If you’re like us, your net bag contains many items that may or may not be useful for that day’s paddle, but you keep everything in there just to cover your bases. But, whenever you’re getting ready to go paddling, there are a handful of things you can do and bring to make your trip safer and more fun. Watch this video to see a simple checklist that every experienced kayaker runs through every time and you should too, say ACA-certified sea kayak instructors Paul and Kate Kuthe. Thanks to paddling.com for letting us know about this useful reminder series.

Paddle Florida’s line-up for next season is posted now and registration is open. Here is a great opportunity to paddle some of Florida’s most scenic waters in good company. Click on trip links at Paddle Florida for more details on each event. New next season is the Flori-Bama Expedition on the Perido River. Forming the border between Alabama and Florida, this stream meanders past extensive woodlands of pine, cypress, and juniper cedar with many sandbars along the journey to Perdido Bay and barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico. The ever popular Florida Keys Challenge will be making a come-back next season in an altered form which will showcase beautiful Bahia Honda State Park and surrounding islands. Rivers, springs, lakes, coastal waters – Paddle Florida will explore them all next season! Sign up soon if you’re interested. Registration opened June 1, and some trips fill quickly.

Upcoming Trips

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
October 19-24, 2018
Celebrate Florida’s version of autumn on its most famous river. The trip spans 65 miles of the scenic Suwannee and a portion of the (northern) Withlacoochee, from Madison Blue Spring to Branford. This section features dozens of clear blue springs perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Register by: October 5

Flagler Coastal Wildlife Experience
November 1-4, 2018
Paddle with dolphins, meet rescued sea turtles, and float by historic forts as you immerse yourself in the rich cultural history and natural beauty of Florida’s northeast coast.
Register by: October 18

Ocklawaha Odyssey
Nov 30-Dec 4, 2018
Float over Florida’s most famed first magnitude spring and see monkeys dangling from cypress branches, a rich diversity of birds, while exploring an Old Florida land- and waterscape on this 48-mile paddle down the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers.
Register by: November 16

Wild, Wonderful Withlacoochee
January 17-22, 2019
Beginning at Lake Panasoffkee, paddlers will thread their way through hardwood swamps and tannic streams on a 60-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The adventure includes a side trip to the colorful Rainbow River and its world class first magnitude spring.
Register by: January 4

Florida Keys Challenge
February 9-15, 2019
Paddle the azure coastal waters of the Middle Florida Keys, including the length of the famed 7-Mile Bridge, explore mangrove tunnels, and watch sea turtle surface beside your kayak, and enjoy a snorkeling trip out to Looe Key.
Register by: January 26

Flori-Bama Expedition on the Perdido River
March 10-15, 2019
Paddling the Florida/Alabama border, enjoy beach camping along a cozy meandering river to the more open waters of Perdido Bay as we explore the most diverse set of ecosystems of the season.
Register by: February 24

Suwannee River Paddling Festival
April 5-7, 2019
With camping atop the bluff overlooking two beautiful rivers, our season-capping festival takes place at Suwannee River State Park near Live Oak. The weekend will offer supported 8-12 mile paddling options on both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, a concert featuring Paddle Florida’s favorite musicians, and educational presentations from regional waterway experts.
Register by: March 22