Welcome to the Wonderfully resplendent Wild and Scenic Wekiva River!!
Duration
2.5 Hours
About
We are very forunate to have this amazing federally designated "wild and scenic " waterway and watershed right in our own backyard! It truely is a paddlers dream location. With a boat free, crystal clear, shallow depth, slow flowing spring run; the wekiva is the ideal location for paddle crafts to explore and enjoy nature safely and in a unique fun way! Our route is suitable for beginners and first timers and kids over 13. The river is mostly shaded and sheltered from wind by it's tree line. Along the way expect to see lot's of fish, turtles, birds, maybe a small lazy gator and sometimes we'll get lucky and see deer, otters and bears!
Since the first part is upriver, you will need to utilize the correct techniques for paddling explained before the start by your SUP instructor. Just about 3.0 miles in total length, this paddle will launch from wekiva island and head upriver to the springs at the state park. We'll park our boards at the state park and go ashore, your admission to the park is included. Once inside depending on the weather and the group, we will either take a short hike thru the park on a designated boardwalk and trail or we will go for a swim in the spring head. In the designated swim area there is a rock formation with a large crack where the springs water pours out at a rate of around 50 million gallons.
You'll have the opportunity to swim thru the crack and have the springs force push you up, sounds scary but it's not. It's safe and fun and enjoyed by folks of all ages for many years without incident. We do bring a limited amount of masks and goggles. If you prefer your own, make sure you bring it with you on this trip! Leave the fins at home, they aren't needed as they tend to cloud up the spring by stirring up the bottom.
If you have a gopro or waterproof action camera, pics inside the "crack" are really cool! After our swim or hike, we'll get back on the boards and let the current take us back to our starting point at wekiva island!! bring cash for afterwards if you want to sample the wares from the delicious "without a paddle' cafe and/or the "tooting otter bar " both located onsite at wekiva island. Heck, kick back and hang out after your paddle, wekiva island is perfect for meeting new or old friends or just relaxing in a natural relaxing setting. Wekiva river adventure is one of our favorite paddles and the one we most often share with friends and family. Wekiva Island is an amazing oasis with something for everyone in your group. Check
(407) 960-7815