We will gather at the "Launch" waypoint at 4:30pm, Saturday afternoon, January 4th, 2014. After a kwick safety briefing, and equipment check, we will drop our boats and shuttle as many vehicles as is reasonably possible over to the "Takeout" waypoint, Highbanks Marina, in Debary. Then we'll return to our boats and commence our paddle. If you're gonna be running late, call me. We have to lock the gate behind us as we enter, and I'd hate for you to get to the front entrance and not be able to get to the launch site.
The actual event will take place at the posted coordinates, where Blackwater Creek meets the Wekiva River. I hope to be there around 11:00pm. There is no landing, so we'll just have to bunch up our plastic flotilla and celebrate the best we can.
The total run is about 8.4 miles, and it is considered a challenging paddle. There are many obstacles to navigate over, around and under, as well as hordes of pokey things looking for unwary eyeballs. The current is relatively fast this time of year, making kayak inversions that much more likely. You really don't want to flip your boat. The reason you so seldom see really large alligators on the Wekiva River is that they all hang out here. Some are bigger than my boat. In a 40' wide river like the Econ, a big gator isn't that big a deal. He'll duck under water, giving you plenty of room to get by. Blackwater Creek, on the other hand, gets as narrow as 6' in places.
You should only attend this event if you are experienced with this type of environment, and are willing to assume the risks involved in paddling here. Seriously. Paddling here at night can get you very, very dead.
There are a couple rules for this paddle, above and beyond what the U.S. Coast Guard requires for night time navigation, which were commiserate to acquiring a permit. One person will be designated as lead paddler. That person sets the pace and determines the route. Do not pass the lead boat. One person will be designated as the caboose, helping stragglers along the way, and making sure no one gets left behind. Do not let the caboose pass you. PFDs must be worn for the entire paddle. Glow sticks must be affixed to your PFD. I have a couple extra glow sticks, if you can't find one. Any volunteers for either lead or caboose? I have a tracklog of Blackwater, which I can send you, as the river gets confusing the closer you get to Wekiva.
I expect it will be fairly chilly this night, so you should prepare for that. I recommend not wearing bulky clothing, as that can hinder your ability to navigate, and bog you down if you end up in the water. I will be wearing a couple light layers, such as a long sleeve shirt and a fleece zipup. Coast Guard rules say you need a white light, capable of illuminating 360 degrees, and a sound producing device. I also recommend you bring a towel and a change of clothes.
By attending this event, you acknowledge that operating paddle craft, at night, is an inherently dangerous activity, fraught with unforeseen and unknowable hazards, and you hold the state of Florida, the Florida Forestry Service, Groundspeak, and the event host, (Me), blameless for any injuries or death which might occur.
See y'all out there!