What we’re about
The Apalachee Canoe & Kayak Club is for anyone interested in canoeing and kayaking in the North Florida Panhandle. The club was organized in the 1970s by local paddlers who got together to enjoy the many paddling opportunities in the North Florida panhandle. We hold monthly meetings with related programs and discussions on past and future paddling events. This club has a deep bench of experience and knowledge. If you are new to paddling and are looking for advice - the ACKC has you covered. Suppose you are experienced and are just looking for peeps to paddle with - we gotcha. All skill levels are welcome.
Some of our favorite local rivers are listed here. Sopchoppy, Chipola, Upper Ochlockonee, Upper St. Marks, Aucilla River, Wacissa River, Omussee Creek - Alabama, Econfina Creek (Bay Co.), Econfina River (Taylor Co.). There are many other seldom-used creeks and streams to the East and West of Tallahassee, and the coastal waters of the Big Bend provide lots of paddling opportunities.
NOTE: The ACKC insurance waiver must be filled out by anyone wishing to participate in a club event (irrespective of club membership status). Children (17 years or younger) on any sponsored ACKC trips must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian and have a waiver submitted for them by their parent or legal guardian.
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 2024 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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary with the ACKC Jubilee Event
Tallahassee, Florida — The Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC) is happy to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the ACKC Jubilee, a month of events in June to honor the club’s history in paddling and building a community of paddlers in North Florida.
Founded in 1975, the ACKC has been a key place for paddling fans of all ages and skill levels. The club's first meeting was on June 26, 1975, at the Myers Park Community Room, led by Foster Rosser, Elizabeth Carter, and Art Owens. They played a significant role in starting paddlesports in the Florida Panhandle when canoeing and kayaking were uncommon, and information about paddling routes was mostly shared by word of mouth.
In the 1970s and 80s, the club helped promote paddlesport in the area. ACKC inspired the creation of other paddling groups, like the West Florida Canoe Club and the Wiregrass Canoe Club in Alabama. It also helped form the Florida Canoe and Kayaking Association, which supported paddlesport and organized an annual Paddle Fest.
ACKC has made significant contributions to the Paddling Trails program with the Department of Environmental Protection, participated in the American Rivers Florida Rivers Survey, and served on the Florida Recreational Trails Council and the Florida Greenways Commission. Club members have also taken on our paddling trips with political figures, including two governors and three senators, to raise environmental awareness.
In 1979, an ACKC member wrote a popular booklet called "Downriver Canoeing in Florida's Big Bend," which led to a grander project, "A Canoeing Guide to the Streams of Florida, Vol. I," created with help from many club members.
The ACKC Jubilee will feature various special events to combine members, supporters, and the community. Highlights include:
- 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.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Thursday Night Paddle Series #4 - Wacissa River - Headwaters ParkWacissa River Headwaters Park, Monticello, FL
## Details
All Paddlers must have completed the ACKC Insurance Waiver for 2025
✨🌊 The Apalachee Canoe & Kayak Club cordially invites you, fine adventurers and waterborne wanderers, to an exquisite evening upon the glistening waters of the Wacissa River!
💫 Presenting: The Thursday Night Paddling Series - the fourth event for the 2025 season 💫
This week's paddle takes us to the beautiful Wacissa River.
This waterway is very unique and offers our group the opportunity to rent paddle craft on-site (Links below).
While we will be able to accommodate paddlers of all skill levels, this is not a teaching event. Comfort with a paddle craft is required. If you are very new to paddling please look to attend one of our events at Maclay Gardens State Park / Lake Hall.📍 Where: Wacissa River - Headwaters Park - Paddle Craft Launch
✨🌊 When: Thursday, May 29th.
🕰 To be fair to your fellow paddlers, please be ready to be on the water at 5:30 PM sharp!
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🎩 Attire: Nautical panache encouraged! But do bring your life jackets. (If you are renting, outfitters will provide all required equipment.)
📑 REMINDER: All Paddlers must have completed the ACKC Insurance Waiver for 2025
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) 997-5023IMPORTANT: 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). - ACKC Celebrates 50th Anniversary with the ACKC JubileeLake Jackson Community Center, Tallahassee, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary with the ACKC Jubilee Event
Tallahassee, Florida — The Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC) is happy to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the ACKC Jubilee, a month of events in June to honor the club’s history in paddling and building a community of paddlers in North Florida.
Founded in 1975, the ACKC has been a key place for paddling fans of all ages and skill levels. The club's first meeting was on June 26, 1975, at the Myers Park Community Room, led by Foster Rosser, Elizabeth Carter, and Art Owens. They played a significant role in starting paddlesports in the Florida Panhandle when canoeing and kayaking were uncommon, and information about paddling routes was mostly shared by word of mouth.
In the 1970s and 80s, the club helped promote paddlesport in the area. ACKC inspired the creation of other paddling groups, like the West Florida Canoe Club and the Wiregrass Canoe Club in Alabama. It also helped form the Florida Canoe and Kayaking Association, which supported paddlesport and organized an annual Paddle Fest.
ACKC has made significant contributions to the Paddling Trails program with the Department of Environmental Protection, participated in the American Rivers Florida Rivers Survey, and served on the Florida Recreational Trails Council and the Florida Greenways Commission. Club members have also taken on our paddling trips with political figures, including two governors and three senators, to raise environmental awareness.
In 1979, an ACKC member wrote a popular booklet called "Downriver Canoeing in Florida's Big Bend," which led to a grander project, "A Canoeing Guide to the Streams of Florida, Vol. I," created with help from many club members.
The ACKC Jubilee will feature various special events to combine members, supporters, and the community. Highlights include:
- 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.
