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!

Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers upcoming events

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

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