Frequently Asked Questions
How many people participate?
Can I go for less than a week?
What does my registration fee include?
How much does it cost?
Do I need to be an experienced paddler?
What do I need to bring?
Where do we camp?
Do I need to bring food?
Where do I leave my car?

How many people participate? This is the first year for Paddle Florida, and only the second time event of this kind is being held on the Suwannee River (the first was Paddle Florida last March). We are limiting the number of paddlers to 200.
Can I go for less than a week? Yes. Our Paddle Florida Lite option allows paddlers who are unable to participate for the full week to come for any portion of the trip for $50/day, with an optional $25/day meal package. Thru-paddlers will register first. Paddle Florida will accept up to 200 thru-paddlers. Space availability for Paddle Florida Lite will be based on thru-paddler registration. Paddle Florida Lite registration will begin on October 10 , 2008.  Paddle Florida Lite participants must make their own arrangements for put-ins and take-outs.
What does my registration fee include? Paddle Florida thru-paddler registration fee includes a T-shirt, boat decal, a ticket to the kick-off meeting/party and the journey’s end celebration, camping, maps and river descriptions and entertainment/activities. Bathroom facilities will be provided at all campsites and showers at most campsites. Paddle Florida Lite registration includes all the above with the exception of meal plan participation.
How much does it cost? Paddle Florida thru-paddler registration fees range from $200 to $250. Add a Full Meal Deal package for $160. Paddle Florida Lite registration fees are $50/day with a $25/day meal package.
Do I need to be an experienced paddler? No. You do not need to be an expert, but you do need some experience. If you are new to paddling, we ask that you take the basic canoe/kayak instruction offered on the day prior to the journey’s launch. The distance of each day’s journey and the difficulty of the river are generally suitable for novice paddlers.
What do I need to bring? You are responsible for bringing a canoe or kayak, paddles and a personal floatation device (PFD) and a whistle for each paddler. Paddle Florida does not supply or rent boats. See the Outfitters page for a list of outfitters to secure your rental boat for the week. American Canoe Adventures is the official outfitter for our inaugural event. Paddlers must also bring standard camping gear including a tent and personal items. Camp gear is limited to 40 pounds and two bags per person.
Where do we camp? Tent camping will be by the river in State Parks or at nearby facilities. Bathroom facilities will be available at all campsites and shower facilities at most campsites.
Do I need to bring food? Breakfast and dinner will be provided for a fee each day and lunch stops on the river will provide you with all you can eat or carry . Participants may choose to bring their own lunch food and snacks . A menu and meal plan registration form is available on-line elsewhere on this website. Participants are strongly encouraged to make use of the meals provided at the campsites.
Where do I leave my car? Paddle Florida encourages thru-paddlers (those paddling the whole week) to take advantage of the kick-off day and river’s end shuttles provided at a nominal additional fee. The kick-off day shuttle allows participants to leave their vehicles In Branford on November 8 and be shuttled along with boats and gear to the trip’s starting point at Stephen Foster State Park. The River’s End shuttle allows participants to leave their vehicles at the trip’s starting point and be shuttled along with boats and gear back to the starting point on November 15. Your camping gear will be shuttled between campsites each day, allowing you to travel light on the river. Those who choose not to use the provided shuttles must make their own arrangements.