Hidden Urban Kayaking - McCoy's Creek, Jacksonville, FL - September 2021

[@kelliskinner1929]

When paddling against the current, try to stay closer to the edges. Its easier

[@kelliskinner1929]

The current in the St Johns is hella strong. I went to hang out under the Matthews Bridge and wow. Current is powerful

[@andyhamilton8940]

There was a turn table bridge for the trains before that one. Henry Flagler had it built in the 1800s to get trains to his resorts in South Florida.

[@Theporchabove]

Going tomorrow morning!! Thank you, stumbled upon this video and feel better with guidance lol.

[@Dadventures-FL]

Glad it helps! If you're going to check it out, do it soon, the city is opening up the tunnel.

[@DeanSchumacher]

I wouldnt be scared of gators i would be worried about dead bodies thts a rough area alot of shootings ive never seen any gators near there I grew up on the st johns too I only seen some in ortega or further south on the st johns great video.

[@FlockedfinderHQ]

Nice! Been looking for some places to kayak with my kid in Jax. Hate driving in Jax 😂

[@trackinmyyakin4048]

I paddled a little bit of that creek. I got to the over pass and there were homeless people shooting up drugs. Needless to say...I turned around and went back to the St. Johns

[@trackinmyyakin4048]

Great video btw

[@jacobmcvay123]

Yeah Pottsberg on Beach Blvd by All Wet Sports is like that but still one of the best places to paddle in the city.

[@kelliskinner1929]

For the train, that's the FEC Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge. It was completed in 1929, I believe. And has been in operation ever since.

[@slighwentwalking2024]

I have not paddled McCoys Creek but I have paddled the St Johns from Exchange Club Island to downtown. I was joined by a pod of more than 50 dolphins. They were zipping all around me..taking turns looking at me up close. They are Big animals and were curious about the kayak..they could have easily flipped me but they just kept doing dolphin stuff.

[@jacobmcvay123]

Ya I wouldn’t do Jax waterways. At least the one on mainstreet under the bridge by the frisbee golf course is literally a cesspool for waste where homeless just pee/poop straight into the River. It has to run off right near where McCoys is. It might even connect to under the bridge where they do it. It’s absolutely disgusting. Looks like a straight up sewage plant where they stay under the bridge. Gotta stay out in the river or not downtown lol

[@andyhamilton8940]

The sculpture is about the great fire of 1901. It burned to the water right there and several people died jumping in the river to escape.

[@yeehawmatt2002]

Most kayaking locals know to stay outta there....the fecal levels and chemical levels are extremely high

[@Dadventures-FL]

Surprised to hear that considering how many kayakers were there and how many regularly go. Maybe once it is opened up it will be cleaner.

[@allgoodontheroad]

This is a good video. Thanks

[@Dadventures-FL]

Glad you liked it!

[@deannkennedy1795]

And we sat under the train several years ago in our boat

[@andyhamilton8940]

If look up at the beginning of the arch tunnel it says “1928”

[@deannkennedy1795]

Entertaining for sure but you did not mention currents. It is scary

[@Dadventures-FL]

I mentioned currents near the end. Definitely difficult, but a lot of fun.

[@andyhamilton8940]

Jacksonville and Duval County merged on Oct.1 1968, not the 50s

[@john-oh9cr]

correction it was the 1960s not 50s

[@john-oh9cr]

contaminated that is a autoficial cre ak the actual creak was buried alive

[@charlesmorris8491]

Unbelievable man! Gators are the least of y'all's problems! You are in the absolute middle of the hood, especially the further you go up in there!

[@DeanSchumacher]

Exactly be worried about getting capped