Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers upcoming events

SPRINGSWATCH PADDLE ON KINGS BAY (09 Aug 2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

SPRINGSWATCH PADDLE ON KINGS BAY

Trip leaders:

Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159
Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776

Trip Description:

We got stormed out on last Sunday's attempt at this trip. Let's try again!

Interested in deepening your understanding of Florida springs? JoinSpringsWatch volunteers Jill Lingard and Scott Jantz on a citizen science paddling trip that will encompass six springs around Kings Bay in Crystal River, including the crown jewels of Three Sisters Springs. Our paddle will be a slower-than-you're-probably-used-to 5 miles as we stop at stations to take measurements of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, light attenuation, water clarity, and submerged vegetation. Paddlers who enjoy snorkeling can also participate in an optional fish count at two springs. We'll also keep tabs on birds, turtles, manatees, and other wildlife. Jill and Scott will provide on-the-job training on the various meters used for water quality monitoring.

Location: Port Hotel & Marina, located at 1610 SE Paradise Circle in Crystal River. We will launch and return to this spot.

Schedule: Sunday, August 9. Meet at 8:00AM for an 8:30 launch. We usually finish up around 1PM.

Difficulty: Level 1+ based on mileage and a possible chop on the bay if winds build. The springs are mostly located along protected canals, but we paddle in the more open bay to reach them. See TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact the trip leaders if you have any questions.

Gear Requirements/Recommendations:

Kayaks at least 12 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation. Sit-on-tops are fine for this activity.
Mask, snorkel, fins, and a line to tow your kayak with if you plan to participate in a fish count.
Paddlers must wear a PFD.
Pack a lunch and bring plenty to drink.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify the trip 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 or app so that people on the waitlist can join us. On the event page, click the 'already registered link' and then 'cancel registration' on the next page.

PICNIC DAY PADDLES: WEEKI WACHEE RIVER (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

PICNIC DAY PADDLES: WEEKI WACHEE RIVER

Trip Leaders:

Cheryl Bollman Taskey, cheryl.taskey@gmail.com, 724-713-0207
Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159
Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776

Location: Rogers Park, 7244 Shoal Line Blvd in Spring Hill. Note: There is a $10 day use parking fee.

Description: In an ongoing effort to beat the summer heat, we'll explore some cool spring-fed waters for our August picnic paddles. We'll paddle the Weeki Wachee River...on a FRIDAY. That's so we can avoid larger weekend crowds and mayhem. Launching from Rogers Park, we'll paddle upstream against a manageable current (typically < 2mph), then enjoy the reward of a float back downstream. We can expect to see mullet parades gliding by us as well as an occasional manatee if we're lucky.

Schedule: Meet at Rogers Park at 8:30AM on Friday, August 14 for a 9:00 launch. Groups will finish around 11:30-12:30, depending on how far they paddle. We'll gather at the Upper Deck Cafe around 1PM for our "picnic" lunch (and air conditioning!). It's an easy walk or drive to this riverside restaurant from Rogers Park.

Difficulty: Based on mileage alone, this can be a level 1, 2, or 3 trip depending on your energy and how long the weather lets us be on the water. The entire trip up to the state park and back to Rogers is 11 miles, but you can choose to turn back before then. Before we launch, trip leaders will organize everyone into two or three groups based on how far they prefer to paddle.

Additional requirements/recommendations:

Properly fitted PFDs must be worn while paddling.
All kayaks are welcome. If your boat lacks bulkheads, be sure to add bow/stern floatation.
Bring PLENTY to drink and some snacks if needed.
Hats, buffs, sunscreen...it's summer in Florida...you know the drill.

If you have medical issues that may impact your paddling, please notify leaders before the trip so that they can be best equipped to assist you as needed.

If your plans change, please cancel your registration on the event page prior to the trip. Click on the "already registered" link, then "cancel my registration" on the next page.

AUGUST PICNIC: UPPER DECK CAFE ON THE WEEKI WACHEE RIVER (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

AUGUST PICNIC: UPPER DECK CAFE ON THE WEEKI WACHEE RIVER

Let's gather at 1PM on Friday, August 14th at the Upper Deck Cafe on the Weeki Wachee River for our post-paddle picnic. The restaurant is located at 5386 Darlene Street in Weeki Wachee. It's a short walk across the bridge from Rogers Park. There's also parking beside the restaurant if you prefer to drive. Factor the day's heat index into your decision.

You can access a menu here. Fish tacos are a favorite!