This document introduces kayaking in the Tampa Bay Area by describing several beautiful kayaking locations and providing tips for getting started in the sport. It highlights kayaking spots like Weedon Island Preserve, Hillsborough River State Park, Alafia River, and Weeki Wachee Springs. The document also offers advice on what to bring, safety tips, how to rent or purchase a kayak, and encourages the reader to try kayaking.

2. Welcome
I'm going to take you on a journey of some of
my favorite and most beautiful kayaking places
in the Tampa Bay Area. Kayaking is fun and easy
to learn, no previous experience is needed.
After you fall in love with some of these places, I
will share with you what to bring, how to be
safe, and how to get started in the world of
kayaking.

3. Why Kayaking?
Peaceful, Relaxing, Beautiful…

4. Why Kayaking?
See nature and wildlife such as raccoons, alligators, turtles,
otters, dolphins, manatees, jumping fish, and a huge variety
of birds, trees, and flowers.

6. Why Kayaking?
Kayaks can go where boats cannot: through mangrove
tunnels, springs, protected areas, and preserves where
motors are not allowed.

7. Why Kayaking?
• Good exercise. The rhythm of continuous
paddling and turning your body, along with
pushing your feet to help move you forward is
actually a full body workout.
• Only a small percentage of our population
experience kayaking regularly; which percentage
are you? Raise your hand if you have been
kayaking before. Let me show you why you want
to be in the minority and experience it for
yourself.

8. Weedon Island Preserve
Situated in Old Tampa Bay near 4th and Gandy Blvd. in St. Pete, Weedon Island Preserve is
approximately 3,100 acres of natural habitats including mangrove swamps, intertidal flats and
pine flatwood uplands. The paddling trail is approximately 4 miles long, has numbered markers,
and will take you through lush mangrove tunnels, over open shallow waters and productive
seagrass beds.

9. Hillsborough River State Park
Located 9 miles north of Tampa on US Highway 301, Hillsborough River State Park is one of
Florida's first state parks. The park is divided by the swiftly flowing river which flows along
several parks and has a variety of habitats including pine flatwoods, floodplain swamp,
hardwood hammock, cypress swamp, and grass pond. The trip can begin inside the park but
you must paddle both up and downstream. Or, you can start at Sargeant Park and paddle 4 1/2
miles to Morris Bridge Park, and if you want more, continue on to Trout Creek Park, which is
another 4 miles. Caution, you will see alligators!!

10. Alafia River
Located in southeastern Hillsborough County in Lithia, the Alafia River is 25 miles long and
is one of Florida’s oldest rivers with a beautiful natural setting. The trip begins just north of
Alafia River State Park at Alderman’s Ford Park and ends at Lithia Springs, which is about 10
miles. There are several areas to stop along the way. When flooded, the river becomes
more like white water rafting class 2’s.

11. Weeki Wachee Springs
Located about an hour north of Pinellas in Hernando County on Highway
19, Weeki Wachee River is made up of several beautiful springs,
discharging over 64 million gallons of water per day. With crystal clear
water, a shallow sandy bottom, and a constant water temperature of
around 68 degrees, it is one of my very favorite places. It is also a water
neighborhood full of activity such as rope swings, swimming and
snorkeling. The trip begins next to the historic Weeki Wachee Springs
State Park famous for their mermaid show and boat cruises. There are
several sand bars to stop at along the way. It is 6 miles to Rogers Park
and if you want more, you can continue another 4 miles to Bayport Park.

12. So,
Are You Ready To Go??

13. Here’s What To Bring:
• Hat, Sunglasses, & Sunscreen
• Water Shoes
• Wet/Dry Bag
• Drinking Water and Snacks
• Optional Fingerless Gloves
• Insect Repellent
• Waterproof Camera & Binoculars
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Whistle
• Cell Phone for Emergency Use
• Light for Evening Paddles

14. Be Safe:
• Go with someone or in a group.
• If you are alone, leave a plan with a friend or family
member that identifies which trail you will be on and
when you expect to return.
• Have a map or chart of the water system and realize the
length of time it takes going and returning.
• Watch the weather and know the tide changing times.
For example: Make sure the tide is high when venturing
into Mangrove tunnels; if tide is too low, you could be
walking your kayak through - No fun!!
Also remember the water level can
change drastically in a short period of
time, especially during full moon, the
tide rises.

15. How Do I Get Started?
• All the places I mentioned offers kayak rentals.
Renting is a great way to get a feel for the sport and
see if you like it.
• After a while, it does get a little expensive and you
are limited as to where you can go and the time you
have it. You want to allow at least 3 or 4 hours and
enjoy the day.
• If you know you want to get involved, it is best to
purchase your own kayak and equipment.

16. Before Buying, Think About…
• Where it will be stored and how many feet you have available. It
can be hung in a garage, or placed in a shed, or covered on a patio
or in a yard.
• Test multiple kayaks. Most kayak shops are on the water and it is
common that they will let you demo the kayak you want on-site or
they will have a Demo Day. Ask questions and get information.
• Style of Kayak, either a sit inside or a sit on-top.
• Where will you be using your kayak, either on rivers or protected
waters, or on lakes or open water.
• You want good tracking, maneuvering and stability.
• Accessories such as a paddle, seat, PFD, etc. Get the most
comfortable seat and light-weight paddle you can afford.
• Transportation. What car or truck you drive will determine the
best system for transporting your new kayak; your local kayak
shop will lead you in the right direction.

17. A Kayak is an Investment
• Kayaks can range in price from $200 to $2000, just
remember you get what you pay for and it pays to
shop around.
• If a used kayak is more realistic, check with Kayak
Rental Shops at the end of summer when their
season is over for sales or you can check Craig's List
or E-Bay.
• A Kayak is an investment that you will have for many
years, so you want to be happy with your choice.

18. Congratulations!
You made it through Kayaking
101! I hope you enjoyed
learning about the world of
kayaking and want to join the
fun!! With a kayak, you can
have the freedom to explore,
see things you’ve never seen
before and experience new and
exciting water adventures.