Rainbow River Kayaking An Epic Florida Paddling Trail

Here are the kayaks in this video:
Pakayak Bluefin 142 - pakayak.com/?r...
My review of the Bluefin 142 - • The Ultimate Touring K...
RazorLite 393RL website page - alnk.to/gKPBreg
RazorLite 473RL Tandem website page - bit.ly/3CqBUGT
My review of the RazorLite - • Awesome Inflatable Kay...
Shelta Sun Hat Website page - www.sheltahats...
kayakcliff.com
Here is the kayaking outfitter I used -
rainbowrivercanoeandkayak.com
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[@andrewvalentino6482]

The best adventure kayaking, biking & hiking channel with high production value and product reviews delivered in a calm, informative way! You have added many locations to our 'must do' list. Great job and thank you for many hours of exciting adventures!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for the kind comments Andrew! Safe adventuring out there this summer!

[@brucebikesamerica2698]

Awesome episode Cliff and thanks for taking me along. Videoing the alligator was easy but I was skeptical about the cormorant swimming underwater. Glad to see you caught it on your video. The drone shots also came out a lot better than I expected. I was getting nervous when the drone was out of view because of all the overhanging trees lol. Thanks for plugging my "Bruce Bikes America" KZbin channel.

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 Bruce - Thanks for coming along with me on this adventure! Thanks for flying the drone too, the shots came out awesome!!! Keep churning out the bike videos, they are awesome 👍

[@jekamobile777]

The cool movie again, Cliff. Supreme water clearness. And you probably don't want to swim in these waters minding the gators under the rock.. Cheers, Evgeny

[@KayakCliff]

Actually, it is very safe to snorkel 🤿 / inner tube down these rivers. The gators really do keep to themselves. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

[@pekkahamalainen-ms9rd]

@@KayakCliff there is still a chance

[@LeoB-vb2pq]

Hey Cliff, great videos. Love the drone footage. I've been snow birding around Dunnellon for the past 13 years and paddling both the "With" and Rainbow every year. I paddle all the Spring fed rivers on the west coast and spend time on the east Coast around Flagler Beach also. Jason and his crew at Rainbow Springs Kayak, etc. ARE great and have shuttled me several times .over the years. Too bad you did not see River Otter. They are very common and I have videos of them above and below the water. The Withlacoochee is damned about 7 miles from the coast to form Lake Rousseau so no manatees in either River.! I stayed at Hog Island for 10 days this past Feb and paddled the middle "With" as well as Silver Springs, Wekiva and Rock Springs Run. AWSOME !

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 there, Leo! Thanks and bunch for all of the information! That is very useful and great to know. Hopefully, next time I go, I see some otters, they are always fun to see. Safe, adventuring out there!

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

Rainbow River is so beautiful it makes me Cry .. there are some great bicycle trails as well in that area .. Thanks Cliff, enjoy

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting Stephen! The bike trails you reference, is it the rail trail along the Withlacoochee?

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

@@KayakCliff well that’s a good start .. the cross Florida greenway is also a good one .. Croon MTB trails are right off the Withlacootchie trail and Rainbow Springs state park campground has several miles inside the park .. I’m a big fan of the campground it’s a great place to kayak , snorkel and bike ..it’s across the river from KP Hole .. where you started ..plus Dunnellon is such a nice little town bring tires from 1- 2.5 inches wide and you will be good

[@KayakCliff]

All great info, Thank You!!!

[@jeannineschenk6181]

I was tubing down Rainbow River last July and I think I saw the same Gator!

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 there, thank you for watching, and commenting! Have a great week!

