Paddle Florida Mission Statement, General Policies
and Registration Logistics

Mission - General Policies - Registration - Safety - Itinerary - Campsites - Shuttles - Menus - Workshop

Mission Statement:

Paddle Florida is a week-long paddling adventure, open to all paddling skill levels, created for the sole purpose of having a great time while engaging and empowering citizens so that they may become involved in the protection and restoration of Florida’s rivers. We hope that each year Paddle Florida will serve to promote nature-based tourism in North Central Florida.
If you wish to be pampered by professional guides, this isn’t the trip for you. But, if you want to experience a real community, brought together under a common goal and by the thrill of adventure, Paddle Florida is the trip for you.

General Policies

Baggage:
Each paddler is limited to two bags and a total of 40-pounds of luggage. You have to haul your baggage and place it in the trailer each morning, and haul it back to your campsite each evening of the trip. After paddling all day (about 8,000 paddle strokes per day), a 40-pound bag is really heavy. We recommend you pack as lightly and tightly as possible. This saves your back and the backs of your fellow paddlers. Everyone is expected to assist with the loading and unloading of the truck during the week.

Items we would rather not see in your luggage include chaise lounges, framed bedding/cots and plastic boxes without tops.
Your gear should be packed so that it will not get wet. In the afternoon, your baggage will be removed and placed outside the gear truck where it will be exposed to the elements. Furthermore, overnight rains may result in gear being packed up wet. A wet tent on top of your clothes bag will result in wet clothes. Plan on inclement weather and make sure you have a bag that will protect important gear in the event of rain.

Please place a label on your luggage with your name on It and make sure your bags are secure!!!

Getting to the River
Paddle Florida provides two options for getting you to the river and shuttled back to your vehicle—our Kick Off and River’s End shuttles, available for an additional charge of $50 ($25/person and $25/boat). Please review the information at the end of this document to decide if you wish to utilize one of these shuttles.

Directions to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Launch Site
From I-10 at Exit 283, go north on US 129 for approximately 4.5 miles to the entrance to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on the left. 

Registration

All participants will register at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.  Upon registration, you will receive your registration packet, which includes items like your Paddle Florida T-shirt and your on-river maps.

Registration Times:              October 14, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. or October 15, 7 a.m.-8 a.m.

You will need to check in at the Paddle Florida registration area before you get to the guard gate at the park entrance.  At our booth outside the gate, you will be given your registration packet and credential.  You then will proceed to the designated camping area to set up your campsite before going to dinner and the mandatory paddler’s meeting near the campsite at 6:30 p.m. 
If you have your boat, you will want to drop it off at the river.  The guard at the gate will direct you to the back beach boat drop-off.  The outfitters at the Suwannee Canoe Outpost and Paddle Florida volunteers will assist you. 
All vehicles must be left outside the park where you checked in.  Vehicles will be left there during your week on the Suwannee River.

Boat Drop Off Times: October 14, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. or October 15, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

 Paddle Florida Safety Guidelines

Paddle Florida participants should be aware that while Paddle Florida staff and safety personnel will be available on the river during each day’s paddle, we cannot personally secure the safety of all participants. Unlike a commercial trip in which paid guides direct you through each bend of the river, Paddle Florida is designed to be your adventure, and as such, you are responsible for your own safety.

The following guidelines should be understood before disembarking and followed during the entirety of Paddle Florida Fall 2010.

Paddle Florida Safety Policies

1.   People-powered watercraft only.

2.   All paddlers must attend the pre-launch briefing at the first meeting at our designated campsite after dinner. Paddlers must adhere to the guidelines presented.

3.   Paddlers must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) while on the river.

4.   Paddlers under age 18 are the responsibility of and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

5.   Sorry, no pets allowed.

6.   All paddlers must sign a Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for children under the age of 18. (These forms are available for download at the Website.)

7.   Alcoholic beverages are prohibited

8.   All paddlers must respect private property along the river.

Violations of these policies can result in the participant being removed from the event without refund.

