Kayaking in Weeki Wachee is a Sweet Escape

It is early Monday afternoon, a perfect time to make the Weeki Wachee River my office.

I embark on my journey from Buccaneer Bay, likely the start of the same path that Hernando DeSoto and many Native Americans took before him, but with a somewhat different purpose. The natives most likely used this river for hunting, fishing, and fresh water; I’m using it for a little R & R.

My kayak is loaded up with all the necessities for a smooth, enjoyable ride. No rapids on this river, so freezer bags will suffice for storage of my phone, in case I’m capsized and have to call for help; credit cards, in case I need Sea Tow; and a lighter, in case I need fire.  Hopefully, I won’t need to reach into the bag at all until I’ve reached my destination, which is Roger’s Park, six miles downstream.

The river is in pristine condition; boat and kayak traffic are at a minimum most weekdays, which helps maintain clarity of the water. Water is about 94 percent clear visibility as it emerges from the spring at the headwaters inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

I exit the river downstream after about a mile of paddling. That first mile is reason enough for me to jump out into the low 70-degree water to cool off.  I’ve yet to see anyone else on the water, which doesn’t surprise me since the river is mostly quiet during the week.

After a quick cool down, I continue on my way and can’t help but visualize a Native American down by the riverbank fetching water, another spear fishing on the other side. I know these days are long gone now, but my imagination takes hold of me and I enjoy thinking about how simple life used to be. It’s an amazing feeling to put myself into those shoes—or moccasins—and forget about all of life’s responsibilities outside this beautiful and tranquil river.

The wildlife is active; schools of fish swim beneath me, a trio of deer scurries off the riverbank into the woods and a Blue Heron soars across my bow. It will be a reward to catch sight of a manatee. They seem so prehistoric, and are incredible to see swimming alongside your kayak.

I decide to stop at a popular checkpoint about three miles from my destination, which offers two tree jumps, one on each side of the river, both pushing at least 30 feet high from the tallest point. The trees have small boards nailed on one side to make the climb possible. I’m sure my forefathers just bear crawled up.

Once I’ve reached the paramount of the tree, my heart is pounding extra hard. I'll be making this jump alone, which adds a little more risk. I begin to value my life a little more, and even though I’ve made the jump numerous times before, I still ask myself, “What have you gotten yourself into? How will I get this story in on time, if I don't make it out alive?”

I could climb back down but my pride would never allow it, so I count to two and shout “three” on my way down. Submerging under water, I don’t touch bottom, but come up with adrenaline pumping and a satisfying feeling of self-confidence. I jump one more time for my buddies that are working in an actual office this Monday afternoon.

Now that my daring alter ego has been attended to, I’m content. A peanut butter and jelly and Red Bull lunch get me through the last stretch with ease.

As I carry on, two blue dragonflies land on my toes and reap the benefits of a free ride at my expense. I enjoy their company until they fly away.  Then I look ahead and notice a large figure swimming upstream in my direction.

A famous Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid escaped from Buccaneer Bay?

No, but it is a manatee! It comes up for air, and its hairy chin surfaces as it spouts water from its mouth. It's as big as my kayak, and it flaps its tail and swims gracefully by. My trip’s reward had come to fruition, and I paddle with haste, hoping to get home on time for dinner.

Soon I reach Roger’s Park and dock at the designated kayak loading and unloading zone. My upper body is already sore, a reminder that I’ve worked hard to get to my destination. You don’t get this kind of satisfaction working out in the gym.

But the river offers more than a well-rounded workout. The escape from reality, the beauty of Mother Nature at her finest and the companionship the river provides help connect my thoughts and clear my head for the days ahead.

If You Go

Make sure you bring enough food, drinks and bug repellent to last all day. There is no alcohol permitted on the river. Bring a trash bag to prevent any littering on the river to help keep it in the pristine condition it's in.

You can rent kayaks or canoes from Paddling Adventures, 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill, at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Reservations are recommended. Kayak and canoe rentals include paddle, life jacket, and a ride back from Roger's Park to the state park. For information, call 352-597-8484.

Whether renting or launching your own vessel, if you plan to use the shuttle service your launch needs to be between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. If launching your own kayak or canoe and plan to stay on the river past 3 p.m.,  make sure you have a ride back to the state park and park outside the gates of the Paddling Adventures section. Gates are locked after 3:30 p.m.

The Kayak Shack, 5414 Darlene St. (located at Roger's Park on the Weeki Wachee River) is also a good rental option. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended. You can take the adventure tour, which includes a transportation shuttle to Weeki Wachee State Park, life jacket, and paddle, for $40. An hourly rental rate also is available: A single kayak is $10 per hour, canoe is $15 per hour, double kayak is $15 per hour, and paddleboard is $15 per hour. All kayaks and canoes without shuttle service are $35 for the day. The Kayak Shack also offers tube rentals: single tubes are $8; double tubes are $15.

If you don't take the adventure tour, you can launch from the Kayak Shack, however it is located at the bottom of the river so you will be paddling upstream. For an extra $5, they will shuttle you to Buccaneer Bay, where you can launch and make your way downstream. The best part about doing it that way is that your car will be waiting for you when you get back, rather than loading up on a shuttle after your day is complete. (The restaurant next door serves up delicious seafood, too.) The Kayak Shack's longer hours make it a better choice if you want to start later in the day, just be keep an eye on the time and be back before sundown.

Call  352-610-4169 for reservations or more information.

Devin Greene recently graduated from Pasco-Hernando Community College with an Associate Arts degree.  He plans to enroll at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he will pursue degrees in journalism and education. Though he likes to write about sports, travel writing is also something he is very interested in. His only fear is the thought of failure.