HILLSBOROUGH RIVER PADDLE
Trip leaders: Jill Lingard (jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776) and Scott Jantz (scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159)
Description: Our group will launch from John B. Sargeant Conservation Park and paddle upstream to explore the lower half of Seventeen Runs 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. We can choose to shorten or lengthen the trip as desired.
Location: John B. Sargeant Conservation Park, 12702 North US Hwy 301 in Thonotosassa
Schedule: Sunday, March 29. Meet at 9:30AM for a 10:00 launch. We’ll return between 12:00-1:00PM
Additional information: There is a $2 parking fee per vehicle, payable by credit card at a kiosk. Sargeant Park rents kayaks--$25 for up to four hours, which is more time than you'll need. You'll pay for this on the morning of our trip; the park does not do advance reservations for their kayaks. There are also picnic tables and restrooms at the park.
Difficulty: Rec/Level 1. We'll aim for about a 5-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 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.
- Bring plenty to drink and a snack.
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.