Skill Level Required
Paddle Florida is suitable for novice paddlers. Paddlers should have a basic understanding of paddle strokes and should be able to control their vessels in moving water. Paddle Florida is primarily a flatwater paddle on a moving river. There are occasional areas of “fast” water along the route.  If you are a beginning paddler, we recommend you register for our paddling workshop. This workshop will take place on October 14 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park at 4 p.m. at the back beach behind the Suwannee Canoe Outpost.

Weather
Average High Temperature: 75 F; Average Low Temperature: 50 F
Average October Rainfall: 2.71 inches; Chance of Sunshine: 70 percent
Thunderstorms and high winds are a possibility this time of year in North Florida. In the event of inclement weather that includes the risk of lightning, paddle to shore, secure your boat and find cover under a dense stand of small trees. Avoid open areas, especially open areas with solitary trees, and avoid gathering in large groups. By dispersing yourselves over a large area, you reduce the risk of lightning striking numerous individuals at one time.
Sun and Heat—Hats and appropriate sun screen are recommended. If you get too hot, the river comes with built in air conditioning.

Hazards
Strainers—Strainers are branches, trees or vegetation partially or totally submerged in the river’s current often found along the river’s edge. These hazards allow only water to pass through freely. The current will pull anything else down, plastering it into place, similar to the action of a kitchen colander. It is best to approach submerged trees or logs along the river bank from the downstream side to avoid having the current pin your boat against the obstacle or flipped by the force of the water. You should also avoid grabbing on to low hanging branches of partially submerged vegetation as this action can often cause your boat to capsize. To avoid a multi-boat pile up, leave enough room between boats to allow each boat to safely navigate around these obstacles.

Water Temperature—While the Suwannee is not the coldest of rivers (after all we are in Florida), the combination of cold water and a cold afternoon thunderstorm raises the risk of dangerous changes in body temperature. Be prepared with rain gear and layered clothing that stays warm even when wet (avoid cotton).

Trash—Proper footwear and exercising caution can prevent unnecessary injuries. Participants should wear sandals or shoes that provide adequate protection from broken bottles, rusted appliance parts and tin cans and anything else you might find on the river bottom.

Venomous Snakes—The Suwannee and the land surrounding it are potential habitats for three venomous snakes—rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins. If you encounter any snakes, simply leave them alone. Should you have the misfortune of being bitten, remain calm and get medical assistance as quickly as possible. Bites from these venomous snakes are rarely fatal, given proper medical attention.  At any given moment on this trip you will not be more than a few hours from a hospital.

Alligators—You are in Florida, the habitat of the American alligator. These creatures are usually shy and flee as soon as they encounter a human. However, sporting about in an area where you are not at the top of the food chain should give you pause for thought.  Alligators normally do not consider humans prey—but... Bottom line: swim at your own risk.

Terra Firma—On its journey through North Central Florida the Suwannee winds past varied terrain. Please step carefully when paying visits to land.

Your Fellow Paddlers—This is a journey involving many individuals with varying degrees of skill. Space yourselves so that you do not interfere with one another when running shoals or faster water and when maneuvering around strainers.

What to Bring on the Water

1. PFD—every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, ands or buts)
2. Every canoe should have two lines, a bow line and a stern line, each 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that they are readily accessible, but cannot come    loose accidentally. Loose rope increases the risk of entanglement in the event of capsize.  Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
3. An extra throw rope in case of emergencies should be stored safely in each boat.
4. Attach a whistle to your life vest or body to signal for help in case of emergency.
5. A Knife
6. Waterproof matches or other fire source in waterproof covering.
7. First Aid Kit—Each vessel should bring a first aid kit stored inside a waterproof covering.
8. A repair kit—each vessel should be able to make their own repairs (duct tape, sealant, waterproof tape and other materials are recommended)
9. Rain Gear—Be prepared to get wet and potentially cold. Every participant should have access to a lightweight jacket or cover, rain jacket and rain pants in a waterproof covering.
10. Change of Clothes—Be prepared to take an unexpected swim. Every participant should have access to a dry change of clothes kept in a waterproof covering.
11. Appropriate footwear that will protect your feet from unseen underwater hazards and permit you to walk comfortably on land when launching and taking out and in the event that you must exit the Paddle Florida course.
12. Sunscreen—Sunburn might be the trip’s biggest hazard.
13. Water—Drinking water will be readily available along the Paddle Florida route. Bring sufficient water for the day’s paddle for everyone in your boat.
14. Food—There is little access to food along the Paddle Florida route.  Lunch Stops each day are provided to registered participants.   You may also want to bring along your own snacks.
15. Dry Bag or Ziploc—Bring a waterproof bag to protect items you don’t want to get wet.
16. Gloves—A pair of full- or open-finger gloves. Many have found that gloves help prevent chafing and blisters on a long paddle. Your outdoor store can recommend a suitable pair, or you may find that padded bicycling gloves work well, too.

