River Surfing

And now, a truly light-as-a-feather post: check out these geese “surfing” at Glenwood Whitewater Park. They’re Canadian Geese, apparently — don’t they make you want to go grab your wet suit and join in on the fun?

The Colorado River is very swollen this ear due to incredible amounts of rain this winter. Surfing the river’s breaks aren’t just for the birds — they’re for people too! If you plan to be in Colorado this summer, check out the Colorado River Surfing Association. They prove that you don’t have to be anywhere near the ocean in order to catch a wave!

When I hear “surfing,” I usually think of Hawaii or California. I’m happy to have a new image in my head now, thanks to this great video shot at Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park.

Photo: lilhelen

Corsica is home to some of the best beaches the Mediterranean has to offer. Vimeo user Emeric’s video highlighting the southern part of the island portrays some of the island’s beautiful landscapes. When it comes to Corsica, I believe that the island’s best features are the unnamed beaches hidden all over the island like little pockets of paradise. Imagine renting a bike and discovering these little gems of seclusion. As always, if you do find a hidden beach, be careful and keep in mind that there isn’t a lifeguard. I mean, c’mon, it’s a hidden beach after all. In case you are in need for a quick beach fix here are some beaches in the southern part of the island to check out:

If you are looking for white sands and clear water the obvious choice for you is Roccapina Beach. Be warned, if you are in Corsica during the high season keep in mind that this beach gets pretty packed.

Corsica’s “signature” beach would have to be Palombaggia. That being said, this beach is very popular and, once again, is busy during the summer months. Then again, to me it is a “must see” simply because of the beautiful palette of natural colors; turquoise water, white sands, green pines in a backdrop of red rocks.

Enough of the popular places already, where can you get all of the above with less people? Rondinara is the beach for you. It is less well known and the shallow waters here are also ideal for families with small children.

If you have access to a boat and are willing to really be blown away, check out the Lavessi Isles which boast some of the best untouched beaches thanks primarily to it being a part of the nature reserve. Outfitters are available to take you out on day trips.

Watch the original video here.

Note: If the video keeps pausing to load, you can click through to watch it on YouTube and it will probably perform better. What if the “average” temperature of the water at the beach in Florida is 82 degrees? How is that information useful to you if you are vacationing in Florida in February when [...]

When I was in high school I found in the library a book about clouds. It was a big thick tome filled with color photos of clouds described and classified. A cloud bible it was. I’m quite sure I was the only one to have ever checked it out. I learned about stratocumulus, cirrostratus, mammatus, [...]

This is a great video of Jellyfish Lake in Palau. I’ve posted about these lakes in the past as they truly are natural wonders in their own right. This video by Vimeo user Sarosh Jacob seems like a video out of some science fiction movie. If you are wondering how he is able to swim with these jellyfish without being stung to death, that is because these jellyfish have evolved without the poison. In an enclosed environment filled with lots of nutrients and ZERO predators, there simply is no need for protection. You can almost think of these lakes as pockets of jellyfish utopia.

Jellyfish Lake by Sarosh Jacob

Notes from the creator – read the original here.

A little information on Jellyfish Lake…

Jellyfish Lake is located on Eli Malk island in the Republic of Palau. Twelve thousand years ago these jellyfish became trapped in a natural basin on the island when the ocean receded. With no predators amongst them for thousands of years, they evolved into a new species that lost most of their stinging ability as they no longer had to protect themselves. They are pretty much harmless to humans although some people with very sensitive skin may get a minor sting from them. If you are allergic to jellyfish you should wear a wetsuit or protective clothing.

These fascinating creatures survive by sharing a symbiotic relationship with algae that live inside of them. At night, the jellyfish go down to the depths of the lake where the algae feed on nutrients. During the day, the jellyfish come back to the surface and follow the sun across the lake in a massive migration. The algae convert the energy of the sun via photosynthesis into a sugar that feeds the jellyfish.

It is not possible to scuba dive in this lake because the nutrient rich layer at around 50 feet and below contains hydrogen sulphide which is highly toxic to humans. If a scuba diver was to swim in that layer, the toxins would enter the body through the skin and that exposure could be fatal. Snorkeling however, is perfectly safe and if you ever find yourself in Palau one day, you should make your way to this special place. The experience of swimming through millions of jellyfish is quite surreal and Palau is the only place in the world where you can do just that!

I hope you enjoy the video and thank you for watching.

When his wife Karen was involved in an accident in 1990 that left her a quadriplegic, Mike was determined that she continue to enjoy all the activities that she had previously enjoyed–like going to the beach. When you leave the smooth pavement or sidewalk, it’s amazing how even the smallest irregularities  in the ground can [...]

