Skip to content
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.

Search
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • WordPress
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • 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: Self Reliance & Stewardship

Wilderness judgment, sound preparation, conservation, Leave No Trace, and responsible practical skills.

Self Reliance & Stewardship

🏕️hammock comfort

16 May 202214 Oct 2026
There are many advantages to hammock camping in Florida.  Many people think that the heat, humidity, and biting insects are a deterrent to camping.  That does not need to be…
Self Reliance & Stewardship

🩹Wilderness safety skills

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
You lived in the city all your life. Now a new partner, love interest, friend, or coworker challenged you to step outside of your comfort zone to go into the…
Self Reliance & Stewardship

🌀are you Ready for: hurricanes

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
With today's advances in weather forecasting we often have plenty of time to prepare for a hurricane. It is a matter of securing stuff and being ready to drive to…
Self Reliance & Stewardship

🥾Trail Review – J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
Address: 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655 "J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park covers over 8,300 acres of land and is a cooperative venture between the Southwest Florida Water…
Self Reliance & Stewardship

🩹Jeff’s Favorite First Aid essentials

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
The best first aid is prevention. The second best is training. The third best is the basic essentials that I always carry. In all of my First Aid kits you…
Self Reliance & Stewardship

🔪Does the size of your Tang matter?

7 Oct 202014 Oct 2026
There is an ongoing debate among Bush Crafters about a fixed blade knife's tang size. "A tang or shank is the back portion of the blade component of a tool where it extends into…

Posts navigation

Newer posts

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.

  • Home
  • Mission
  • Jeff’s Bio
  • Florida Stories
  • Contact Jeff
  • Learn With Sean & Jeff
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • WordPress
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    Florida O.A.T.S.
    Join 31 other subscribers

    Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.

  • Florida O.A.T.S.
    View site in Reader
    Manage subscriptionsSign upLog in
    Report this content
    Collapse this bar