We seem to get a little busier each year, said Lisa Robinson, co-owner of Okatoma Canoe Rental in Sanford. We ve had a good spring. The river has been running good. The Louisiana residents are attracted by the rapids on the Okatoma. Robinson said the rapids are challenging and fun, but not dangerous.
People can portage around the rapids if they are concerned about tipping over.
And deeper water below the rapids makes ideal swimming holes. Locals also love the Okatoma, and outings by church and scout groups in particular are popular. On a busy weekend, an average of 1,000 people go down the Okatoma. Most are there just for a day, but some do overnight camping trips. The Black Creek is a slower canoe trip, and doesn t see as many visitors.