[@AdroitJake]

He's a regular there! We call him "walley"....I know, not very original lol

[@ericjudd9088]

Hey Cliff! I just caught your "Rainbow River" episode with Bruce. The two kayaks seemed to keep pace with each other pretty well! I found myself thinking "If the water is that nice, how come nobody is swimming in the river?" I wondered if there were any gators in residence and finally you showed us one up on the bank. I had some experience while golf ball diving many years ago with a big fella in a golf pond. They are simply incredible to follow underwater and they won't usually bother a diver underwater. It was an experience I'll never forget! A super video and you guys looked as if you were truly enjoying it. I can't wait to join you down south next winter. I'll be watching for your next outing! Best regards...Eric

[@KayakCliff]

Hey, thanks, Eric! Just returning from filming three videos down in Florida. I hope you’re able to start getting out now up in the great white north.

[@BushKayakersCampingAustralia]

Gday from Australia . Nice videos . Pick and Paddle is a great slogan 👍👍

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting from down under! Safe adventuring for you down in Australia!

[@siddheshrahate5179]

Going here next week. Wonderful video

[@KayakCliff]

Have a great time, you’ll love it!

[@AdroitJake]

You passed and filmed my Aunt's house! On a side note, before I moved here to citrus county I lived on the St John's river in Sanford FL (my dad still does). We also have a place on the ichetucknee river. My whole family are apparently all river rats! In high springs/Wilson spring my other aunt has the "Wilson" spring in her backyard! Enjoyed your video 🤙

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting AdroitJake!!!

[@HappyCampersRescueRanch]

⛺️ Great video ! Come Have an Unforgettable Camping Experience at Happy Campers Rescue Ranch near Rainbow Springs!

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I’ll check you out next time I’m down there. Do you have a web link or website?

[@HappyCampersRescueRanch]

@Kayak Cliff Yup! Right on our KZbin Page 😀

[@KayakCliff]

I’ll check it out

[@Ed-pr7jv]

Great video Cliff! That is a beautiful clear river! Good for the Florida park system for trying to cut down on single use plastic waste! Thank you!

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 Ed - Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@3generationadventure]

Great info video we are planning to go April ko to RS , thanks for sharing

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 Thanks for watching and commenting! You’ll Love the Rainbow!

[@gilfolsom5980]

Another fun video, thanks so much Cliff! Did the Rainbow in February with my wife in a rental kayak from Rainbow Outfitters and really enjoyed it! Did not see an alligator though! We dined at Swampees afterwards and loved sitting beside the river and dining. Wife had me taking pictures of the homes and phone numbers available for rent along the river. Bought a Sea Eagle Fasttrack 385 just before the trip with the hopes of taking it on the airplane with us but would have incurred oversize baggage fees so just thought it would be easier to rent for the three rivers we ended up paddling while in Florida. Side note, the Fasttrack weighs 4 lbs more than what Sea Eagle claims. Still want to purchase a fast single portable kayak as well. Any further thoughts on the Pakakayak versus the Razorlite? Thanks again for all your wonderful videos and advice!

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Gil - Thanks for watching and commenting! When it comes down to the RazorLite and the Bluefin, they are absolutely both awesome boats! It comes down to whether you want a sit on top or sit inside experience. As for the speed, I would say they are very similar in performance, although I probably need to do a speed test comparison video at some point. Weight of the bluefin is more, if you build at your car, then transport down to the water, I find it’s best to use a kayak cart or carry both half’s down to the water separately. That works great for me. Otherwise the all terrain wheels on the Pakayak bag seem like a good solution as well. As for the RazorLite, you just pick it up and go. As I said before, both are awesome boats. First question to ask yourself is whether you want a sit on top or sit inside experience. Here are my reviews on the kayaks we paddled: Sea Eagle 393RL Razorlite Kayak - My review of the RazorLite - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXTTq2ydocRrhMU Sea Eagle website RazorLite affiliate link - bit.ly/3Enpq1z Pakayak Bluefin 142 - My review of the Bluefin 142 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4KunIpqhMehnKc Pakayak website affiliate link - pakayak.com/?ref=kayakcliff

[@dariushKing]

great video as always, what a beautiful place to paddle,i live in germany and i am new in kayak i try to learn as much as possible have a razorlite 393 and i am very happy to see your content i hope your channel grow bigger and you keep doing what you love thanks dude

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much Dariush, I love Germany! I spent a whole summer there in my youth!