Paddle Florida “Buddy System”
Paddle Florida will rely on the “Buddy System” to ensure that all participants arrive safely at the day’s take-out point. Before each day’s paddle, identify your “buddy boat or boats.” This will be the boat or group of boats with whom you will paddle for the day. The group is responsible for ensuring that no one is left behind. Do not lose sight of your buddy boat or members of your buddy boat group. A sweep boat will bring up the rear of the day’s paddle to further ensure that no one is left behind.

Other Considerations
What do I do if I capsize? On slow moving water, stay with your boat and swim it to shore or shallow water where you can dump the water and right your vessel. It floats even when full with water and can support you if you become tired. Make sure your belongings are secured to your boat to keep from losing them in the event of capsize. Other boats should be around to assist in recovering any belongings and help you right your boat.

In fast-moving water or rapids, get away and upstream from your canoe until you reach slower moving water. Float on your back, feet downstream. Don't try to stand in fast-moving water. Rocks or other objects can trap your feet and the force of the water can hold you under. Moving canoes filled with water can pin or crush paddlers against rocks or trees.

In the event of inclement weather.  If you are on the river during a storm event, take appropriate cover as described above, wait out the storm and continue your journey when it appears safe. Protective facilities along the river for large groups are not available.  Paddle Florida will make every effort to ensure that each day’s paddle is completed in full. However, if all-day dangerous weather is predicted, Paddle Florida will be cancelled for the day. Boats will be shuttled to the day’s next put-in point and participants will be shuttled to the day’s next campsite. Rain alone does not constitute dangerous weather. All participants are expected to paddle rain or shine, or they may make their own arrangements for moving themselves and their boats to the next put-in and campsite. Exceptions may be made for families paddling with small children.
Swimming…Swimming is permitted with PFDs, but of course, swim at your own risk. There are many excellent sandbars and swimming holes along the entire route of Paddle Florida, but cool temperatures may reduce your desire to do so. Water quality on this journey varies due to point and non-point source pollution. Water quality is generally at its least healthy immediately following rain events—this is especially true downstream of urban areas.

Private Property…As you will see, the Suwannee takes you through many a neighbor’s backyard. Private property must be respected. It is illegal to trespass onto someone’s property, and it is an offense that is prosecutable by law. You may not enter someone’s property unless you have first received permission. At least one rest stop, with portable toilet facilities and/or restrooms will be available at some point of each day’s paddle, therefore it is imperative that you make use of bathroom facilities when they are available. If nature calls, please use a camp trowel and cover all human waste appropriately or carry a sealable plastic bag to remove your waste with you.

Communication in the Event of Emergency… Volunteers will carry cell phones to communicate on the river. In the event of an emergency, signal or locate a volunteer, who can communicate with land-based emergency personnel. Cell phone coverage will be available in most locations on the river, but cannot be relied upon as a dependable means of on-river communication.

Universal River Signals…Paddle Florida participants are expected to use universal river signals to communicate with other paddlers. They are as follows:

Stop: Potential Danger Ahead—Form a horizontal bar with your paddle and outstretched arms above you’re a head. Those seeing this signal should pass it back to others in the party. Wait for the “all clear signal” before proceeding.

All Clear—Form a vertical bar with your paddle, raising your arm and paddle above your head. The paddle blade should be turned flat for maximum visibility. This means the trip can proceed.

