🌴Suncoast Outdoors🥾

This is a short 5.5 mile hike for people who are not quite ready for the longer hikes, plus it's hot now and we shorten hikes anyway. Or maybe you just want to get out and walk and talk with new people.

All the hikes are weather permitting, I will inform everyone of a cancelation the day before the event or earlier if possible, if bad weather is forecasted, we just can't control the weather... yet.

Let's meet in the parking lot near the pay station. We will walk by the river up and over the dam then through the bike/hike path, then get a little vitamin D along the shell elevated road to Bayshore path, then back to the parking lot. This should be 5.5 mile-ish.

You can do a 4 mile hike if you need to leave early, because we will pass near the parking lot at 4 miles.

Bring water or other hydration, snacks, whatever personal items needed.

Warning!! Lots of mosquitos in the wooded areas this time of year.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

Please read full event description before signing up.

BYOK only. Welcome to 17 Runs! It was infamous, notorious as one of the most challenging river sections in the south. This was due to the many obstacles, portages, side creeks, & strong currents. But now that has all changed. Earlier this year the state cleared the whole river, including 17 Runs. Now, as far as difficulty. It's not much different than paddling the lower sections of the river, like Trout Creek & Morris Bridge. This section is gorgeous, enchanting and surreal. Plenty of wildlife. There are a few twists, turns and sections of stronger river flow to keep you on your toes. So, come join me on this out and back paddle totaling 9 miles. This is a casual, relaxed paddle and ending time is an approximate. If you're in a hurry or on a time constraint. This paddle is not for you.

Skill Level for Event: Intermediate due to upriver current, some tight maneuvering, & distance (see below).

Skill Level Definitions (Florida Paddling Trail Association)

Beginner: New to paddling and may need tips and or instructions about paddling strokes, safety procedures and entering/exiting kayaks. Comfortable on short trips of 1 to 3 miles on protected waters, when wind does not exceed 5 mph.
Novice: Paddlers acquainted with basic paddle stokes and can manage kayak handling independently in winds not exceeding 10 mph on protected waters. Comfortable on trips up to 6 miles.
Intermediate: Paddlers with experience in basic strokes and some experience on different venues, including some open water. Comfortable on trip distances of 6 to 10 miles, winds not exceeding 15 mph.
Advanced: Seasoned paddlers who possess skills and experience to paddle all venues and conditions. Experienced in self-rescues. Should be comfortable paddling more than 10 miles in a day.

Paddlers should have all proper safety equipment and check conditions before departure. All paddlers should always wear PFDs while on the water and leave a float plan. There are inherent dangers in any paddle sport. There are special hazards along the Florida coast due to shifting tides, changing wind and weather, shallow waters, and treacherous bottoms with soft mud, rocks, and oyster bars.
It is up to each paddler to be aware of these dangers, to accept and be prepared for the risks involved, and to be certain they have the skills to safely paddle in these conditions.

Launch: We will meet at John B Sargeant Park's designated kayak launch. Which has both a floating dock and an improved riverbank launch. The park opens at 8am, has a $2.00 daily parking fee or use an annual Hillsborough County Parks Annual Pass. There are restrooms available. There is a short portage to the launch so wheels can be helpful.

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles right at 9am so please arrive in enough time to prepare your gear. From John B Sargeant Park, we'll paddle upriver to Dead River Park for a break before returning back downriver to where we started. At Dead River, this will more than likely be a floating break for most folks as there is only a very small landing area. It is approximately 4.50 miles each way for a roundtrip of 9 miles. Ideally, on our return, we should let the current float us back downriver and enjoy the scenery, tranquility and wildlife. It is almost certain that you will see gators. Give them space and they'll do the same.

Items that you may want to bring: Please have plenty of hydration, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, closed toe water shoes and anything that will make you comfortable for a day on the river.

Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any cancellations or updates. On day of the event, feel free to text or call: 813-442-1615.

This is not a professional tour nor am I a professional guide.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.
If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

Please read the entire writeup before signing up.
Day of event April @ 813-486-3713

Let's cycle the Withlacoochee State Trail. This will be 10 miles out and back for a total of 20 miles approximately.

We will meet at Owensboro Trailhead at 8:30 am. and hit the trail as soon as we can. The trailhead has no facilities. We will be riding north on the Withlacoochee State Trail, and climb the bridge over SR50 (Cortez) at 5 miles we will reach the Ridge Manor Trailhead and make a very quick stop for those that need to use the facilities. There is a water bottle filler here as well. We will continue riding until we reach the intersection of the Good Neighbor Trail and take our break before turning around and heading back to the Owensboro trailhead. This section has a few small road crossings. But please check for oncoming traffic before crossing. One of the road crossings has a bit of a curve, so it's hard to see, so be aware.

Please come prepared and ready to ride. Helmets are suggested. All bicycles and riders are welcome. But you must be able to complete 21 miles. Additionally, your bicycle must be in good working order, and tires inflated to the required tire pressure before you arrive. Tires lose tire pressure. Do NOT count on the air pressure. Check your air pressure before arriving at the trailhead.

There is no water on the trail only at the Ridge Manor trailhead. Bring water, snacks, and fuel. If you do not have water with you, you will not be riding with the group. Water is a requirement! If I don't see water, I will, respectively, ask you not to participate. Thanks for your understanding.

The bike must be ready to ride
Tires are inflated before we start
Water is required
You must be able to ride 21 miles (average speed 10-12 mph)

Helmets Required!

NOTICE: When you ride with Suncoast Outdoors of Tampa, Florida, you understand and agree that you ride at your own risk to your person and property.

I'm going for an Early Morning RELAXED Paddle and Beach Day if anyone wants to join me. It's a play day.

We will meet at the kayak launch at 6:15am and launch at 6:30am sharp. Please be there early enough to unload. There are no kayak rentals at that time.

I will have a YELLOW HARD HAT on my car or kayak to find me.

From there we will be paddle to the New Pass before all the boaters and kayak rentals come. We'll go for a swim and take a walk on the new beaches to look for the pretties' seashells. Once we have had enough of the Beach time, we will head out for a paddle around the intercoastal.

If you decide to come, just go with the flow and follow me. If you are in a hurry to get this event over with, this event is not for you.

If anybody wants to go eat after the paddle, there is Turtle Beach Restaurant across the street from the kayak launch.

This is for experience paddlers only.

What to bring: Lots of water, kayak wheels, lead line, snorkel gear, snack or lunch and everything else you should know what to bring as experienced paddlers.

No pet, kids, smoking, guest or plus one. Please refrain from talking about politics or religion on my events.
There is bathroom at the kayak launch.

If you have any question, please text me with your name and question and I will get back to you as soon as possible. 941-993-5752

PLEASE READ:

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees. drowning