» Press Releases

For Immediate Release

January 9, 2008

Contact Information:

Jayne Moraski, 352-955-2200 x.106

Original Florida Tourism Task Force

www.originalflorida.org

Join Paddle Florida 2008 – Camp on the Banks of the Suwannee

Covering 123 miles of the scenic Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, the seven day paddling event 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.

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

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 have changed!!: You do not have to paddle the entire river, see the website for more information on trip options. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS POSTMARK FEBRUARY 22.

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

Want more paddling?: Try the Finish the River event on the lower Suwannee and paddle the entire Wilderness Trail to the Gulf of Mexico. This is a 2 night paddle immediately following Paddle Florida, taking up to 50 paddlers from Manatee Springs. The participants will finish the river, ending in the town of Suwannee. It is sponsored by the Suwannee Rive Chamber of Commerce, Dixie County, and Suwannee Guides & Outfitters. Information on this event can be found at the end of "The Journey" section of www.paddleflorida.org and at www.suwanneeguides.com