Directions—To signal direction or preferred course through an obstacle, lower the vertical “all clear” to a 45 degree angle toward the side of the river with the preferred route.

Help/Emergency—Wave paddle over your head and give three long blasts on your whistle. Whistles are best carried attached to your life vest. This means other paddlers should assist the signaler as quickly as possible.

I’m OK—Holding your elbow out to the side, repeatedly pat the top of your head with your hand. This signals that you are not hurt and do not need assistance.  

Paddle Florida Fall 2010 Daily Itinerary

Thursday, October 14
12:30-1:00 p.m. Kick Off Shuttle Loading and Departure – Manatee Springs, Chiefland, Florida
2:00-6:00 p.m. Registration at our booth outside the gate at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak
2:00-6:00 p.m.    Set Up Camp –Designated camping area
12:30-6:00 p.m.   Boat Drop — Suwannee Canoe Outpost, Back Beach
4:00pm               Paddle Workshop – Suwannee River Canoe Outpost
6:30-7:15 p.m.    Kick-Off Dinner – Designated Camping area
7:15-8:30 p.m.    Welcome, Mandatory Pre-launch Briefing, Paddle Florida overview

Friday, October 15
Daybreak             Strike Camp – Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
7:00-8:30 a.m.     Registration – Suwannee Canoe Outpost
7:00-8:00 a.m.     Boat Drop – Suwannee Canoe Outpost, Back Beach
6:30-7:30 a.m.     Breakfast – SOS Café, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
7:00-9:00 a.m.     Launch – Suwannee Canoe Outpost, Back Beach
Mid day                Lunch Stop – Holton Creek River Camp
Afternoon             Set up Camp – Suwannee River State Park
6:30-7:15 p.m.     Dinner – Suwannee River State Park
7:15-7:30 p.m.    Entertainment –  Cheryl Watson and Watertown

Saturday, October 16
Daybreak             Strike Camp – Suwannee River State Park
6:30-7:30 a.m.     Breakfast – Suwannee River State Park
7:00-9:00 a.m.     Launch – Suwannee River State Park
Mid day                Lunch Stop – Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park
Optional Shuttle to Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
At Advent Christian Village there is a grocer for replenishing of supplies, a cafe for a hot meal and a clinic for medical attention if needed.

Afternoon             Set Up Camp – Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
6:30-7:15 p.m.     Dinner – Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
7:15-9:15 p.m.     Entertainment – Tom Shed

Sunday, October 17
Daybreak             Strike Camp – Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
6:30-7:30 a.m.     Breakfast – Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
7:00-9:00 a.m.     Launch – Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Mid day                Lunch Stop – Peacock Slough River Camp
Afternoon             Set up Camp – Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground
6:30-7:15 p.m.     Dinner – Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground
7:15-9:15 p.m.     Entertainment –  Patchwork

Monday, October 18
6:00-9:00 a.m.     Strike Camp – Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground
6:30-7:30 a.m.     Breakfast – Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground
7:00-9:00 a.m.     Launch – Suwanee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground
Mid day                Lunch Stop –  Little River Springs, Suwannee County
Afternoon             Set Up Camp – Ivey Memorial Park, Branford Downtown Close By
6:30-7:15 p.m.     Dinner – Ivey Memorial Park
7:15-9:30 p.m.  Entertainment – TBA

Tuesday, October 19
6:00-9:00 a.m.     Strike Camp – Ivey Memorial Park
6:30-7:30 a.m.     Breakfast – Ivey Memorial Park
7:00 a.m.              Launch – Ivey Memorial Park
Mid day                Lunch Stop –  Ellie Ray’s River Landing
Afternoon             Set up Camp –  Gornto Springs, Dixie County
6:30-7:15 p.m.     Dinner – Gornto Springs
7:15-9:15 p.m.     Entertainment – Big Cypress Bluegrass

