Paddle Rutland Park/Wysong Dam (Roundtrip)

Please read full description before signing up.

BYOK only. The Withlacoochee River is a beautiful blackwater river, it's a designated Outstanding Florida Waterway and has a 76-Mile Paddle Trail. It is also quite unique, being one of the few rivers in the world that flows from south to north.
We will be doing a section that is approximately a 7-mile (+/-) roundtrip paddle between Rutland Park and Wysong Dam. This scenic section is mostly wide with several islands that you can go one way or the other. We are taking our time to soak it all in. If you are in a rush or on a tight schedule, this trip isn’t for you.

Afterward, please join me to rehydrate and replenish spent calories at one of my favorite places...The Cove Resort & Pub.

Skill Level: Intermediate. Mainly due to distance. (Definitions below). Best for paddlers who can maintain a 2– 2.5 mph pace, have experience paddling against currents, and can comfortably handle this distance.

Rivers present serious natural hazards that demand constant awareness.
Hidden obstacles: Submerged rocks, logs, and debris are often invisible from the surface and can strike boats.
Swift currents: Moving water is deceptively powerful and can quickly overpower even the strongest paddlers.
Strainers: Fallen trees, branches, and strictly pinned structures allow water to pass through but trap people and watercraft underwater.
Tight maneuvering: Narrow channels and sharp bends require sharp navigation skills and fast reaction times to avoid collisions.
Wildlife: This section offers a great opportunity to spot native wildlife, including gators (we will give them their space, and they will do the same). My last paddle I saw several otters.

By participating, you accept these risks and confirm your skills match these conditions. YOU are responsible for your own safety.

Launch: Rutland Park Boat Ramp. 6805 W State Road 44, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538, No fee to park, concrete slab & floating dock, and restrooms available. NOTE: Please do not park in the boat trailer spots. Park in the grass along the fence line by the restrooms.

Float Plan:
Launch Time: Wet our paddles 9:00 AM sharp. Please arrive early with enough time to prepare your gear.
Outbound Route: Paddle upriver directly to Wysong Dam.
Midpoint Stop: Wysong Dam. Short break to rest and enjoy the scenery, maybe play in the current :-), floating break or land. No restrooms.
Return Route: A relaxed, casual paddle downriver back to Rutand Park with a stop at Nichols Spring.
Pace: Easy, relaxed paddle. Let the river do the work on the way back and enjoy the scenery.
Portage Policy: No portaging. We will not get out of our boats. If the river is blocked, the entire group turns around. There is plenty of water to paddle in the other direction.

Afterwards: I will be stopping at one my favorite places. Please join me: The Cove Resort & Pub, 1242 S Cove Camp Point, Inverness, FL 34450. 5 miles down the road and just a 10 min drive. The Cove Resort and Pub - The Cove Resort & Pub

Suggested Items to Bring: GMRS/FRS radio tuned to Ch 6, plenty of hydration, electrolytes, energy snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, closed toe water shoes, and towel.
Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any cancellations or updates.
On day of event, feel free to text or call: 813-442-1615.

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.

If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.
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.

Skill Level Definitions
Beginner | Distance: 1–3 miles | Wind Max: 5 mph | Waves: ≤ 1 ft | New to paddling; needs instruction on strokes and boarding. Protected water only.
Novice | Distance: Up to 6 miles | Wind Max: 10 mph | Waves: 1–2 ft | Knows basic strokes; handles kayak independently. Protected water only.
Intermediate | Distance: 6–10 miles | Wind Max: 15 mph | Waves: 1–3 ft | Experienced in varied environments\, including open water.
Advanced | Distance: 10+ miles | Wind Max: Any | Waves: 3–5 ft | Seasoned paddler proficient in self-rescue and all conditions.