TITLE: RIDE THE "RAPIDS" ON THE ALAFIA RIVER
TRIP LEADERS: Jill Lingard (352-665-1776) & Scott Jantz (386-853-5159)
DESCRIPTION: Come play in Jill & Scott's backyard! The upper/middle Alafia River features a paddling experience about as close to "rapids" as this part of Florida has to offer. We'll paddle a meandering tree-canopied stream with occasional shoals that will give us a little push downstream--exciting for flat Florida! We'll also glide by Lithia Springs to see colorful tie-dyed waters at the spring/river confluence and we can explore several creeks entering the river along our route. Expect to see abundant wildlife --gators, turtles, herons, ibises, and kingfishers were our tour guides during our recent scouting trip. Very few motorboaters visit this section of the Alafia because it's too shallow.
LOCATION: We'll meet at the kayak launch at Lithia Springs Park, located at 3932 Lithia Springs Road in Lithia. There is a $2 park entrance fee. Our take-out will either be Brandon boat ramp (6.5 miles downstream) or Riverview Civic Center (9.5 miles). We'll let the weather forecast and the group's mood guide our decision on distance.
SCHEDULE: Meet at Lithia Springs Park at 9AM. We'll sort out our shuttles with the goal of launching our kayaks between 10:00-10:30AM. We should finish up around 2PM.
DIFFICULTY: Level II due to distance, but the occasional push from small rapids along the way should make quick work of the miles.
REQUIRED: Due to shallow water and shoals, THIS PADDLE IS FOR PLASTIC BOATS ONLY, and regular Euro-blade style paddles will perform better than Greenland paddles. As with all TBSK trips, paddlers are required to wear properly fitted PFDs. Bring plenty to drink and lunch snacks. A dry bag with some extra warm layers to put on might also come in handy if it's a chilly day.
OTHER PLANNING NOTES: See TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the trip webpage or email trip leaders with any changes in your plans.