If you’re on Facebook and you love Florida beaches, think about “liking” my Florida Beachhunter Facebook page. I post a lot of interesting tidbits there that I don’t post on my blog. It’s so much easier to post on Facebook and much easier to interact and get feedback. Got a beach photo you want to [...]

Jason Cristofalo took some great underwater photos of some Cannonball Jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris) swimming off Cocoa Beach, Florida this week and was kind enough to share them with everyone. Here’s what he said in his email to me: I found your website (beachhunter.net) and thought you might be interested in these pictures and video for [...]

Siesta Public Beach In 2008 it was #3. In 2009 it was #2. In 2010 it held the #2 spot. Finally, in 2011, Siesta Key Beach has been named the number 1 beach in the nation! Dr. Leatherman ranks major recreational beaches based on 50 criteria that include adequate access, parking, safety, cleanliness, beauty, water [...]

As a result of rowdy behavior, including, according to the St. Pete Times, “underage drinking, drug possession, drunken driving, fighting, disorderly conduct, trespassing and child neglect,” the City Commission has unanimously banned the consumption of alcohol on parts of Sunset Beach, but only on weekends and holidays. The ban applies to weekends and holidays through [...]

Sea turtles leave the security of the ocean and crawl up onto Florida beaches at night during the summer to dig a hole and lay their eggs. Sometimes they crawl back to the water without digging a nest and without laying eggs. This is called a “false crawl.” Scientists want to figure out why some [...]

I review beaches. Dr. Beach rates beaches. How is my work different from his? Recently I spent some time with Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” and was able to watch him go about his work rating beaches as well as chat with him a bit about his work. He’s a very interesting guy, and [...]

I’m always on the lookout for good Florida beach web cams. Here’s an excellent live beach cam at Harrington House Bed and Breakfast on Holmes Beach, FL at about 56th Street. Sponsored by Island Real Estate. More of the best Florida beach web cams.

Do you ever wonder what it must have been like living on Florida Gulf coast barrier islands back in the 1930′s and 1940′s? Before the development, before the big bridges, before paved roads, life was much slower. People lived without the constant roar of traffic and sirens, slamming of car doors, or the scream of [...]

Gopher tortoises are everywhere on Palm Island and Don Pedro Island. They are probably some of the most photographed tortoises in Florida. When someone is building a new house on these islands they have to check for gopher tortoise burrows first. If there are any, they are carefully moved to another lot. Someone joked that [...]

You know him as “Dr. Beach.” He’s in the news every year around Memorial Day weekend when he announces his list of the Top Ten Beaches in the Nation. His real name is Stephen Leatherman and he’s the Chair Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. [...]

When I stay in a great place on the beach I always like to post a little video of it on YouTube and share it with other people who might be looking for a place to stay. I recently had the good fortune of staying in this beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bath house right on [...]

Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known to all as “Dr. Beach,” is currently visiting Charlotte County beaches, grading them as part of his yearly beach contest to determine the 10 best beaches in the U.S. He will be visiting beaches on Knight Island (Palm Island Resort), Don Pedro Island and Little Gasparilla Island. Dr. Beach’s visit turned [...]

Red one-piece swimsuits are no longer reserved for Baywatch / lifeguards.  Make an impact on the beach and check out these variations:

The relatively modest Plunging Halter Maillot by Anthropologie is available for $178. It’s out of my price range but still an interesting take on the Baywatch look. The high cut leg elongates the gams and de-accentuates thunder thighs, and the wrap creates/highlights an hourglass shape.

Plunging Halter Maillot - photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Since when did Victoria’s Secret swimsuits get so expensive?? They were usually the affordable go-to for swimwear. Just saying. This Carmen Marc Valvo – Retro One piece, $167, is super sexy with that neckline. The ruching hides that tummy but the leg… if you have slim hips it will look great but for those with shapelier hips/thighs, it might highlight the very area you want to mask.

Carmen Marc Valvo Retro one-piece - photo courtesy of Victoria's Secret

La Blanca’s Sweetheart One Piece ($122) is simple and sweet.

La Blanca sweetheart one-piece - photo courtesy of South Moon Under

Win! The most affordable clocking in at $88, is j.crew’s ruched and knotted twist front tank.  The removable halter strap, the universally complimentary sweetheart neckline and a normal cut on the leg makes this the overall winner for me.

j.crew ruched and knotted twist front tank - photo courtesy of j.crew

I think this is what inspired this my new obsession with red swimsuits. So cute and retro!

Photo courtesy of Cherry Blossom Girl

Spring is certainly in the air here in Florida, and as the thermometer begins to rise above 80 degrees again and we shake off those last gasps of Winter, we also get into the peak of beach wedding season. In fact, I can’t remember the last time we went to the beach to watch the [...]