[frayedends]

The Villages just posted a new video explaining plans to update Sumter Landing boardwalk/water access. They talked about kayaking and dragon boats. Now, I am new to the Villages and don’t know much about Sumter Landing. But I was under the impression that boats (other than that $2 tour) were not allowed and I also thought fishing wasn’t allowed. Yet the video showed a pontoon boat with people fishing.

Are these things currently allowed in that water?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by frayedends

The Villages just posted a new video explaining plans to update Sumter Landing boardwalk/water access. They talked about kayaking and dragon boats. Now, I am new to the Villages and don’t know much about Sumter Landing. But I was under the impression that boats (other than that $2 tour) were not allowed and I also thought fishing wasn’t allowed. Yet the video showed a pontoon boat with people fishing.

Are these things currently allowed in that water?

Outdoor Excursions

GUIDED KAYAKING EXPERIENCE – Rent a kayak and enjoy a guided tour full of tranquility, exercise and wildlife observation on Lake Sumter. Join us as a single rider or bring a buddy to share a tandem Kayak. Bring a group of up to 8 people for up to a 2 hour session.

NATURE PONTOON TOUR – Grab your binoculars and bring your camera, as we cruise Lake Sumter on a pontoon boat! Your guide will share their knowledge of the environment and ecosystem while you get the chance to admire the wildlife and beautiful scenery from the comfort of the boat! This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 guests.

GUIDED FISHING TOUR – Guided catch and release excursions on Lake Sumter cater to all experience levels…whether you are a seasoned sports or amateur angler, you will enjoy going after the trophy fish. This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 anglers.

[Stu from NYC]

Thats ok there are gators in this lake, I will pass

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Thats ok there are gators in this lake, I will pass

I was raised living and swimming/skiing on Lake Harris in Leesburg. Fun fact. The entire world of water skiiers used to live and train in Leesburg on that lake full of gators. I’ve never known of a person who’s even come close to being attacked by one. They’re scared of everything. They’re ambush predators. They lie under cover of the water or in reeds, and wait. When something is in ambush distance, splashing in the water, they look at the basic size and either their brain goes “Nope, too small, not worth it,” “Nope, too big, might fight me off, not worth it,” or “Yep! Just right!” And if the answer is number three, they literally erupt out of the water and attack. They drag their prey to the bottom to drown it first. If you see one hanging out, they don’t care about you… just keep on walking….if you jumped at it or poked it with a stick it would snap at you but that’s about it.

[frayedends]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Outdoor Excursions

GUIDED KAYAKING EXPERIENCE – Rent a kayak and enjoy a guided tour full of tranquility, exercise and wildlife observation on Lake Sumter. Join us as a single rider or bring a buddy to share a tandem Kayak. Bring a group of up to 8 people for up to a 2 hour session.

NATURE PONTOON TOUR – Grab your binoculars and bring your camera, as we cruise Lake Sumter on a pontoon boat! Your guide will share their knowledge of the environment and ecosystem while you get the chance to admire the wildlife and beautiful scenery from the comfort of the boat! This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 guests.

GUIDED FISHING TOUR – Guided catch and release excursions on Lake Sumter cater to all experience levels…whether you are a seasoned sports or amateur angler, you will enjoy going after the trophy fish. This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 anglers.

Thanks. I had not seen that.

[dougjb]

OH....I thought it was called Sumter Swamp!

Grin....obviously, the real estate people don't like me!

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Kelevision

I was raised living and swimming/skiing on Lake Harris in Leesburg. Fun fact. The entire world of water skiiers used to live and train in Leesburg on that lake full of gators. I’ve never known of a person who’s even come close to being attacked by one. They’re scared of everything. They’re ambush predators. They lie under cover of the water or in reeds, and wait. When something is in ambush distance, splashing in the water, they look at the basic size and either their brain goes “Nope, too small, not worth it,” “Nope, too big, might fight me off, not worth it,” or “Yep! Just right!” And if the answer is number three, they literally erupt out of the water and attack. They drag their prey to the bottom to drown it first. If you see one hanging out, they don’t care about you… just keep on walking….if you jumped at it or poked it with a stick it would snap at you but that’s about it.

Interesting and thanks.

Once upon a time had a few alligator bites and always worried the rest of the gators would find out and take revenge.

[xkeowner]

Dragon boaters currently park at/near The Waterfront Inn. Moving the launch point to the area behind the radio station will likely result in most of those folks parking on or near the square. My guesstimate is 50+ vehicles just for dragon boating during peak time. Add in the kayaking numbers plus those fishing and it would appear to have an impact on prime parking at the square. Granted much of the dragon boat parking will be in the morning. Also, what impact is there when a significant number of parking places are blocked off for market night or other events?

The recreation concept is a positive, I just question the location.

[village dreamer]

and only cost us 3 millon$$$

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Outdoor Excursions

GUIDED KAYAKING EXPERIENCE – Rent a kayak and enjoy a guided tour full of tranquility, exercise and wildlife observation on Lake Sumter. Join us as a single rider or bring a buddy to share a tandem Kayak. Bring a group of up to 8 people for up to a 2 hour session.

NATURE PONTOON TOUR – Grab your binoculars and bring your camera, as we cruise Lake Sumter on a pontoon boat! Your guide will share their knowledge of the environment and ecosystem while you get the chance to admire the wildlife and beautiful scenery from the comfort of the boat! This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 guests.

GUIDED FISHING TOUR – Guided catch and release excursions on Lake Sumter cater to all experience levels…whether you are a seasoned sports or amateur angler, you will enjoy going after the trophy fish. This 2 hour tour will accommodate up to 4 anglers.

My husband has his own kayak - can he use it or does he have to rent one?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by shaw8700@outlook.com

My husband has his own kayak - can he use it or does he have to rent one?

Check the link or call……………

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by xkeowner

Dragon boaters currently park at/near The Waterfront Inn. Moving the launch point to the area behind the radio station will likely result in most of those folks parking on or near the square. My guesstimate is 50+ vehicles just for dragon boating during peak time. Add in the kayaking numbers plus those fishing and it would appear to have an impact on prime parking at the square. Granted much of the dragon boat parking will be in the morning. Also, what impact is there when a significant number of parking places are blocked off for market night or other events?

The recreation concept is a positive, I just question the location.

What is you guess based on?

[patfla06]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Thats ok there are gators in this lake, I will pass

I would have to agree with you!!

[TeresaE]

Originally Posted by Kelevision

I was raised living and swimming/skiing on Lake Harris in Leesburg. Fun fact. The entire world of water skiiers used to live and train in Leesburg on that lake full of gators. I’ve never known of a person who’s even come close to being attacked by one. They’re scared of everything. They’re ambush predators. They lie under cover of the water or in reeds, and wait. When something is in ambush distance, splashing in the water, they look at the basic size and either their brain goes “Nope, too small, not worth it,” “Nope, too big, might fight me off, not worth it,” or “Yep! Just right!” And if the answer is number three, they literally erupt out of the water and attack. They drag their prey to the bottom to drown it first. If you see one hanging out, they don’t care about you… just keep on walking….if you jumped at it or poked it with a stick it would snap at you but that’s about it.

And, correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t dogs attract them also? Another native told me they will tip a kayak or a canoe to get to the dog.

[ddeacon1]

Originally Posted by shaw8700@outlook.com

My husband has his own kayak - can he use it or does he have to rent one?

If they act the same as Lake Okahumpka Rec center, the answer is no.