LEVEL 2 PICNIC DAY PADDLE: SEVENTEEN RUNS ON THE HILLSBOROUGH RIVER

Trip leader:   Scott Jantz (scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159)  Scott would welcome a co-leader--contact him if you're interested.

Description:  Seventeen Runs on the Hillsborough River has had a well-deserved reputation for decades for its confusingly braided streams, fallen trees and storm debris, 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, the path is clearer than it's been in years with just one minor branch to scoot over a month or so ago when Jill and I scouted the trip.  Our group will attempt to paddle through the 5-mile Seventeen Runs section to the state park and back.  We can choose to turn back sooner if necessary.

Location:  Sargeant Park, 12702 North US Hwy 301 in Thonotosassa

Schedule:   Saturday, January 17.  Meet at 8:00AM for an 8:30 launch.  We’ll return around 12:00-12:30 to meet the other group for lunch.    

Additional information:  Bring lunch for a post-paddle picnic.   There are several pavilions and picnic tables, but throw a camp chair in your vehicle in the unlikely event that they'll all be in use. There is a $2/vehicle fee for Sargent's Park, payable by credit card.

Difficulty:  Level 2 for potential distance and a bit of current on the upstream paddle.  If our group makes it all the way through Seventeen Runs to the state park and back, it'll be a 12-mile paddle.  Review TBSK's Skills Self-Assessment Chart and contact trip leader with any questions.   

Gear Requirements/Recommendations: 

• Kayaks of at least 12 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation. 
• A more recreational style of kayak may work a bit better than a long sea kayak on this sometimes 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.  
• Paddlers must wear a PFD, appropriate cold weather paddling attire, and close-toed paddling shoes. 
• Bring plenty to drink and a snack.  

If your plans to participate change, please cancel on the website or app so that people on the waitlist can join us.