Sarasota man kayaks to work

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

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Al Hurxthal says he started kayaking to work when gas prices rose.

SARASOTA (Bay News 9) -- Instead of fighting traffic every morning, a Sarasota man has found a less stressful, cheaper, and environmentally friendly way of getting to work.

Al Hurxthal, who lives on Siesta Key, says he started kayaking to work when gas prices rose.

A few days a week he parks his truck and heads toward the water. He says there's "not a better way to start the day."

Hurxthal says the commute is easy because he lives on the water and his business that he owns is near a park with a canoe launching site.

So, now instead of fighting traffic he glides through Roberts Bay in Sarasota County one peddle at a time.

"There's a lot less stress than driving around in the car," he said. "And the environment is just beautiful. We see manatees and dolphins, it's a very relaxing way to get to work."

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Hurxthal says the trip takes him about 35 to 40 minutes each way but is well worth it.

"It was my wife's idea," Hurxthal said. "I was going to be riding to work on my bike, but she thought this may be a little safer way to do it and I think it was a good choice."

Hurxthal said kayaking saves him about $50 a month in gas. He says it not only puts a little extra cash in his wallet but it also gives him peace of mind.

"I feel like I want to be a better steward of the environment, create a little smaller environmental footprint and the environment is giving back to me," Hurxthal said.

He doesn't plan on giving up this mode of transportation even if and when gas prices go down again.

"I hope this stimulates a few other people out there to go out and try it," he said.

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