Place-based Learning in the Great Outdoors ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

View in Browser

April 2026 ~ Volume 203

Inspiring. Meaningful. Adventure.

 

Place-based Learning in the Great Outdoors

Image credit: Shirley Kasser Creech

Suwannee River Magic: Low Water, High Spirits

Hello Paddlers!

We’ve just returned from our journey down the historic Suwannee River, and what a trip it was! While the river gave us lower water levels than usual this year, our paddlers brought enough enthusiasm to keep us floating high. The lower water revealed the river’s hidden character, exposing beautiful limestone shoals that kept us on our toes (and our paddles!) and highlighting the crystal-clear clarity of the many springs we visited along the way. From the first magnitude wonders to the smaller, hidden gems tucked into the banks, the "spring-hopping" was truly world-class.

Nature certainly smiled upon us with excellent weather—cool mornings under the stars and sunny afternoons that made every mile a pleasure. We were treated to several fly-overs by beautiful swallow-tailed kites. But as always, the real magic happened when the sun went down. Our campfires were brought to life by the incredible talents of our guest speakers and musicians, whose stories and songs echoed perfectly off the river bluffs. And let’s not forget the food! Our catering team outdid themselves, keeping us fueled and happy with hearty, delicious meals that made "glamping" on the river feel like a five-star experience.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for making this trip so memorable. There is truly nothing like the camaraderie of the Paddle Florida family.

Looking Ahead: 2026-2027 Season

We know many of you are already looking for your next great Florida adventure. While our current season is still in full swing, our team has been working behind the scenes to map out an incredible lineup for next year.

Mark your calendars: The official 2026-2027 Season Schedule will be released in our May 1st newsletter! We’ll be returning to some beloved classics and maybe even introducing a few surprises that will take you to corners of Florida’s waterways you’ve never seen. You won't want to miss the announcement, as these trips tend to fill up fast!

Keep reading for stories about the beautiful St. Augustine and the St. Johns Water Management District, home for our April trip.

Keep your paddles wet and your eyes on the horizon!

 

2025-2026 Paddle Florida Season - SOLD OUT!

Santa Fe Springs Celebration - 3 nights of optional cabins! - Our 94th multi-day trip! - SOLD OUT!

November 3-8, 2025

Come celebrate one of Florida's prettiest rivers, called "Holy Faith" by the Spanish, which lives up to its name with its quiet beauty. The Santa Fe boasts dozens of significant springs, including the celebrated paddleable Santa Fe tributary, the Ichetucknee River.

———————————-

Florida Keys Challenge - Base Camp Cabins - Our 95th multi-day trip! - SOLD OUT!

January 12-18, 2026

Join us for a cold weather escape as we paddle the Florida Keys and explore some of the most beautiful turquoise waters in the State of Florida! This year’s trip includes both short and long paddling options, from our basecamp each day, and an educational component provided by Seacamp Association, Inc. From our homebase cabins at Seacamp Association, we will enjoy glorious sunrise and sunsets, and paddle out to explore the area each day. This is a spectacular location for us to call home during our visit to the Keys! Nature beckons you as you cross paths with Key deer, sea turtles, dolphins, and egrets. You will make memories grounded in nature, with an eco-friendly Florida charm in an area that is known as a paddling destination.

———————————-

Rivers Exploration - Blackwater River & Coldwater Creek - 1 night of optional cabins! - Our 96th multi-day trip! - SOLD OUT!

February 16-22, 2026

The Blackwater River in Florida, particularly within Blackwater River State Park, is known for its unique contrast of dark, tannic water with pristine, white sandy beaches and large sandbars, making it a popular spot for swimming, paddling, and hiking. Coldwater Creek, a major tributary of the Blackwater River, also features sandy bottoms and broad sandbars, offering a similar experience for paddlers. Join us as we explore these riverways and Blackwater River State Forest close to Pensacola!

———————————-

Suwannee River Paddling Festival - Our 97th Multi-day trip! - SOLD OUT!

March 20-22, 2026

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 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.

———————————-

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail - Our 98th Multi-day trip! - SOLD OUT!

March 20-25, 2026

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.

———————————-

NEW - St. Augustine History Paddle - Our 99th multi-day trip! - SOLD OUT!

April 20-26, 2026

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find much to appreciate on Florida’s Historic Coast. With miles of protected water, and current and tidal flow to help in any direction, we will paddle to historic sites including downtown Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions, Fort Mose, Fort Matanzas National Monument and the St Augustine Lighthouse. Our home base for this historic adventure will be at Anastasia State park, where you can explore Anastasia’s four miles of pristine beach in this idyllic location renowned for gorgeous white sand, the park is also rich in both sea and wildlife.

 REGISTER FOR TRIPS HERE 
 

News Articles of Interest

Read Bringing Back our Coastal Wetlands

Image credit: St Johns River Management District

Shaped by tides, coastal wetlands of the South Atlantic have impacts that extend far beyond their footprint. Like a ribbon along the coastline, wetlands mark a transition between the land and the sea. The ecosystem services they provide — from supporting fisheries to capturing carbon—yield far-reaching benefits for people and the environment.

Among their many ecosystem services, coastal wetlands provide a habitat for wildlife, filter out pollutants that can degrade water quality, and lessen impacts from severe weather. By dampening wave energy and absorbing floodwater, these wetlands buffer coastal communities and critical infrastructure. […Read More…]

 

Read about Planning focuses St. Johns River Water Management District’s work

As part of its work to protect water resources, the St. Johns River Water Management District prepares a variety of plans and reports. Each plan or report is developed to address or evaluate specific District responsibilities. Plans are updated as needed and are in compliance with Florida laws. […Read More …]

 

Check out the Wildlife of the St. Johns River

Image Credit: St. Johns Historical Society

 

How To: Guide to Navigating Florida Inlets and Water Channels

Click here for more

 

Support Paddle Florida

Paddler Raffle To Help Protect Florida's Waterways

PRIZE PACKAGE: $3,000 VALUE

Tickets available here!

 

Donate. Introducing our NEW Long Sleeve Dri-fit Shirt, available in women's v-neck, unisex crew or hoodie. Support Paddle Florida by purchasing one of our NEW Paddle Florida Dri-fit shirts for $40 (add $10 to have it shipped to you), or we can bring it to you on your next trip! Donate online here or mail a check to Paddle Florida, PO Box 840205, St Augustine FL 32080. In appreciation of your donation, you will receive a special gift!

 

Advertise With Us. You can reach over 7,500 monthly subscribers for $75/month, or get two months free by promoting your paddling-oriented product or service over 12 months for $750! Contact us here for details. (Subscriber number updated annually on January 1st)

 

Paddle Florida, Inc., PO Box 840205, St Augustine FL 32080, USA

Powered by Squarespace

Unsubscribe