LEVEL 2 HILLSBOROUGH RIVER PADDLE
NOTE: Due to high interest in our Rec/Level 1 Hillsborough River paddle, this trip is being added as a Level 2 version. The difference is 9 miles vs. 5 miles. If you prefer to paddle ALL of Seventeen Runs, this is your trip. If you signed up for the Rec/Level 1 version but prefer this one, please cancel your Rec/L1 spot so others can register.
Trip leader: Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159
Description: Our group will launch from John B. Sargeant Conservation Park and paddle upstream through all of Seventeen Runs to Dead River Park before returning to Sargeant.
Seventeen Runs on the Hillsborough River has had a well-deserved reputation for its confusingly braided streams, snags, log pullovers, and alligators. Last spring, state contractors cleared much of the upper river in the wake of our devastating 2024 hurricane season. While we'll still likely see some alligators, a wonderful assortment of birds, and maybe even some otters, the path is clearer than it's been in years.
Location: John B. Sargeant Conservation Park, 12702 North US Hwy 301 in Thonotosassa
Schedule: Sunday, March 29. Meet at 8:30AM for a 9:00 launch. We’ll return between noon and 1:00PM
Additional information: There is a $2 parking fee per vehicle, payable by credit card at a kiosk. There are also picnic tables and restrooms at the park.
Difficulty: Level 2. We'll aim for about a 9-mile round-trip paddle. There will be a bit of current to paddle against on the upstream trip. Review TBSK's Skills Self-Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions.
Gear Requirements/Recommendations:
- Kayaks of at least 12 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation.
- Paddlers must wear a life jacket and close-toed paddling shoes.
- A more recreational style of kayak may work a bit better than a long sea kayak on this narrow winding stream, but we've done it in sea kayaks too.
- Euro-blade paddles will likely work better than Greenland style sticks due to shallow water levels this time of year.
- The river bottom is sandy--no shoals.
- Bring plenty to drink and snacks to eat on the water.
If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify the trip leader before the trip so that he can be best equipped to assist you as needed.
If your plans to participate change, please cancel on the website or app so that people on the waitlist can join us.