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. It will be a casual and relaxed paddle of approximately 5 miles (MOL). If you're in a hurry or on a time constraint then, this paddle is not for you.

BYOK or Rent. There are no online reservations for their rentals. On the day of, you must stop in at the Nature Center to rent, and it's first come first serve. They have kayaks and canoes available. The Nature Center is conveniently located next to the launch. I believe it's $25 up to 4 hours and $10 for an additional hour. If renting, I recommend you arrive early and secure a boat.

Skill Level: Novice & higher (scroll to bottom for skill level definitions)
It is your responsibility to have all the necessary safety equipment and are USCG compliant. 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: Upper Tampa Bay Park's 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 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. This will be a loop. From the launch we'll head north for short distance before heading south, weaving around islands through creeks making our way into Double Branch and then Mobley Bay. In Mobley Bay we'll have views of Safety Harbor & Courtney Campbell Cswy & beyond. As we make our return stretch to the launch. There is a sandbar that we will get out and enjoy for a little while. It may not be fully exposed but, it's sandy and shallow. It's always been a welcome spot in past paddles. For this, you will want to bring an anchor/stakeout pole. If you don't have either of these, at least, bring a bowline so that you can tie up to others. From the sandbar, we'll follow the main paddle trail back to the launch and conclude our journey.

This is not a professional tour nor am I a professional guide.

Afterwards: For those that would like to replenish those spent calories and rehydrate. 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

Suggested Items: GMRS/FRS radio tuned to Ch. 6. plenty of hydration, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, closed toe water shoes, towel and anchor/stake out pole & dock/bowline.

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.

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.

Florida Paddling Trail Association Skill Levels

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.