[@hawaiiandan2764]

Really enjoyed this one Cliff! They keep getting better and better!

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks so much Dan!! Wasn’t that water clarity unbelievable?!?!

[@TalkFishTVHawaiianDan]

@@KayakCliff Absolutely amazing!

[@mightylore]

Another great video, Cliff!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much Mighty Lore!

[@pappy451]

Manatees do not come into that Rainbow as far as i know . i have never seen any there , there are otters though . otters , gators , turtles , HUGE fish , bass ( large and small mouth ) , crappie , catfish .

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks a bunch, good to know!

[@robacevedo6952]

I’m no drone patrol, just curious can can I fly my drone recreational there?

[@KayakCliff]

I don't believe you can fly it up at the state park area of the river at the beginning of the river. We flew it outside of the state park area and had no problems at all. I don't believe there are any restrictions there.

[@spidey7807]

When comparing the two boats, is there any difference in leg room between them? I tried sitting in the Pakayak and after about 15-20 mins I was losing circulation in my feet due to having the squeeze up to fit inside the cock pit. Is there any more space in the Sea Eagle from setback to furthest peg setting than there is in the Pakayak seatback to forward bulkhead?

[@KayakCliff]

Hi there Spidey! There is tons of room in the RazorLite and more room to fully extend your legs in the foot pegs if you are especially tall. You can adjust the seat rear wards by loosening the straps to even give you a little more room. Easier to get in and out of the RazorLite, plus you can swing your legs over the side and sit “side saddle” if you want to get something that is stored behind you. The Pakayak is a great boat if you want a true sit inside touring kayak. You can get more comfort in the RazorLite without sacrificing cut speed. RazorLite 393RL affiliate website page - alnk.to/gKPBreg RazorLite 473RL Tandem website page - bit.ly/3CqBUGT My review of the RazorLite - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXTTq2ydocRrhMU Adventure videos in the RazorLite: Suwannee River Paddling Three Days With My Dad kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2TImpmgoZaBkJo Florida Kayaking Withlacoochee River Dunnellon Florida in the Sea Eagle RazorLite 393RL kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2jYo61orq6Eo7M Kayak Camping 20 miles on the Brazos kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4DIkmmKm9-mftk Paddling & Diving sunken airplane - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXe9apqgo7RkqJo Earth Day Caddo Lake - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZayeKWMoLSssLc Weedon Island Mangrove Trails - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b52xpKdpbtWNqc0 Ft Worth Nature Center - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWHMkp6Dhq2el6s Trinity River Elm Fork - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWevk3ihe5yJqMU Silver Springs Florida - kzbin.info/www/bejne/immwi52got2Ab7s E Kayaking Sea Eagle RazorLite & Bixpy Skeg Motor kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXbVgJ1jeJmsfc0 How to fold the RazorLite - kzbin.info/www/bejne/epfFoZKiopidfbs Bixpy® J-2 Electric Outboard Motor Kit with Slide-n-Lock Skeg Adapter bit.ly/3RKGd7e Pakayak Bluefin 142 - pakayak.com/?ref=kayakcliff My review of the Bluefin 142 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4KunIpqhMehnKc Other adventure videos in the Pakayak: Texas Kayaking Caddo Lake in the Fall in the Pakayak Bluefin 142 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYbHipKJbqapes0 Rainbow 🌈 River Springs - Florida kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqO3lGZvo7agj9E Urban Dallas paddling White Rock Lake in the Pakayak Bluefin 142 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6O9gn2vZbSNj9k

[@spidey7807]

@@KayakCliff Thanks for the reply. I was all in on the pakayak until I sat in it and realized I was too tall for it (Im 6'6"). Ended up ordering the razorlite, so Im excited to get it in. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@KayakCliff]

Oh yes, at 6 foot six, you would definitely be without legroom in the Pakayak bluefin. You will be a good fit in the razor light, if you need to slide the seat further back by loosening the straps, you can do that as well. Let me know how it works for you!

