Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival

Kayak races. Kayak fishing tournaments. Guided tours. Free demonstations. Live music and environmental education. Socials and picnics with paddlers. There’s something for everyone at this year’s Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, which kicks off Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 2.

Events large and small happen in towns and cities from Bonita to Bokeelia along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail in Lee County’s waterfront communities.

The county has been recognized as one of the best U.S. kayaking destinations by both Paddler and Canoe & Kayak magazines.

More than 17 outfitters are involved, offering guided tours and sponsoring demonstrations in which people can try kayaking for free.

More than 25 hotels, motels, campgrounds and RV parks are welcoming paddlers from out of town; some lodging establishments are even offering hospitality events open to everyone to check out their waterfront locations.

All the details – there are 78 opportunities to take a guided paddle – can be found online with times, dates and place information at www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com. Be sure to register online for a free kayak donated by Bass Pro Shops to be given away at the festival’s close.

Events are planned in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and other Lee County sites.

It’s all about enjoying the 190-mile marked paddling trail and attending a one-of-a-kind eco event. Trail details can be found at www.GreatCalusaBlueway.com.

Here’s a sampling of the festival’s offerings:

For those who like to compete:

Imperial River Challenge, Oct. 25, Riverside Park, Bonita Springs

Midpoint Paddle Sprint, Nov. 1, North Shore Park, North Fort Myers

Calusa Blueway Pro/Am Kayak Fishing Tournament, Nov. 1 and 2, Matlacha Park, Pine Island

Paddle of the Pass, Nov. 2, Matlacha Park, Pine Island

For a little “together” time:

River Fest, Oct. 25, Riverside Park, Bonita Springs

Family Fun Day, Oct. 26, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel

Calusa Extravaganza, Oct. 30, Upriver RV Park, North Fort Myers

Bokeelia Blueway Fest, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, north tip of Pine Island

St. James City Blueway Fest, Nov. 1, south tip of Pine Island

Pine Island Blueway Fest, Nov. 2, Matlacha Park, Pine Island

For the eco-minded and kayak clubs:

Monofilament Madness, Oct. 26, Fort Myers Beach and Pine Island

Multi Club Paddlers Picnic & cleanup, Oct. 26, Lovers Key State Park, Bonita Springs

Gulf Coast Backwater Paddlers trip, Oct. 27, Yellow Fever Creek, North Fort Myers

Southwest Florida Paddling Club gathering, Nov. 2, Matlacha Park, Pine Island

For the eternal learner:

Kayak Clinic Series, Oct. 26, Bowditch Point, Fort Myers Beach

Speakers’ Series, Oct. 27-31, Rutenberg Park, south Fort Myers

Kayak Clinic, Oct. 29, Lee County Manatee Park, east Fort Myers

Day at the Bay, Nov. 1, Bunche Beach, south Fort Myers

For the nature-watcher:

Guided kayak tours, Oct. 25-Nov. 2, all along the trail with outfitters, non-profits and paddling clubs

Guided walking tours, Oct. 25-Nov. 2, all along the trail with volunteers and staff

Go online for more information to www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com. Or call 239-433-3855.