Paddle Hillsborough River/Trout Creek-Morris Bridge

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This is a BYOK only. The river level has recharged! Who'd like to join me for a paddle on this beautiful section of the Hillsborough River. It will be an out and back totaling approximately 8 miles. After the first mile the river narrows, and the current will pick up; there are plenty of twist and turns. But this is my favorite section of all the river. It's peaceful, feels ancient & enchanting. The River widens again and the current lessens on the approach to Morris Bridge Park. Here we'll take a nice break before returning. 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 current, 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 Trout Creek Park's designated kayak launch. Which has both a floating dock and a riverbank launch. The park opens at 8am, has a $2.00 daily parking fee or use an annual Hillsborough County Parks Annual Pass, and there are restrooms available. There is a short portage to the launch so, you may want to bring your cart. Note: the launch and paddle parking are on your left (dirt lot), just before the main parking lot. The main parking lot is where you'll find the kiosk to pay the daily fee, though.
Float Plan: We will leisurely paddle upriver from Trout Creek Park to Morris Bridge Park for a break before returning back downriver to where we started. It is just under 4 miles each way so; we'll call it an 8-mile roundtrip. The idea is to 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.

Afterwards: Please join us at Glory Days Grill New Tampa | Glory Days Grill & Sports House

Items that you may want to bring: Please have plenty of hydration, snack, 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.