Weeki Wachee Paddle Tour

6131 Commercial Way,Spring Hill FL 34606

06 February, 2022

Description

Paddle miles of unspoiled natural beauty, on this winding turquoise river with pristine clarity, and an abundance of wildlife, like manatees The Weeki Wachee is a true gem of West Central Florida. This narrow spring-fed river is family-friendly, perfect for wildlife viewing, and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery of any Florida waterway. We'll meet at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and your friendly guide will outfit you with quality, fitted, stand up paddleboard gear. After a brief safety and paddle technique briefing, we'll launch into the glistening river. We'll begin with just a short distance upstream near the headsprings to the view the clearest, bluest section of river. It'll be all downstream from there and the swift current makes it easy enough for inexperienced paddlers (and those who just want to enjoy a lazy morning on the river) to glide with the flow, including plenty of places to pull over and take a dip at spring vents, or stretch at sandbars along the way. The first portion of the journey within the state park is surrounded by protected wetlands and forest. Wading birds, schools of mullet, and turtles are some of the animals you’ll likely see on or near the water as the river twists and turns. The spring water stays a constant 72 degrees year-round, so from November to March, many manatees migrate to the warmer waters. These curious mammals are so special to see in their natural habitat! After several miles as we near the Gulf of Mexico, the river widens to residential waterfront properties until the takeout point at Rogers Park. There, we will ride share or uber back to the parking lot. Directly across from Rogers Park, which has restrooms and a small beach, is the Upper Deck restaurant on the water, where we can grab a drink and bite to eat after our adventure. What's Included: All Stand Up Paddleboard Gear4 hour Guided Paddle Tour with experienced and certified guides/instructorsLaunch FeeSUP InstructionTrip PhotosOther Ticket Options Include: BYOBoard/Paddle CraftPlease inquire for Kayak RentalsCancellations/Refunds: Because we must make and pay for launch reservations in advance (required by the state park), refunds are given up to 4p on Feb. 4. Paddle Skill Level: All Levels, paddle endurance recommended for 5.5 mile distance. Instruction provided for beginners. Must know how to swim. Kids 13 and under may ride along for free with a parent. Distance: 5.5 miles mostly downstream and with plenty of time to drift, take breaks, stop and smell the flowers. Paddle endurance recommended. *Note: The downstream current decreases as we get closer to the takeout at the end. This outdoor activity is a great way to socialize while maintaining physical distance on individual paddle crafts. Bring: Towel, dry bag, dry change of clothes. Water, snacks/picnic lunch - all items must be in reusable containers (see prohibited items below). If you're bringing your own paddle craft, a life vest and whistle are required by law. The following items are not allowed on the Weeki Wachee River: alcoholic beverages, pets, disposable items including but not limited to plastic, aluminum, glass, styrofoam paper, and fireworks are all prohibited. Wear: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (with straps), wear something that is easy to move in and can get wet (like dry wicking workout clothes or swimwear). If the air is cold, wear layers: a beanie, gloves scarf will keep the heat in. Try rainboots with wool socks to keep your feet dry and warm. We also have a great technique to get you on and off your board without dipping your feet in the water :) Parking: Enter the state park and go to the back left of the paved parking lot where you'll see kayak rental signs and a dirt road that leads to the kayak launch with it's own parking lot. Shuttle: Weeki Wachee State Park only provides a shuttle for the 2.5 mile takeout within the park for an extra $4. Participants are welcome to choose this shorter version with included shuttle. Our full tour will go beyond that to Rogers Park at 5.5 miles. For those who want this experience, we will formulate a shuttle plan when folks begin to sign up. Essentially we'll need a few volunteers to leave cars at the takeout and give rides to the put in. After our paddle, some will ride back to the put in, get the other vehicles and return to the takeout to load any gear. Participants also have the option to skip the shuttle and uber for a quicker return process. Rogers Park takeout is located at 7244 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607. Guide: Jessica Cichra is a SUP enthusiast that has been actively paddle touring, racing, surfing, and instructing since 2009. She is the founder of Wave of Wellness, a company with a mission to empower clients through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community. Jessica guides paddle tours in the greater Orlando area and internationally on adventure travel retreats. She is also an industry representative as a sponsored ambassador/athlete for Werner Paddles, prAna, and Local Honey Designs. Tips are highly appreciated if you believe your instruction, service, and experience to be exceptional! IMPORTANT: In the event of inclement weather, you will be notified via Eventbrite email at least 3 hours prior to start time of a reschedule. We only reschedule so your experience will be safe and enjoyable. *Because we can’t control nature, manatee encounters are not guaranteed. This is definitely a place they frequent and if we’re lucky we will paddle with them! RIDE THE WAVE. Empowering people through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community.  Serving the greater Orlando area and beyond since 2010. We believe achieving wellness is like dropping into a wave – get present in the mind, strong in the body and free in the spirit. Training with the highest integrity, our team of passionate & creative instructors provide customized, on-site wellness solutions through fun & innovative experiences to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Serving all ages & fitness levels, we promote outdoor activity, personal growth, inner peace & teambuilding through Adventure RetreatsPaddleboard and Yoga Parties, Events, and InstructionCorporate WellnessPaddle Race DirectingBookings for Adventure Retreats and Private Parties/Events/Instruction and Corporate Wellness at our site -> www.waveofwellness.net Your Instructor/Guide: Jessica Cichra is a SUP and yoga enthusiast that has been actively studying, practicing and instructing since 2009. She is the founder of Wave of Wellness, a company with a mission to empower clients through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community. Jessica has a light hearted and unique teaching style incorporating elements of Body Dialogue, hatha and vinyasa flow yoga. She is also an industry representative as a sponsored ambassador/athlete for prAna, Glide SUP, Local Honey Designs, and Maui Jim. Drop into your next adventure with WOW!