Paddle Florida Mission Statement, General Policies
and
Registration Logistics
Mission - General Policies - Registration - Safety - Itinerary - Campsites - Shuttle - Menus - Workshop
Paddle Florida is a multi-day 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
on Florida's waterways.
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.
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 can feel 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 for the possibility of 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 an optional end-of-trip shuttle
back to the starting point at a reasonable additional
fee. Paddlers who choose to make other arrangements
must do so at their own expense.
Directions to the Ft Meade Launch
Site
Tampa area: From I-75 at Exit 240A near Ruskin and
drive east on SR 674. At FL/SR 37 turn left and in
approx 3 mi turn right on SR 630 to Fort Meade. In
Fort Meade SR 630 becomes FL 700/US 98 toward Frostproof.
Entrance to the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
is on the right about 1.5 miles east of town.
Orlando area: From I-4 westbound, take exit 48, SR 557, toward Lake Alfred/Winter Haven. Stay on SR 557 to US 92. Turn right on US 92 then left on US 17 to Bartow. Continue on US 17/US 98/FL 700 to Fort Meade and turn left on Broadway St to stay on US 98/FL 700 toward Frostproof. Entrance to the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area is on the right about 1.5 miles east of town.
Fort Myers area: Drive north on I-75 to US 17 north in Punta Gorda. Follow US 17 to Fort Meade and turn right on Broadway St, US 98/FL 700, toward Frostproof. Entrance to the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area is on the right about 1.5 miles east of town.
Southeast Florida area: Exit the Florida Turnpike at Yeehaw Junction, heading northwest on SR 60. At Indian Lake Estates (about 13.5 miles) turn left on County Rd 630E toward Frostproof. East of Frostproof go left (heading south) to stay on CR 630 then turn right at Fort Meade Road. At US 27, Fort Meade Road also becomes FL 700/US 98 to Fort Meade. Entrance to the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area is on the left about 13 miles.
Program your own directions: Entrance to the road leading to the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area is at approximately "1376 Frostproof Hwy, Fort Meade, FL 33841."
All participants will register on arrival at the Ft. Meade Recreation Area. Upon registration, you will receive your registration packet, which includes items like your Paddle Florida T-shirt and your on-river maps.
Registration Times: February 17, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Follow the signs to the Paddle Florida registration tent. Vehicles will be left at the park during your weekend on the Peace River.
Boat Drop Off Times: February 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.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 at any of Paddle Florida's events.
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. 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 may be
occasional areas of “fast” water along the route.
Weather
Average High Temperature in Fort Meade: 72 F; Average
Low Temperature: 49 F
Average February Rainfall around Fort Meade: 1.5
inches; Chance of Sunshine: 80 percent
Thunderstorms and high winds are a possibility any
time of year in 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 Peace is not a cold river (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 Peace 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 Florida the Peace winds past varied terrain. Please step carefully when paying visits to land. Observe and obey the "No Tresspassing" signs on private property.
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
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 should float 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 Peace 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. Otherwise, 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 Peace River 2011 Daily Itinerary
Friday,
February 17
1:00-5:00 p.m. Registration –
Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation
Area, Fort Meade, Florida
1:00-5:30 p.m. Set Up Camp –Designated
camping area
5:30-6:00 p.m. Trip Review — Camping
area
6:00-7:15 p.m. Kick-Off Dinner –
7:15-8:30 p.m. Evening Program –
Saturday,
February 18
Daybreak Strike
Camp – Fort Meade Outdoor
Recreation Area
7:00-8:00 a.m. Breakfast –
7:00-9:00 a.m. Launch – Camping
area
Mid day Lunch Stop –
Along the Peace River
Afternoon Set up Camp – Paynes
Creek State Historic Site, Bowling Green
6:00-7:15 p.m. Dinner –
7:30 p.m. Evening Program –
Sunday,
February 19
Daybreak Strike Camp –
Paynes Creek State Historic Site
7:00-8:00 a.m. Breakfast –
7:00-9:00 a.m. Launch – Camping
area
Mid day Lunch Stop – Along
the Peace River
Afternoon Set Up Camp – Pioneer
Park, Zolfo Springs
6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Entertainment –
Monday,
February 20
Daybreak Strike Camp –
Pioneer Park
7:00-8:00 a.m. Breakfast –
7:00-9:00 a.m. Launch – Camping
area :
Mid day Lunch Stop – Along
the Peace River
Afternoon Destination – Gardner
Boat Ramp, U.S Hwy 17, north of Arcadia, Florida
Afternoon Shuttle to Fort Meade –
Paddlers and boats
Afternoon Final Gathering, Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
Friday,
February 17, Fort
Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
Tent camping will be in a designated area of the
Park. Shower and restroom facilities are available
in the park adjacent our camping area.
Mandatory Paddlers meeting and
dinner Begin: 6:00
p.m. Evening Program: Welcome, overview,
announcements and safety briefing.
Saturday,
February 18, Paynes
Creek State Historic Site
Tent camping will be available at the picnic area. Dinner & Programs Begin: 6:00 p.m.
Breakfast: 7:00-8:00
a.m.
Sunday,
February 19, Pioneer
Park, Zolfo Springs
Restrooms and showers are located in the park.
Dinner & Programs Begin: 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: 7:00-8:00
a.m.
Monday,
February 20, Gardner
Boat Ramp, U.S. Hwy 17, north of Arcadia, Fl
Destination take-out. Transportation for boats
and paddlers back to Fort Meade is available for
a reasonable fee.
Driving Directions to Campsites
Just in case you or your family members need them, here are driving directions to our campsites during the week.
Friday,
February 17, Fort
Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
Recreation area is approximately 1.5 miles east
of Fort Meade on the Frostproof Hwy (US 90/FL 700),
or 17.5 miles west of Frostproof on the Fort Meade
Hwy (CR 630/FL 700/US 98).
Saturday,
February 18, Paynes
Creek Historic State Park
State Park is located 10 miles south of Fort Meade,
off U.S. 17, near Bowling Green.
View Larger Map
Sunday,
February 19, Pioneer Park, Zolfo
Springs
In Zolfo Springs near the intersection of US 17
and SR 64. From US 17, turn onto Wilbur C. King Blvd.
From SR 64, use Pioneer Blvd. or Museum Dr.
View Larger Map
Monday,
February 20, Gardner
Boat Ramp, Gardner
Take US 17 south from Zolfo Springs. At about 11
miles, turn right on River Road in Gardner, heading
toward the Peace River Gardner boat ramp.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map