Kayak/canoe on dune lakes?

[beachesR4us]

Our family (2 adults and 2 tweenagers) will be vacationing in the South Walton area in May. I would like to take the crew kayaking or canoeing on one of the dune lakes in the area. Does anyone have a preference or a suggestion about which lake is best suited for that type of family activity and where is best to rent equipment?

 

[Smiling JOe]

Western Lake is the second largest, with plenty of fingers to explore. It is also probably the easiest to access with the boat launch in Grayton. There are several kayak rental companies around here, and they do deliver. Give John or Lynn a call at Yellowfin Ocean Sports for more info on rentals. Also, if you do a google map (hybrid view), you can see how big Western Lake really is, and get an idea of the lay of the land. Western Lake also has an outlet which allows you to paddle all the way to the actual beach at Grayton, and sometimes opens directly into the Gulf.

Skip the canoe and go for the kayaks. Kayaks are much easier to handle as the winds will blow a canoe all over the Lake, and limit you to the Lakes, where as the kayaks give you the option of trying them out in the Gulf, if you are up for a change of scenery.

Yellowfin Ocean Sports
850-231-9024
850-231-1717

 

[btanner]

Our family (2 adults and 2 tweenagers) will be vacationing in the South Walton area in May. I would like to take the crew kayaking or canoeing on one of the dune lakes in the area. Does anyone have a preference or a suggestion about which lake is best suited for that type of family activity and where is best to rent equipment?

If you want a great kayaking experience and don't mind driving an hour, you could paddle to cypress springs. We did it last year and it was well worth the drive. It's an easy paddle to the springs, and once your there you won't want to leave. Plus in May you'll probably have the place to yourself. If your interested, I can tell you how to get there. We paddled western lake last year, and it was ok, but it was so windy it made it kind of difficult. Have fun!

 

[Smiling JOe]

I'm curious, now. Where is "Cypress Springs?"

 

[btanner]

I'm curious, now. Where is "Cypress Springs?"

From Seacrest, we took 98 toward Panama City, then took 79 north to Vernon. Then a right on 277, go a couple miles to a boat ramp. Paddle up stream for half an hour and your there. Took us about an hour to get to the put in. Its an easy paddle and its beautiful along the way. Visibility in the spring is amazing. Water is pretty cold so go on a hot day or bring a wetsuit. We found out about this from a guy on here named Mike. He gave us great directions. He posted some pictures from one of his trips and just looking at them made us want to go.