- Kayaks, paddles, and safety gear? Check
- Paddling companions? Check
- 24-7 Boat Ramp at Kiwanis Island? Check
- New moon? Close enough
Every summer, Steve and I look forward to introducing new people to the wonders of bioluminescent waters. We usually go to the the waters of Sykes Creek or 1000 Islands, both in Brevard County and about 90 minutes from home, and both dependable areas for this summer phenomenon. It’s always fun, and only once have we been disappointed and not been able to find bright blue glowing water. When the water of the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River warm up, microscopic life glows when the water is disturbed, making kayaking a perfect way to enjoy the sight.
This year, it was doubly exciting because it’s the first time Steve has been kayaking since his bypass surgery in November 2019. We got out our old dependable greenies (the sit-ons we got from Costco several years ago), scrubbed them up, made sure we had anchors and lines for each, installed the new seat on mine, and set them in the sun to dry.
We used a new tie-down system this time. Rather than the ratchet straps, which I find infinitely frustrating, we used cinch straps. We have four short straps and one long strap, so we used two of the short straps on each kayak, and then used the long strap to bind the two kayaks together. We were able to twist the long strap that runs across the width of the car so that it never buzzed or hummed — a huge advantage. We took a quick test drive and got the speed up to 65 to make sure the boats were secure, and with not even a wobble we knew we had a good tie-down system in place. It takes a bit longer since it requires four straps (the long strap is really not necessary but made us both feel more secure) rather than two, but there are no ratchets to rust and the extra strap length does not create problems as with the ratchet straps. Success!!
We left the house under blue sky but drove through rain on our way to the coast. It seems that this always happens, but that’s just a hazard of summer afternoons. Rob and Dawn met us at Kiwanis Island and we enjoyed a picnic dinner just before the sun started to drop. I have to say, Pub Subs are perfect for nights like this!
Last year, we ran into a bit of a kerfuffle with a tour group, so we wanted to be sure to launch after the tours were on the water. However, the tours were launching from a different part of the island this year. I am happy that the tour companies and the park were able to work together to find a good solution for everyone. We launched at dusk without any interference and only saw the tour group once or twice during our three hour paddle. We paddled to the north along the west side of Kiwanis Island. This area is wonderful for night paddling because there are so many landmarks that you would have to work hard to get lost, even if it is your first time paddling in the area.
Bioluminescence is a transient event. Sometimes it is very vivid in one area, but dim just a few paddle strokes away. Sometimes entire bays and lagoons light up, and sometimes the lights are contained to small areas. This year, we were very fortunate. As soon as the sun dropped below the horizon, we noticed the water lighting up near the shore of the island we were hugging at the time. We crossed the boating channel and passed under the bridge at Sykes Creek Parkway. Just to the right, there’s an area that always delights us. The mullet cluster along the mangroves at the shoreline and you can slap the water with your paddle to wake them up — as they swim away, the water really lights up! I’m sure the mullet hate this season. This year, as we were paddling out of this area and back into the creek beyond Old Audubon Road, something very large bumped one of our kayaks — we think it was a sleeping manatee that was startled as the kayak passed over it.
On the pier at Old Audubon Road, we passed some skywatchers who had just seen the comet NEOWISE, but it was behind a cloud and we were never able to see it. I did see what was either a Southern delta Aquarid or Perseid meteor — I hope I never outgrow being thrilled at meteors! The biolume was not as bright in this area, so we headed back to the lagoon to play with the mullet some more, and then headed back to the ramp to call it a night.
If you’ve never seen this amazing sight, and you’re an experienced kayaker, I highly recommend launching from Kiwanis Island into Sykes Creek. If you’re not experienced, you should book a tour with an experienced guide. You’ll gain confidence and learn about what’s in the water around you. Even if you have never kayaked before, this is a good starting point because you will be in very shallow water for most of your trip. Don’t miss the chance to experience this miracle for yourself.
