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For Immediate Release

November 2, 2007
Contact Information:
Jayne Moraski, 352-955-2200 x.106
www.originalflorida.org

Going With the Flow – Paddle Florida 2008

Local paddler and event organizer, Bill Richards, got swept up with the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. And he’s hoping others will join him.

As an avid outdoorsman, Richards had hit most of the canoe and kayak trails in the Florida. He began looking for an event that celebrated the beauty of Florida’s natural and wild rivers. And once he realized that there was no such event, he did what any good naturalist would do -- made one using the river nearest to his heart, the Suwannee.

"It all fell into place and I knew what I had to do. I’d been involved with creating Bike Florida, and Cycle North Carolina. And I volunteered with several tourism groups that promote North Central Florida. I realized that our state needed a signature event to celebrate paddling," said Richards.

And so Paddle Florida was born.

"This event is truly unique because of its partnership with the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail," said Richards. "Other state-wide paddling events use area schools or community centers to house paddlers. But Paddle Florida allows paddlers to camp right on the banks of the river, and experience the river on a much more personal level."

Covering 123 miles of the scenic Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, the seven day paddlefest launches from the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and finishes at beautiful Manatee Springs State Park. As many as 300 paddlers will be going with the flow, averaging 18 miles per day and camping on the banks of Florida’s beautiful Suwannee River.

Paddle Florida is held in cooperation with the Florida Park Service and the Suwannee River Water Management District. These two organizations, through partnerships with both the public and private sectors, have created the 171-mile Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. The Trail is a series of cabins, river camps and private "hubs" that, taken together, make the Suwannee River accessible to paddlers, hikers, bikers, equestrian enthusiasts and other user groups.

Details

Dates: March 20-27, 2008

Deadlines: January 15, 2008 is the deadline to participate in the whole week-long trip. Paddlers interested in only a few days are welcome as well; see the website for Paddle Florida Lite options.

More Info: Go to www.paddleflorida.org or call Bill Richards at 352.377.8342