lm]

What kind of gopro mounts do you use on your oru?

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Logan - I use RAM mounts. They have a great suction cup mounts. Make sure to secure it with a safety line though, just in case....

[@Logan-pc1lm]

@@KayakCliff thanks! First time watcher here enjoying your content. Keep up the good work!

[@darynettelbladt3326]

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