KAYAK/SUP: BLACK FRIDAY - Silver River & Silver Springs w/options (no shuttle)

Join us for an unforgettable trip on the Silver River to Silver Springs and back.

If you want to arrive on Thursday night, several of us are staying at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites-Ocala, 5360 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL. Tel: 352-304-6111. The Hotel is 10 minutes drive from Ray's Wayside Park (where we launch on Friday morning).

Friday: Bring $7 (in cash) for the launch fee. There are bathrooms at this location
Required Safety Gear: PFD and whistle.

Dinner (optional - Thursday night): Join us at 6:30 pm at Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant, 5855 SE 5th St. Unit 1, Ocala, FL 34472 (5 minutes drive from the hotel).

Friday Morning: We launch from (and return to) Ray's Wayside Park at 9:30 am to paddle the Silver River for 5+ miles, against the current, to the headwaters at Silver Springs. Paddling the crystal clear waters of Silver River you will probably encounter manatees, turtles, monkeys, otters, gators and a variety of fish and fowl.

The river is very deep at points but the water is crystal clear so that you can see to the bottom at all times.

FRIDAY: Arrive at Ray's Wayside Park no later than 9:00 am since we leave at 9:30 am SHARP!

Approximately 5 minutes before launch time we will hold a MANDATORY pre-paddle safety briefing. Please do not get into your kayaks until AFTER the safety briefing.

This trip is exclusively for members of SunCoast Pedal & Paddle. No guests, pets, spouses or +1's allowed on this trip.

Optional Gear: water/liquids, bug spray, itch relief, sunscreen, snacks, paddle leash, bilge pump, paddle float.

Please know your limits as there will be a current heading towards the Springs. There is no shuttle and the paddle is 5+ miles in each direction (10+ miles total).

If you prefer other overnight accommodations, there are many additional motels and campgrounds in the Ocala-Silver Springs area.