Radio communications for the Florida kayaker usually comes in the
form of a cellular phone. Cellular phone service is available in
most areas of Florida with notable exceptions being the Everglades,
some of the Florida Keys and an area around the lower Suwannee river.
Cell phones are great for calling the Coast Guard, friends and
family and even ordering a piping hot pizza after a hard day of
paddling on Honeymoon Island.
In case you're planning on a trip where phone service is not available,
or you would like to be able to converse with passing boaters, you
can use a Very High Frequency (VHF) marine radio. VHF radios are
limited to line-of-sight communications so don't expect to transmit
much further than a few miles from your kayak. VHF radios are most
useful in areas with high boat traffic. Channel 16 is reserved for
emergencies. Most VHF radios are capable of receiving NOAA weather