Paddle Weeki Wachee River from Rogers Park for 8 miles

Let's give the Weeki Wachee River 8 miles of love.

This is a scenic, partially shaded paddle with beautiful clear water. We may see alligators, manatees, otters, snakes, and fish along the way in addition to hawks, crows, owls, herons, etc. Alligators generally avoid the 68-72 degree water. The manatees are protected so you can't touch them or swim with them.

We will paddle upstream 4 miles then back down (8 miles total) the Weeki Wachee River. The way up can be a little strenuous depending on the tide, wind, the length of the paddle. And we don't take a break until we get to the 4 mile marker. The way down can be a bit tricky as the current often pushes you toward the sides of the river, into the shallows, bushes, and trees. We may encounter paddlers coming from the opposite direction that need lots of room because they are being pushed. All this means the paddle is a lot of fun especially because we are paddling in the off season.

On this trip, you are welcome to take quick photos but must keep up with the group. This paddle is not intended for beginners.

Rules on the River:

No disposable items are allowed on the river (so no wrappers, bottles, kleenex, etc). If you get caught, it's typically $50 per container/item and the price can escalate depending on the enforcement zone and context.
You can swim at Rogers Park ONLY in designated areas, IF you can enter and exit your kayak without disturbing the environment (basically don't touch anything but water). They have big signs along the river letting everyone know where swimming is allowed. It’s a $140 fine if you break the rules and police patrol the river regularly.
Please read the river riles on the website: https://www.experienceweeki.com/spz

Re parking: Your payment options are by annual parking pass or pay $11 using your phone in the park. You cannot reserve a parking spot in advance.
\https://app.parkmobile.io/zone/start
\https://www.hernandocounty.us/community-recreation/parks-recreation/rogers-park/

You need your own kayak or SUP at no rentals are onsite.

Please arrive early, with lots of time to setup. There are bathrooms near the launch. Paddles in the water at 10am.

There are very good restaurant near Rogers Park if anyone wants to grab lunch afterwards.

Items that you may want to bring: plenty of drinking water, snacks, lunch, hat, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, bug repellent, closed toe water shoes, water proof walkie-talkie, PFD and whistle/horn. It's your responsibility to be USCG compliant.

This is a light rain or shine event. You may want to bring a rain poncho if there are sprinkles in the forecast.

My number on the day of the event is 813-713-2492.

I am asking that everyone signs up (no guests) so everyone can agree to the waiver and agree to the following conditions:

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

I am not a professional guide but a volunteer for the group that enjoys organizing events for like-minded folks.