Wednesday, October 20
6:00-8:00 a.m.     StrikeCamp – Gornto Springs, Dixie County
6:30-7:30 a.m.     Breakfast – Gornto Springs
7:00 a.m.              Launch –  Gornto Springs
Mid day                Lunch Stop –  Hart Springs, Gilchrist County
Afternoon             Set Up Camp – Fanning Springs State Park
Downtown Close By
6:30-7:15 p.m.     Dinner – Fanning Springs State Park
7:15-7:45 p.m.     Evening Program – Announcements and presentations
7:45 p.m.     Entertainment – Willie Green, Bluesman

 
Thursday, October 21
6:00-9:00 a.m.     Strike Camp – Fanning Springs State Park
6:30-7:30 a.m.     Breakfast – Fanning Springs State Park
7:00-9:00 a.m.     Launch – Fanning Springs State Park
12:30 p.m.            Arrive – Manatee Springs State Park for departure
12:30-1:00 p.m.   Take-Out – End Shuttle Buses and boat transport to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park

Campsite Descriptions

Thursday, October 14, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
Tent camping will be in a designated area of the Park.  The Spirit of the Suwannee Bluegrass Festival will be in progress.  Dinner will take place at our designated camping area and breakfast will be provided by the SOS Café at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Shower and restroom facilities are available in the park adjacent our camping area.
Dinner and Mandatory Paddlers meeting Begin: 6:30 p.m. Evening Program: Welcome, overview, announcements and safety briefing.
Breakfast: 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Friday, October 15, Suwannee River State Park
Tent camping will be available on the bluff at the picnic area, overlooking the majestic Suwannee River.
Dinner & Programs Begin: 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Saturday, October 16, Lafayett Blue Springs State Park
Located in rural Lafayette County, this campsite, like all the rest, is on the historic Suwannee River. Restrooms and showers are located in the park.
Dinner & Programs Begin: 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Sunday, October 17, Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground
Tent camping on the bluff overlooking the river; Shower and restrooms are available on site. There are also opportunities to rent cabins and rooms.
Dinner & Programs Begin: 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Monday, October 18, Ivey Memorial Park, Branford
Tent camping will be on lawns and fields close to downtown Branford.  There will be opportunities for paddlers to restock any provisions here. Showers are not available at this overnight stop. Restrooms will be available at this campsite.
Nearby Amenities: Grocery stores and fast food.
Dinner & Programs Begin: 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Tuesday, October 19, Gornto Springs, Dixie County
Tent Camping at this Dixie County Park and Spring
Dinner & Programs Begin: 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: 6:30-7:30 a.m. Meals served on-site

Wednesday, October 20, Fanning Springs State Park
Tent Camping in front of the stage and adjacent to Wayside Park.  Just across the street is Fort Fanning and downtown is within walking distance.
Nearby Amenities: All amenities are within walking distance of the park.
Dinner Begins: 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Thursday, October 21, Finish at Manatee Springs
You did it!  We will arrive at Manatee Springs and with any luck, will see some Manatees.  Paddlers are welcome to camp at the State Park or shuttle to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, or depart for home.

Driving Directions to Campsites

Just in case you or your family members need them, here are driving directions to our campsites during the week.

Thursday October 14 -Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
From I-10 take Exit 283 north on US 129, approximately 4.5 miles to the Park entrance on the left.  See MapQuest directions and map for directions to all overnight stops.

Friday, October 15, Suwannee River State Park
Suwannee River State Park is located 13 miles west of Live Oak, off U.S. 90.
View Google Map 20185 County Road 132 Live Oak, FL 386-362-2746

Saturday, October 16
Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park (lunch stop and optional shuttle)
From Madison area, drive south on FL 53 past I-10 east and continue 11 mi. on CR 53 to Dowling Park Rd/Co Rd 250. Turn left on Co Rd 136/Dowling Park Drive/Fl-136 Scenic/Newbern Road to the Village, 10676 Marvin Jones Boulevard. Phone: (386) 658-5291 • 1-800-647-3353. View Google Map
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park (day 3 campground)
Lafayette Blue Spring is located 7 miles northwest of Mayo on the west side of the Suwannee River. From Mayo, drive northwest on US 27 for 4.3 miles Turn right on CR 292 and continue for 2.1 miles. Turn east on Blue Springs Road and go 0.2 miles to the park entrance. 799 N.W. Blue Spring Road Mayo, FL 386-294-3667 View Google Map

