Easy Paddle at Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park

BYOK or RENTALS are available. For those that have been asking. Here's an easier and shorter paddle. An ideal event for beginners & novices. Experienced paddlers are welcome, too. We will not be paddling in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or to Durney Key. We will keep it near shore & in shallow protected waters. Mileage will be dependent on the experience of the group but, I'd expect to paddle around 4-5 miles. There's the option to paddle longer or shorter. So, come on out and explore this hidden jewel. Ending time is an estimate. If you're in a hurry or on a time constraint then, this paddle might not be for you.

Skill Level: Beginner/Novice (scroll to bottom for definitions)
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: Kayak Launch in Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park. There is an entrance fee of $4.00 per a vehicle. Please pay online by following this link: Florida State Parks - A Florida State Park Pass will gain you entry, too (display on your dash). After you drive into the park proceed all the way to the back. We'll meet at the picnic table by the launch. If you BYOK, please bring your cart as it's about a 40-50yd portage but on a nice boardwalk. There are restroom facilities available.

Rental Information: Salty Dog Kayak Rentals, which is onsite. Reserve directly online at: Salty Dog Kayak . The owner, Sarah, is wonderful & very knowledgeable. She'll have you ready to go right at the launch. Please book asap as she can quickly fill up. So, that she knows you're with our group. Please indicate that you are with Suncoast Outdoors. Also, I kindly ask that you do not RSVP until you've secured a rental.

Side note: Sarah is an expert in Florida travel. If you'd like great getaway ideas. Follow her on Instagram instagram.com/SarahsOutdoorAdventuresFl and on Facebook Sarah.www.facebook.com/sarahephinney

Float Plan: We'll wet our paddles at 10am so please arrive in enough time to prepare your gear or check in with Salty Dogs. We'll begin by heading west towards Salt Springs Run and towards the Gulf of Mexico. Hugging the southern mangroves, winding between scenic islands then eventually we'll have sights of the historic stilt houses and Durney Key. If needed, there is an option to land and take a break or use restrooms at Brasher Park. We'll make our way back; by following the northern mangroves to join the same route we took out. We'll pass the launch and go up the scenic saltwater creek to visit two springs. We will end our journey with the short paddle back to the launch.

This area is a shallow, tide sensitive with a mix of grass, oyster & lime rock bottom. Wildlife we may encounter are wading birds, bald eagles & ospreys, racoons, otters, inshore game fish, sea turtles and dolphins.

Items that you may want to bring; FRS/GMRS radio tuned to channel 6. plenty of hydration, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, towel.

Afterwards: I'm hungry for WINGS. :-) Please join me for some grub at Hooter's right on the water and only 5 minutes down the road. 5336 Treadway Dr.
Port Richey, FL 34668. Port Richey – Original Hooters

Please monitor this event. As this is where I will communicate any information, changes or cancellations. On the day of the event feel free to call or text me: 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.

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.