*Note: The water is somewhat shallow on parts of this paddle, for those who usually use Greenland sticks may want to bring a Euroblade paddle due to the water depth.
Upper Manatee River Paddle
Level 1+ Due to distance
When:
Saturday 10/25/25, 8:30am
Location:
Ray’s Canoe Hideaway.
1289 Hagle Park Road
Bradenton FL, 34212
Trip leader:
Michael Kapson, michaelkapson1@gmail.com, 714-357-2939
Co-leaders:
Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776
Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159
Description:
Join TBSK on a scenic paddle along the Upper Manatee River. While the Manatee River is a mile wide where it meets the Gulf, upstream it is a narrower, twisting river with tannic water and white sandbars along the shore. There should be a good chance to see a lot of birds and other wildlife along this uncrowded stretch of river.
We’ll start a Ray’s Canoe Hideaway, a private canoe and kayak launch, at 8:30am for a 9am launch. The parking cost is $8 per vehicle, CASH ONLY. So double up if you want to save a few bucks. There are restrooms, plenty of parking so trailers are ok, and a small shop with sodas and water for sale. Kayak rental is available, call ahead for reservations (941) 747-3909.
After launching at the at, 2.5 mile mark, we’ll arrive at Rye Nature preserve. Named for Erasmus Rye (1834-1889), a Virginia settler and Confederate soldier who is buried in the old cemetery located within the preserve. This preserve was also the location of the community of Rye. From 1875 to the early 1900s it was a thriving logging and farming settlement of 75 families. Now it is a nature preserve with a kayak launch, hiking trails, and restroom facilities. We can go past the preserve if the group feels like it or make it our turn around for a total of 5 miles.
Location:
Ray’s Canoe Hideaway, 1289 Hagle Park Road, Bradenton FL, 34212
$8 parking per car, CASH ONLY.
Schedule:
Saturday 10/25/25
8:30am meet up for a 9am launch return by 12:30
Difficulty:
This is a Level 1+ trip due to distance, and is open to paddlers of all skill levels and sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks. Boats should have deck lines and/or grab loops, as well as bow and stern flotation.
REQUIRED:
Any kayak with flotation as well as deck lines and/or bow and stern grab loops is fine, but all participants must wear a PFD and carry a whistle or other sound-producing device.
RECOMMENDED:
Spray skirt, sunscreen, sunhat, closed-toe shoes, extra safety equipment like bilge pump, paddle float, radio, tow belt, etc. Participants must wear a PFD and should bring plenty to drink.
If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify leaders before the trip so that they can be best equipped to assist you as needed.
If your plans to participate change, please cancel on the website so that people on the waitlist can join us.