Paddle on The Withlacoochee River from River Junction

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BYOK only. There are no rentals available. Let's paddle this beautiful section before the water level gets too low and take in some fall colors! The Withlacoochee River is a beautiful and scenic blackwater river. It is also a designated Outstanding Florida Waterway and a designated Florida Paddling Trail. It is one of the few rivers in the world that flows from south to north. It will be an out and back (roundtrip) of approximately 9 miles. This section is mostly wide, has high banks & bluffs, exposed lime-rock, and towering cypress which makes for scenic paddle. Great opportunity to see & hear wildlife. Very common to see deer on the riverbank. Yes, more than likely we will see gators. Give them their space and they'll do the same. If you're in a hurry or on a time constraint then, this paddle is not for you.

Skill Level: Intermediate due to distance (scroll to bottom for skill level definitions).

Paddlers should have all proper safety equipment and check conditions before departure. All paddlers should always wear PFDs while on the water and leave a float plan. There are inherent dangers in any paddle sport. There are special hazards along the Florida coast due to shifting tides, changing wind and weather, shallow waters, and treacherous bottoms with soft mud, rocks, and oyster bars.
It is up to each paddler to be aware of these dangers, to accept and be prepared for the risks involved, and to be certain they have the skills to safely paddle in these conditions.

Launch: Withlacoochee State Forest's River Junction Day Use Area. There is a boat ramp that is a concrete slab (which is currently closed to boats) and a riverbank beach launch. There is a daily fee of $2.00 and it's payable online at: Pass Details - Florida State Forests( https://floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/posProductDetails.do?id=5601&contractCode=FLFS). or use an annual Florida State Forest Pass. There are no restrooms at the launch. There are some in the campground which is located before entering the day use area (it's not a short walk from the launch).

Float Plan: We'll wet our paddles right at 9:00a so, please get there in enough time to prepare your gear. We will paddle upriver approximately 4.5 miles then turn around and float back. Water level is low so there are numerous places to land and take a break. I do have one spot in mind, though. After our break, we will take a relaxed, and casual return downriver back to River Junction. Let the river float us back, enjoy the fall-color scenery and wildlife. If we encounter any obstruction along our way. We will NOT get out of our boats into the river to portage. We will all turn around. There's plenty of water in the other direction to paddle.

Some items to note: I-75 and Exit 309 is probably the easiest route. You will need to leave the pavement to get to River Junction. You'll travel approximately 3 miles on an improved, maintained lime rock forest road. It is hardpacked and passenger vehicles should not have any trouble. While on the forest road. There are signs guiding you to River Junction. Follow signs to boat ramp and day use area.

Afterwards: To rehydrate and replenish spent calories. Please join us at Beef O'Brady's. 31120 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville - Ridge Manor, FL 34602 Ridge Manor at I-75 & Cortez Rd Beef 'O' Brady's Restaurant | Brooksville - Ridge Manor, FL( https://www.beefobradys.com/RidgeManor)

Other option: if you don't mind driving 15 minutes west? Our usual stop at Bree's Riverside Restaurant 29250 Lake Lindsey Rd. Nobleton, FL http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077729929662#

Items that you may want to bring; plenty of hydration, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, towel, and anything that will make your day on the river more comfortable. FRS/GMRS radio tuned to Channel 6.

Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any information, changes or cancellations. On the day of the event: text or call 813-442-1615.

This is not a professional tour nor am I a professional guide.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

Skill Level Definitions (Florida Paddling Trail Association)
Beginner: New to paddling and may need tips and or instructions about paddling strokes, safety procedures and entering/exiting kayaks. Comfortable on short trips of 1 to 3 miles on protected waters, when wind does not exceed 5 mph.
Novice: Paddlers acquainted with basic paddle stokes and can manage kayak handling in dependently in winds not exceeding 10 mph on protected waters. Comfortable on trips up to 6 miles.
Intermediate: Paddlers with experience in basic strokes and some experience on different venues, including some open water. Comfortable on trip distances of 6 to 10 miles, winds not exceeding 15 mph.
Advanced: Seasoned paddlers who possess skills and experience to paddle all venues and conditions. Experienced in self-rescues. Should be comfortable paddling more than 10 miles in a day.

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