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Florida O.A.T.S.

Florida O.A.T.S.

Outdoor heritage, Florida waterways, the backcountry kitchen, and stories worth passing on. Learn. Preserve. Share.

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  • Journal & Storiesread my thoughts on several Florida things from the water to the palmetto and pine woods
  • Heritage & the Old WaysWhere the canoe builder, camp cook, Sea Scout skipper, wilderness medic, recipe keeper actually live — profiles, oral histories, interviews on applying Bushcraft, Scouting, oral stories, camp traditions, old Florida culture, and conservation history
  • Florida WatersExplore Florida’s rivers, coastal waterways, forgotten passages, and maritime heritage. Discover the people, traditions, and historical journeys that shaped life along the Sunshine State’s waters.
  • Backcountry KitchenDiscover traditional campfire cooking, Dutch oven recipes, cast iron techniques, and the stories behind outdoor meals. Explore culinary heritage, time tested equipment, family traditions, and the wisdom shared around the fire.
  • Outdoor ReflectionsPersonal essays exploring fatherhood, family, faith, philosophy, and the deeper meaning of outdoor life. Discover reflections on adventure, solitude, gratitude, stewardship, and the wisdom gained through time spent in nature.
  • Self Reliance & StewardshipExplore traditional wilderness skills, outdoor safety, emergency preparedness, and responsible adventure. Learn how sound judgment, practical knowledge, conservation, and Leave No Trace principles help us care for ourselves, others, and the natural places entrusted to future generations.
  • About the AuthorMeet Jeffrey Fabiszewski, outdoor writer, expedition paddler, educator, and founder of FloridaOATS. Discover how his experiences in Scouting, Florida’s waterways, family adventures, history, and philosophy inspire his mission to preserve traditional outdoor knowledge for future generations.
  • Contribute a StoryHelp preserve Florida’s outdoor heritage by sharing personal stories, traditional skills, family memories, and local history. Nominate a waterman, camp cook, Scout leader, craftsman, or community elder whose experiences and knowledge deserve to be remembered and passed to future generations.
  • Paddling LessonsLearn practical sea kayaking skills with Liquid Rhythm Kayaking. Explore group classes, private lessons, Greenland paddling, rescue techniques, and expedition training on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Category: Outdoor Reflections

Personal essays on family, faith, gratitude, philosophy, service, and the meaning of life outdoors.

Outdoor Reflections…

The Black Bag in Every Kayak

18 Oct 2026
A Maine island, a Scout troop, and the ordinary work of being a good guest A black dry bag is an unlikely thing to remember fondly. Especially this particular bag.…
Outdoor Reflections

🎦Paddling Through Story: Environmental Films That Inspire Adventure and Awareness

7 May 202514 Oct 2026
When I’m not on the trail or paddling remote rivers, I’m usually recharging—and like many adventurers, I sometimes find that stillness through film recharges me. Over the years, I’ve curated…
Outdoor Reflections

🎦The Summit A Chronicle Of Stones to Serenity

23 May 202214 Oct 2026
The Summit: A Chronicle Of Stones to Serenity (2009) is a beautiful film.  It is a movie that showcases why adventures go beyond the possible and make the improbable a…
Outdoor Reflections

It is ok to say no

24 Mar 202214 Oct 2026
It's ok to say no when you feel like a situation is not safe.  This goes for guides, owners, employees, customers, family, parents, children, and on an outing with friends.…
Heritage & the Old Ways…

👨‍👩‍👦Perspective of an Outdoor Dad

10 Dec 202114 Oct 2026
The Crossroads Between Adventure and FamilyOriginally published May 11, 2013. Revisited as a reflection on parenthood and the outdoors.There are moments when the pull of the next expedition competes with…
Outdoor Reflections

🎦Halloween Survival Thriller Movies

28 Oct 202114 Oct 2026
🎃 Halloween fun. If you cannot get on the water this weekend for a moonlit paddle or venture into the woods 🍂 🍁 to curl up around a campfire 🔥…
Outdoor Reflections

🧗I drove my son to climb the walls…

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
...at Vertical Ventures in Saint Petersburg Florida.
Outdoor Reflections

I Can not Believe…

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
...that a person I met never washed their sleeping bag. Their belief was that the material would be damaged and the stuffing would loose it's insulating properties. Where they got…
Outdoor Reflections

🎒What type of Turtle are you?

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
Like a turtle backpackers carry their home on their back

Florida Trail

The Florida Trail is calling you

Posts On:

  • Florida Waters & Forgotten Places
  • Heritage & the Old Ways
  • Outdoor Reflections
  • Self Reliance & Stewardship
  • The Backcountry Kitchen

Often I am asked “why take a class” when retailers, people, and electronic media give information away for free. There is a lot of misleading, bias, and misinformation that can confuse and cause harm. A class allows for guided discovery and opportunity to practice skills without causing damage or harm to oneself.

My goal is to share the love and knowledge of the outdoors with others. I focus on you. Information can be lost in large groups and often there are questions left unanswered. Having a personal understanding of our local and unique parts of Florida enables me to customize a class to a student’s needs.

I can use the knowledge, training, and certifications I earned, and the school of hard knocks to enhance a fun learning environment for the new and experienced student. Being outside is a dream, passion, and means of relaxation for all.

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