Get Out and Paddle!
Article by Alex Cotleur
Photography by Annabelle Ainlay
Jupiter offers 39.19 miles of paddling trails through fresh, salt, and brackish waters, providing a diverse experience for everyone. Being just one to 10 miles from the Gulf Stream on any given day brings abundant wildlife close to shore. The crystal-clear blue water that flows in with the tide is a magnet for tourists, offering stunning views of sea life in this paradise we call home.
My favorite way to explore these waterways and immerse myself in the wildlife is by paddling. Unlike motorboats, paddling is quiet, allowing you to observe wildlife that would otherwise flee from engine noise. You might catch sight of a Great Blue Heron before it takes off with a squawk. Paddling also lets you access areas unreachable by boats, like the shallow waters of Sawfish Bay, where you can often spot groups of spotted eagle rays, known as a “fever.”
Keep Safe and Legal
Knowing the legal requirements to paddle is vital before heading out. A personal flotation device and a whistle or horn are important safety devices that every paddler must carry. A white flashlight or lantern is required at night.
Whether you prefer kayaking or paddleboarding, it is essential to know the legal requirements before heading out. Both kayaks and paddleboards are considered vessels, so every paddler must have a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) appropriate for their weight and size. The PFD must be easily accessible, not stored in dry compartments, and children under 12 must always wear theirs. If you are using a self-inflating PFD, it must be worn on your Get out and paddle! person to comply with regulations. Remember to install the CO2 cartridge; without it, the PFD won’t inflate when needed.
With the increase in marine traffic in the area, it is important to know how to navigate safely alongside motorized vessels. While motorboats should give the right of way to paddle vessels, it is safer to steer clear. Florida law restricts paddle vessels from using the Intracoastal Waterway channel unless there is an obstruction or if you need to cross the channel. If you must enter the channel, return to paddling outside the marked channel as soon as it is safe. A small whistle or horn, audible from at least half a nautical mile, is also required. It is handy in case a motorboat does not see you.
For a serene sunset paddle, head to the Loxahatchee River sandbar, just west of the railroad tracks. If paddling at night, pack a white flashlight or lantern as required by the Coast Guard. You do not need to keep it on, but it must be ready to signal approaching vessels. Red and green bow lights are not recommended, as they are meant for motorized boats and may confuse other vessels.
Now that we have covered the basic safety rules, it is time to explore Jupiter’s 39.19 miles of waterways! In future discussions, we will highlight launch points, suggest paddle routes, and recommend the best times and places for every skill level. Jupiter’s waterways truly offer something for everyone. Let’s paddle!
