When I was in Florida I always said I wanted a kayak, but there was one major thing stopping me from actually getting one…
Alligators.
Over 1 million swamp puppies live in just about every body of water in the state and if you’re a fisherman or just pay attention when you’re outside, you’ll see them everywhere.
For the most part, they’re actually pretty docile and will leave humans alone unless someone messes with them, in which case things can get ugly in a hurry.
A kayaking guide named Josh Swander was out on either Silver Springs or Rainbow Springs and was enjoying an otherwise peaceful day when one of these prehistoric looking creatures showed itself a little down the stream.
There’s really not much you can do in that situation, so he grabbed his camera and captured the heart-pounding moment when a near 10 foot long alligator swam next to his kayak, just feet away from where he was sitting.
Fortunately, this gator was not looking for a meal, or if he was he wasn’t interested in the man sitting in a clear kayak, so he just swam on past like nothing was out of the ordinary.
Even though they’re terrifying creatures, there is something so majestic about seeing alligators in the water. Reminds you that we’re not all that powerful when we’re out of our comfort zone, which is a very good reminder to keep in your head.
