Paddle Jenkins Creek to Nellie's Cove

BYOK only. Jenkins Creek Spring is the headwaters of Jenkin's Creek where it meets the Weeki Wachee River as each flows out to the Gulf. We'll paddle through scenic tidal creeks, coastal salt marshes and to a sandy beach fronting the Gulf. There are MANY tide sensitive saltwater creeks that feed off the main waterway that tempts you to explore. With today's higher than normal tide. We should be able access a few of them to hidden coves. Wildlife can be plentiful...manatee, dolphins, wading birds, eagles & ospreys are common sightings. Expect to paddle between 6- 7 miles. Ending time is an appropriate so, if you're in a hurry or on a time constraint. This paddle is not for you.

Skill Level: Intermediate (please scroll further down for definition)

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: Linda Pedersen Park's designated kayak launch. As you turn off of Shoal Line into the park, go to the right through the chain link gate and follow it all the way around to the launch. Opens at 8am, currently no fee to park, restrooms are nearby, has a small floating kayak launch and small shoreline launch.

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles right at 9:00am. So, please get there in enough time to prepare your gear. I have a loop in mind but, it will be dependent on water levels in some of the creeks. We'll paddle a counterclockwise route which will take us thru creeks, into the mouth of the Weeki Wachee River, you'll have sights of Bayport Park Pier, there will be an open shallow grass flat crossing to Nellie's Cove where we'll take an extended break. From, here we'll return by hugging the shoreline, entering creeks leading into Redfish Cove. Most times I see Bald Eagles hunting or perching here. We'll take a scenic saltwater creek back out to Jenkins Creek for the short paddle back to the launch and end our journey.

Afterwards: for those that have interest in replenishing those spent calories and rehydrating. Please join me for "Warm Beer and Lousy Food" at the Drunken Mullet. :-) 3306 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach, FL 34607. Just 3 miles down the road. Home - The Drunken Mullet of Hernando Beach.

Items that you may want to bring plenty of hydration, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, closed toe water shoes, towel. It's your responsibility to be USCG compliant (pfd,whistle) Advisable but not mandatory, Safety Flag.

Please monitor this event as this is where I will post any cancellations or updates. On day of the event. Feel free to text or call me at 813-442-1615.

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 in
dependently 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.

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.
Items that you may want to bring; plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, towel, snorkel gear, umbrella and a chair for the sandbar. Remember, it's your responsibility to be USCG compliant
I am not a professional guide, just a volunteer for the group.