Sunday, October 17, Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground
828 NE Primrose Rd., Mayo, FL 32066 386-294-2510. From Live Oak take hwy 51 towards Mayo. Go approx 19 miles. When you cross the Suwannee River (steel) bridge take the next left onto Convict Springs Rd/ Hwy 354. Go 5 miles and turn left at the Rendezvous sign, Primrose Rd. Follow dirt road to office. From Mayo take Hwy 27 east toward Branford approx 4.5 mi. Turn left on CR 354 and drive 1.7 mi. to Primrose Rd. View Google Map

Monday, October 18, Ivey Memorial Park, Branford
614 Ivey Memorial Park Drive, Branford, FL. From Mayo (upstream) or High Springs (to the east), take Hwy 27 to Branford.  From Live Oak go south on Hwy 129. From I-75 near Lake City, take SW Branford Rd, Hwy 247 then in Branford, right on Hwy 129. In Branford, park is on the banks of the Suwannee R. at the Hwy 27 bridge. View Google Map

Tuesday, October 19, Gornto Springs, Dixie County
Also known as Guaranto Springs. Take CR 349 north from Old Town, turn right on Rock Sink Church Road (CR 353) and follow it to the end. View Google Map. From Branford, drive 1 mile NW on U.S. 27. Turn left (south) onto SR 349. Drive about 10 miles south and turn left (east) onto Rock Sink Church Road. Drive on (and remain on) main dirt road about 3 miles to the spring.

Wednesday, October 20, Fanning Springs State Park
Fanning Springs State Park is located on U.S. Hwy. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.
View Google Map 18020 N.W. Highway 19 Fanning Springs, FL 352-463-3420

Thursday, October 21, Finish at Manatee Springs
Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.
View Google Map 11650 N.W. 115th St. Chiefland, FL 352-493-6072

Kick-Off & River’s End Shuttle Info & Registration Form

Use this form to register for one of Paddle Florida’s two participant and boat shuttles for thru-paddlers. Please select only one of these shuttles. If you do not choose to utilize one of these shuttles, you are responsible for making your own arrangements for transport of your body and boat.

October 15 (Kick-Off Day Shuttle) the day prior to Paddle Florida’s launch day
October 22 (River’s End Shuttle), the day following completion of Paddle Florida.

Cost: $25 per person and $25 per boat ($50)

To register: Fill out and detach the registration form and return with $50 per boat and person.  Please make check payable to Paddle Florida.

Kick-Off day Shuttle
Participants choosing this option will, on October 15, drive themselves, their boats and their gear to Manatee Springs State Park and park their vehicles in the assigned area there.  A bus will pick up participants while boats are loaded onto a truck. Boats will be transported to our October 15 Suwannee River launch site behind the Suwannee Canoe Outpost on the back beach, where they will be left overnight under secure conditions. Participants will be transported to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park where they may register, set up camp and meet other participants. On October 21, at the end of the journey, participants may retrieve their cars from the Manatee Springs State Park parking lot.
The Kick-Off Day Shuttle leaves from the parking area at Manatee Springs State Park at 1 p.m. on October 14 and arrives at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park at approximately 3:30 p.m. Participants should be at Manatee Springs State Park, no later than 12:30 p.m. to begin loading boats and camp gear.

Park in the lot adjacent to the camping area on your left.

