Apalachee Canoe & Kayak Club (ACKC)

Links:
Here is the link to the online insurance waiver: https://tinyurl.com/ACKCWaiver
This waiver covers the individual for all club activities for the current year 2025 as a dues-paying member. If you have yet to pay dues for the current year, then the coverage only serves the individual for two (2) club events as a "Club Guest".
If you want to join the ACKC, membership dues are $20.00 for the year. You may pay member dues online here: ACKC Annual Dues.

🛶 Paddle craft can be rented from either of two local outfitters -
🚣🏻‍♂️ https://www.wacissariverrentals.com/ (850) 766-1250 (Jessie will bring your boat directly to the launch at the park).
🚣🏼‍♀️http://wacissarivercanoerentals.com/ (850) 997-5023

IMPORTANT: If you are renting a paddle craft please do so ahead of time so that you can launch with our group at 5:30PM

RSVP and let the adventure commence! 🚣‍♂️✨

WEATHER STATEMENT: Paddling is a water sport but is NOT a lighting sport.
Spotty showers are typical as we move into the summer. We will be meeting as planned even is there is rain forecast. We will not be on the water in the event of lighting. If there is significant weather in our area, the paddle will be called off by 4:30 PM (by way of Meetup message and email to ACKC Club Members).

The Apalachee Canoe & Kayak Club is sponsoring a Tuesday, June 3rd paddle on the Ochlockonee River. Embark on a serene paddling journey down the Ochlockonee River, beginning at Highway 90 and winding your way to Coe Landing on Lake Talquin. This stretch of waterway offers a mix of scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and tranquil paddling through Florida’s lush natural environment.
The Ochlockonee is home to a variety of wildlife, so keep an eye out for graceful herons, egrets, playful otters, and the elusive alligator. Ospreys and bald eagles often soar overhead, searching for fish in the river’s waters, while turtles will bask on stickups.
As you approach Lake Talquin, the river widens, opportunities to spot waterfowl gliding across the surface. Whether you're here for adventure or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, this paddle promises a relaxing experience in the heart of North Florida’s wild.
a. If you are not currently a club member, you can attend up to two (2) club events as a "Club Guest" before joining. If you want to join the ACKC, you may pay member dues online here: Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club, Inc .
b. All Paddlers must have completed the ACKC Insurance Waiver for 2025. Link to the online insurance waiver: https://tinyurl.com/ACKCWaiver which you can sign on line or print out, sign and bring to the paddle. This waiver covers the individual for all club activities for the current year 2025.
c. While we can accommodate paddlers of various skill levels, this is not a teaching event. If you are very new to paddling and unsure of your capabilities, please plan to attend one of our nearly weekly on the water teaching events which are also advertised on Meetup.
d. Adults 18 and older are invited to join this trip but no pets or children are allowed.
e. You must provide your own equipment: non-motorize canoe or kayak and paddle and legally required life jacket (PFD) and whistle. If you do not have all required equipment or have not signed the waiver, you will not be able to join the trip.
f. You should be physically capable of completing the trip unassisted.
g. If you have any questions, send via Meetup Messaging to the trip organizer. If you sign up to attend but later decide to cancel, please do so on Meetup as soon as possible.
TRIP: Hwy 90 down Ochlockonee River to take out at Coe landing at east end of Lake Talquin (7mi total)

1. This paddle requires a shuttle so paddlers will meet at the launch site where Hwy 90 crosses the Ochlockonee west of Tallahassee. Paddlers must be willing to assist with the vehicle shuttle as requested by the trip leader. The launch landing is west of the bridge with parking area on the south side of 90.
2. Due to shuttle requirement paddlers must be at launch site with boats unloaded and staged for launch by 9AM. Shuttle will commence at 9AM. Shuttle of vehicles is distance of 7mi one way.
3. With this schedule the launch is expected before 9:30AM for 3hr, 7mi paddle. Arrival at Coe Landing should easily occur before 12:30PM getting us off of the water before the hottest part of the day and potential summer afternoon storms.
4. There are no planned stops along the way.
5. No restroom is available at launch but there are restrooms at Coe Landing.
6. Current on river is expected to be low to nonexistent for majority of trip. Almost no development exists along the route. The river braids several miles from the launch into marshy area and no obstructions are expected. There is about one mile of open lake before arriving at Coe Landing.
7. Weather is expected to be hot and humid with lots of sun so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Insect repellent not expected to be necessary but recommended to carry.
8. Minimal motor boat traffic is expected. However, some waves due to boat traffic and/or wind may occur.
9. Bring a lunch. We can eat together at the covered pavilion at Coe Landing after the paddle.
   📑 REMINDERS: All Paddlers must have completed the ACKC Insurance Waiver for 2025. To be fair to your fellow paddlers, boats must be unloaded and staged for launch by 9AM.
   WEATHER STATEMENT: We want everyone to enjoy the paddle but we all must be mindful of the weather. Paddling is a water sport and NOT a lightning dodging sport.
   Rain and even thunder storms are typical as we move into the summer. We will be meeting as planned even if there is spotty or light rain forecast. We will NOT launch if there is lightning or the threat thereof during the planned trip. If severe weather is forecast as likely, the paddle will be called off by the trip leader at least two hours prior (by way of Meetup message and email to ACKC Club Members). All paddlers should use their own judgement and accept personal responsibility as to weather hazards at the time of the launch.
   SHUTTLE EXPLANATION/DESCRIPTION: After all boats and equipment are unloaded at the launch location, at least one paddler will remain with the equipment while the remainder of paddlers will drive their vehicles to the takeout. One or more shuttle vehicles will load all of these paddlers for transport back to the launch site. At the end of the paddle, the shuttle paddlers who have left their vehicles at the launch will be transported back. If possible, their equipment will be either transported to the launch site with them or they may need to drive back to the takeout to retrieve.

• June 18th Reception
• Location: Lake Jackson Community Center
• 3840 N Monroe St APT 301, Tallahassee, FL 32303
• The doors open to the public at 5 PM, with a “Celebrate 50 years of ACKC” presentation and special recognitions starting at 6:30 PM. This is a drop-in open house event with refreshments and a short presentation. Displays with photos and storyboards showing the club’s history, and a large screen slideshow of past adventures.
• Paddling down memory streams! Retrace classic routes with experienced guides while learning about the club’s early days, including stories from founding members and notable past expeditions.
• Paddles: Weekly paddles throughout June 2025. TBD at a later date. Watch our Meetup page for a listing as June gets closer. Click or scan the QR code for more information. https://tinyurl.com/ACKC-Meetup

  

• Thursday Night Paddle Series, throughout the month. Click or scan the QR code for more information. https://tinyurl.com/TNPS2025

  

• The Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC) will hold workshops in June on water safety, conservation, and paddling skills for all levels, from beginners to advanced.

"Reaching 50 years is a big achievement that shows our members' commitment and passion," said Ron Saff, President of ACKC. "We are excited to celebrate our history and motivate the next generation of paddlers."

The ACKC Jubilee events will happen at different places in the region. For more details, including dates, times, and how to register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/ACKC-Meetup or contact ackc.club@gmail.com.

About the Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club: Founded in 1975, ACKC is a not-for-profit group that promotes paddle sports, environmental awareness, and community engagement. The club offers opportunities for skill development, recreational paddling, and conservation advocacy, serving both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Additionally, ACKC collaborates with local schools and organizations to enhance accessibility and raise awareness of paddle sports.

We hope you will join us for some or all of our 50 year Jubilee Anniversary celebration of the founding of the Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club. Please sign up on Meetup if you will be joining us on June 18 so we can get an accurate headcount for our food purchases.