[@spidey7807]

@KayakCliff went out on the 393rl this weekend and it's a great fit. It's a little tippy (probably more so because my high center of gravity), but it's pretty manageable. I am quite happy with it and would recommend for anyone else that is too tall for other portable options.

[@KayakCliff]

@spidey7807 that is so great to hear, thank you so much for the follow up! It is definitely one of my favorite kayaks to paddle, I had mine out the other night for an evening weekday paddle.

[@gilesy62]

I am new to kayaking. How much do they usually charge you for taking you back to your car after a kayaking a section f a river?

[@KayakCliff]

If you have your own boat, it's usually $10-$20. Probably more like $10. Some companies will actually move your car for you to the takeout point if it is not ending at their company location. That is a little more though.....

[@gilesy62]

@@KayakCliff I wanted to thank you for your awesome videos. I am retiring soon and have a place in FL. I am looking at the Sea Eagle Paddle Ski for the wife and me. It looks like a great boat. Plus living in MI I have so many lakes and rivers that I could use a Paddle Ski on.

[@KayakCliff]

@gilesy62 great to hear, and thank you for the kind comments! I'm putting links below of all my adventure videos in the paddle ski. If and when you do purchase, my affiliate link is below as well. It doesn't cost you a dime more, it just gets me a little bit back to support my channel. Thank you and God bless! PaddleSki - Affiliate Link- bit.ly/33PbnFH My review of the PaddleSki - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mTc6KAnp2LoKs Adventure videos in the PaddleSki: Egmont Key and Fort Desoto in the Sea Eagle PaddleSki kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH7EZnSlhrODgKs Chassahowitzka Springs / River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKHcepyJq52Jabc Anclote Key Florida - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnOog4J4iKyVd5o Weeki Wachee River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYjUl6GDf9x1Z7c Texploring Texas Creeks in the Sea Eagle PaddleSki kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpyom6l9lJ2to68

[@slickwilly4613]

So what was the faster kayak?

[@KayakCliff]

You know, I have never put themto a race. They are very, very similar in terms of speed. You have me thinking, I think I will do a video, doing a speed test between both boats.

[@slickwilly4613]

I heard that the inflatable sea eagle is faster but I dont believe it. I am going to buy either a Playak or the sea eagle 393RL or maybe a ORU bay st very soon.

[@KayakCliff]

@@slickwilly4613 I highly recommend either the RazorLite or the Pakayak. I DO NOT recommend the ORU Bay. I had a Bay and a Coast several years ago. I was not impressed with either their performance one the water (very sluggish) or the quality of their build. You will be much happier with both the quality AND the performance with either the RazorLite or Pakayak, trust me! Big plus with the Pakayak now, it's 10 lbs. lighter at only 49 lbs. RazorLite 393RL website page - alnk.to/gKPBreg RazorLite 473RL Tandem website page - bit.ly/3CqBUGT My review of the RazorLite - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXTTq2ydocRrhMU Pakayak Bluefin 142 - pakayak.com/?ref=kayakcliff My review of the Bluefin 142 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4KunIpqhMehnKc

[@wonderswedste1789]

oh my gosh aren't there gators all over the place there?!?!?!?!

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 there, I only saw one. I paddle many springs and see none. It is Florida though, in freshwater, gators are always possible. They will leave you alone, if you leave them alone.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Gators? Question, answered you just paddled past one. Nope!

[@KayakCliff]

Oh, yes, there are gators there. But, any freshwater in Florida has alligators. Honestly, just leave them alone, and they will leave you alone too. They’re fascinating to look out. Just don’t touch!

[@pappy451]

they won't bother you if you don't bother them . now if you go down the Withlacoochee into some of the back water areas there are VERY large gators in the river and i try to stay as far away from them as i can . i have personally been side by side with a 10'+/- gator while in my 12'6" kayak and it's quite humbling .