River’s End Shuttle
Participants choosing this option will first drive their boats to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on October 14 or the morning of October 15. They will drop their boats at the back beach behind the Suwannee Canoe Outpost and then drive their vehicles and gear to the designated campsite (note: before we leave in the morning, vehicles must be parked outside the gate of the park, details will provided on site). If arriving on the morning of October 15, they will drop boats at the back beach behind the Suwannee Canoe Outpost , place camping gear on the Paddle Florida supply truck and then put in for the first day’s paddle.  At 1 p.m. on October 21, after the morning paddle on the last day, a bus will pick up participants while their boats are loaded onto our truck. Both boats and participants will then be transported to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park where participants may retrieve their vehicles and load their boats for the journey home. All boats must be dropped at the Suwannee Canoe Outpost back beach (launch site) by 6 p.m. on October 14 or between 7 and 8 a.m. on October 15.
The River’s End Shuttle will leave Manatee Springs State Park on October 21 at 1 p.m. and arrive at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Directions to the Suwannee Canoe Outpost Launch Site: From I-10 at Exit 283, go north on US 129 approximately 4.5 miles to the Park entrance on the left.

Directions to Manatee Springs State Park:  From US 19 go west on FL 320.  The state park is 6 miles ahead.

Kick-off Day Shuttle
# of Participants______ x $25
# of Boats  __________ x $25                               TOTAL____________                    

Names of Participants taking this shuttle:
__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________  _________________________________

1st Boat Make__________________Model_____________Color__________Length_________

2nd Boat Make__________________Model_____________Color__________Length_________

River’s End Shuttle
# of Participants______ x $25
# of Boats __________  x $25                               TOTAL______________                 

Names of Participants taking this shuttle:
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________

1st Boat Make__________________Model_____________Color__________Length_________

2nd Boat Make__________________Model_____________Color__________Length_________

Fill it out and return with payment to Paddle Florida, P.O. Box 5953,
Gainesville, FL 32627 ASAP. Make check payable to Paddle Florida.

Paddle Florida Fall 2010 Breakfast/Dinner Registration Sheet

If you did not purchase the Full Meal Deal, please return this form to Paddle Florida with payment.
Please fill out one sheet for each individual in your party

Name:____________________________________________

PURCHASED THE FULL MEAL DEAL ALREADY?   You do not need to fill out this form if you have already purchased the Full Meal Deal.

You will need to fill out this form to order additional meals for guests joining you for the Kick Off Dinner on October 15.

Please make check payable to Paddle Florida and return to P.O. Box 5953, Gainesville, FL 32627 ASAP. If you choose not to register for meals, you are responsible for providing your own meals.

Kick-off Dinner: We invite all Paddle Florida participants to join us for the Kick-Off Dinner at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Dinner will be served at the campsite.  An overview of the week’s activities, a safety procedure briefing and other special items will also be included in the evening’s program.  Breakfast will be served at the SOS Café in the morning before we launch.

***Kick-off Dinner and River’s End Lunch are free to thru-paddlers. Guests and day paddlers must purchase these meals.

Other Meal Considerations

Assorted fruits, drinks and snacks will be served at each lunch stop during the day.  All you can eat.

Paddle Florida encourages you to take advantage of the Paddle Florida Full Meal Deal. However, there are two sites where there will be opportunities for participants to purchase their own provisions nearby (Branford and Fanning Springs).  Please see “Campsite Descriptions” for a listing of nearby amenities for these campsites.
You may supply your own meals, but you will save time and energy by taking advantage of the Full Meal Deal.

Paddling Workshop Info & Registration Form

A basic paddling skills workshop will be held Thursday, October 14
behind the Suwannee Canoe Outpost on the back beach at 4 p.m.

This workshop is free for interested Paddle Florida participants and is designed for beginning paddlers and novices wishing to brush up on their paddling skills before the big event. The workshop will be taught by instructors from the Suwannee Canoe Outpost.  The workshop will cover basic paddling strokes and boating safety.
Everyone participating should bring a boat, paddles, personal flotation device for each participant in your party, a whistle or other emergency sounding device, and proper fitting shoes that will not come off in the water.

Participants should begin arriving at the workshop site at 3:30 p.m. to complete registration and prepare boats. The workshop will begin at 4 p.m. Please be prompt!
To sign up for the workshop, please fill out the registration form below and return to Paddle Florida ASAP. Paddle Florida, P.O. Box 5953, Gainesville, FL 32627

Name:________________________________

E-Mail:____________________________

Address:_____________________________________

City/State/Zip________________

#of Individuals Participating: ___________ # of Boats: _______________

Phone #: ___________________