Dog Island, Florida

While you're there: Sometimes it's fun to take a break from paddling and comb the island's remote beaches for shells and flotsam. These waters provide fine fishing-either from the surf or just offshore in your kayak.

The barrier islands and spits along Florida's panhandle from Dog Island westward occasionally produce rideable surf, especially for longboarding. You can attach a cord or small rope to the stern of your kayak and then tie the other end to your board's leash attachment. (Just be sure to have enough line to prevent your kayak and surfboard from colliding while you're paddling.)

Put-In/Take-Out: Wayside Park at Carrabelle Beach. Use the Crooked River Lighthouse, about half a mile west of the park, as a landmark.

Miles of Paddling: 10.5 miles to Shipping Cove, with a short portage to the gulf and returning to the park via East Pass, west of the island; 23 miles to circumnavigate Dog Island; and 80 miles to cover all the barrier islands and spits stretching from Alligator Point to Cape San Blas

When to Go: Spring and fall

Best Boat: Sea kayak or sit-inside recreational kayak

Local Shop: Wilderness Way, Tallahassee (www.thewildernessway.net; 850-877-7200)

Fast Fact: Indians left a dugout canoe and piles of shells when they abandoned Dog Island 1,200 years ago.