Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures is now offering canoe and kayak rentals on the Santa Fe River at a discounted rate.
The adventure company is offering canoe rentals at $15 and kayak rentals at $10. Life jackets, paddles, canoes and kayaks are provided.
Guests are picked up at Santa Fe River Park before being shuttled to the river.
They can either paddle 8 miles downstream for about three hours from the first drop-off point or 12 miles downstream for about four hours from a farther drop-off point before arriving back at their vehicles.
Company owner Charlie Anderson said rentals are offered between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and reservations require a one-day notice. He said full-moon canoe and kayak tours are available twice a month at 8 p.m.
Laura Kaler, a 21-year-old UF sports management senior, has canoed since childhood.
“It’s not only great to be in the sun with friends but also a great workout,” Kaler said. “Even though Lake Wauburg offers free canoe and kayak rentals, it’s only at a lake. Being on the river enhances your nature experience.”
The Santa Fe River Canoe Outpost also has rentals, under $25, according to its website.
Paul Spillers, 37, owns Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures with Anderson. The pair hoped to build a clientele in Gainesville by keeping prices lower than competitors’.
“Our main business philosophy is our customers,” he said.
[A version of this story ran on page 3 on 9/12/2014 under the headline "Discounts available on Santa Fe River canoe, kayak rentals"]
