Happy New Year to you! We hope you had a wonderful holiday.

Our 2025–2026 Season is SOLD OUT (except for a couple of spots on our Suwannee River Wilderness Trail trip). As we start 2026, we would like to take a moment and acknowledge everyone who helps to make these trips possible for our paddlers.

THANK YOU to the paddlers, volunteers, musicians, guest speakers, caterers, and state park staff who help make our trips such an enjoyable experience. A successful trip is a team effort.

As we head into 2026, we would like to share a quote from Brianna Wiest's new book, Great Callings. "It's doing, not thinking about doing, that creates a life well lived. If you want your life to be different, do differently."

We are headed to the Florida Keys next and always enjoy having Bill & Mary Burnham (Burnham Guides) join us. It is always better with them there. We will circle back with our trip report next month.

Our 2026-2027 season is announced on May 1st and begins with our 100th multi-day trip. We are planning a great extravaganza in November 2026 and hope to see you there. The drawing for our 2025-2026 kayak raffle will be held on the last day of our 100th trip.

"Happiness is being in the midst of an adventure, when past and future are irrelevant and there is only now." – Frank Wolf, adventurer and filmmaker

Located at the southern tip of Florida, the Everglades comprise a mosaic of marshes, prairies, forests, mangroves, and estuaries that support rich biodiversity. Fresh water flows south from Lake Okeechobee and eventually mixes with fluctuating tides of salt water in the mangrove estuaries of Florida Bay. This enables saltwater-tolerant species to live side by side with freshwater species. Situated at the interface of temperate and sub-tropical climates, the Everglades host a diversity of species at the boundaries of their ranges. The Everglades are an important cultural resource as well, with nearly 15,000 years of human history. The Calusa and Tequesta Tribes lived in the area prior to colonization. The Miccosukee Tribes of Indians of Florida and the Seminole are active in the region today. 

The Everglades are home to rich biodiversity, including dozens of threatened and endangered species. Some species in the Everglades, such as the Cape Sable seaside sparrow and the Florida leafwing butterfly, are found nowhere else. […Read More…]

As kayakers, we hold a paddle in one hand and a responsibility in the other. Florida's waterways, with their tranquil beauty and diverse ecosystems, rely on our collective commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable practices. As we explore this paradise, our awareness and actions are crucial in preserving its magic for future generations.

The tenet of 'leave no trace' is more than a guideline; it is a pledge to honor, respect, and care for the wild spaces we enjoy. This principle calls for meticulous preservation of the environment, ensuring that we leave the waterways as pristine as we found them, if not better. It begins with planning and preparation. Understanding and respecting the natural environment and its inhabitants is key. This means staying informed about the local flora and fauna, as well as any regulations or special considerations that apply to the area you're paddling in.

When it comes to the practicalities of 'leave no trace' kayaking, the measures are simple yet significant. Dispose of waste properly by packing out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Even biodegradable items, such as food scraps, can affect water quality and wildlife behaviors. To avoid contamination, be sure to use eco-friendly products, such as biodegradable soap when washing equipment or yourself, and avoid spilling oils or fuels in the water. […Read More …]

On October 23, the Newman Branch Creek Living Shoreline/Tidal Creek Restoration project was honored as an Outstanding Contribution to the Community at the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission’s 43rd Annual Planning & Design Awards.

The project literally “shored up” 575 linear feet of steep banks to prevent additional erosion and created a new tidal creek system to provide habitat for fish and oyster colonization.

“The creek and the adjacent land provide cover and foraging areas for oysters, many species of wading birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals,” said Stanley Kroh, senior manager of land and stewardship programs for Tampa Electric. “The new creek is also open to kayakers, who’ll get a new and unique perspective.” […Read More…]

How To: Stay Legal when Paddling

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