The Myakka River flows through southwestern Florida for 72 miles before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Florida's first state-designated wild and scenic river, the Myakka is known for its biodiversity, which includes marshes, wetlands, prairies and forests. But the Myakka River is most famous for its abundant population of American alligators.
One of the best ways to truly experience the Myakka River is by canoe or kayak, which is why I brought my Pakayak Bluefin portable kayak to Florida. Upon setting out from the boat launch in Myakka River State Park, it quickly became apparent that seeing some of these gators from the water would not be difficult to do. The alligators were everywhere, from the shorelines to the middle of the river, and I had to trust that they'd slip underwater as I approached. Not exactly a comforting thought, but I figured I’d let faith guide me through.
I want to give a special shout-out to our partner, the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.
Pakayak Bluefin 142 Kayak
I chose the Pakayak Bluefin 142 for this adventure, a kayak that’s been with me on some incredible trips already. The Bluefin is a 14-foot touring kayak with a unique design that allows it to break down into a bag I can travel with. It weighs just 50 pounds after a recent redesign shaved off 10 pounds of plastic. That might not sound like much, but when you're lugging a kayak through airports or even just from the parking lot to the water, it makes a big difference.
I’ve taken this kayak on adventures from the Caribbean to Northern Ireland, and it continues to impress me with its performance. It’s fast, stable, and—most importantly for me—easy to travel with. For someone who loves to explore different waters, having a kayak that fits in a bag and can be assembled in minutes is a game changer.
Myakka River in Florida
The Myakka River itself was nothing short of spectacular. It's a winding river full of surprises—around every bend, there’s something new to discover. Whether it was herons stalking their prey or a large alligator slipping into the water as I approached, the river kept me on my toes. There's a real thrill to paddling through an area so full of life, and even though I’ve paddled all over the world, Florida’s Myakka River had me feeling like an explorer once again.
Same Kayak but Less Weight
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate more and more in recent years is how much a kayak's weight impacts the paddling experience. Not just on the water, but off it as well. Some kayaks are so heavy they discourage people from ever getting out on the water. The Bluefin is different. Its lightweight design means I don’t have to think twice about loading it up and taking it on a trip—whether that’s a short drive to a local lake or a flight halfway across the world.
Beware the Broken Dam
About halfway through the trip, I came across a weir that I thought I’d have to portage around. But the water level was perfect, allowing me to slip through a narrow gap and avoid a tricky portage. As someone with 35 years of whitewater experience, I knew I could make the call to run it, but it’s always important to remember that low-head dams and weirs can be dangerous. This one looked deceptively calm but could have easily flipped someone less experienced.
Last Stretch of the Myakka River
The last stretch of the river was pure magic. The current helped me along, saving me a few miles of paddling, and the winding turns of the river kept me guessing what was around each corner. There’s something special about solo paddling that I’ve always loved. It’s like a first descent every time—even if people have paddled the river before, for me, it’s all new. That feeling of discovery is what keeps me coming back for more.
As the day wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on what an incredible experience it had been. The Myakka River, with its gators and beautiful winding passages, is a place I’ll never forget. And the Pakayak Bluefin made it all possible. For a 14-foot sea kayak that fits in a bag and handles like a dream, I couldn’t ask for a better companion on the water.
If you’re looking for an adventure of your own, I can’t recommend the Pakayak Bluefin enough. It’s opened up new paddling possibilities for me, and whether you’re paddling through alligator-infested waters or exploring the open sea, it’s a portable sea kayak that delivers in every way.
I want to give a special shout-out to our partner, the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.
Until next time—keep paddling, and stay safe out there!
