Paddle Upper Tampa Bay/Double Branch

PLEASE READ FULL EVENT DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP.

Let's paddle the scenic backcountry waters of Upper Tampa Bay. Where we'll mainly be in protected waters along mangrove forests, mangrove islands, tidal creeks and shallow coves. Wildlife can be plentiful. It's common to see racoons on the shoreline, manatees, dolphins, birds of prey and gamefish like redfish, snook and baby tarpon. This will be a casual and relaxed paddle of approximately 5 miles (MOL). If you're on a time constraint or in a hurry. This paddle is not for you.

BYOK or rent from the park. There is no online reservation for their rentals. It's in person and first come first serve at the Nature Center which is right by the launch. I believe it's $25 up to 4 hours and $10 for an additional hour.

Skill Level for This Event: Suitable for novice & higher (see definition)

Skill Level Definitions (Florida Paddling Trails 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. NOTE: Great care has been taken to ensure this guides accuracy, but weather, tides, and water conditions can change rapidly

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 be meeting at Upper Tampa Bay Park at the kayak launch. It's hard to miss as its next to the nature center. In my opinion, they have one of the best floating launches in the county. There is a loading/unloading zone, washing rack and a short portage to the launch (wheels are helpful). The park opens at 8am and requires a $2.00 entrance fee or use an annual Hillsborough County Park Pass. There are restroom facilities available nearby in the nature center.

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles at 9:00a. As always please get there in enough time to prepare your gear. We'll paddle clockwise weaving around islands through salt creeks towards Double Branch and Mobley Bay. In Mobley Bay we'll have views of Safety Harbor & Courtney Campbell Cswy & beyond. As we start our return stretch to the launch. There is a sandbar that we will get out on even if it's not completely exposed. It's always been a welcome spot in past paddles. Here we will chill for a little while. For this, you may want to bring a bowline, an anchor or stakeout pole. From the sandbar, we'll follow the main paddle trail back to the launch and conclude our journey.

Afterwards: If anyone is interested in replenishing those spent calories and rehydrating. Please joins us at Tampa Bay Brewing Co, which is only 5 minutes away at: 13937 Monroes Business Park, Tampa, FL 33635 www.tbbc.beer/westchase

IMPORTANT It is your responsibility to be USCG & state compliant, which is having a PFD and whistle/air horn. I highly recommend that you wear your PFD at all times. It does you no good if it's strapped on your boat.

Items that you may want to bring plenty of hydration, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, closed toe water shoes, towel and anchor/stake out pole

Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any cancellations or updates. On day of 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.