Wednesday October 3rd through Sunday October 7th, 2018 Come celebrate Cedar Key s culture and wildlife! Hiddencoastpaddlingadventure.

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1 Wednesday October 3rd through Sunday October 7th, 2018 Come celebrate Cedar Key s culture and wildlife! Hiddencoastpaddlingadventure.com

2 Cedar Key & Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuges The Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1929 when President Herbert Hoover set aside the first three islands as a refuge and breeding ground for colonial birds. Today, the refuge is comprised of 13 islands with some of the islands designated as wilderness areas with restricted entry. The most recent addition to the refuge is Atsena Otie. From 1839 to 1842, Atsena Otie Key was the site of a military depot. It later became the location for the town of Cedar Key, with a population of people. The town was destroyed by a devastating hurricane in The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge was was established in 1979 to protect one of of the largest undeveloped river-delta estuarine systems in the United States. The constant influx of nutrients from the river combined with numerous off-shore islands and tidal creeks create excellent wildlife habitat. The Refuge offers recreational and educational activities for everyone. Welcome to the historic community of Cedar Key Cedar Key is a place where time seems to stand still and allows you to enjoy the unique qualities of this coastal environment. Just south of the Suwannee River s convergence into the Gulf of Mexico, this island offers a step back in time to where 200 years of island history is still kept alive by generations of families making a living off the Gulf waters. 2

3 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure OCTOBER 3-7, 2018 THIS YEAR S HIDDEN COAST PADDLING ADVENTURE IS RESTRICTED TO PAID PARTICIPANTS ONLY, 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WRIST BANDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO PAID PARTICIPANTS AT CHECK-IN AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ANY AND ALL EVENTS AND PADDLES JOIN US FOR THIS YEAR S HIDDEN COAST PADDLING ADVENTURE TO BE HELD IN CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA. This year s event will feature more guided paddles, a fantastic Friday reception, a Saturday dinner and guest speaker, and a Sunday morning island breakfast. In addition there will be stimulating land-based programs to educate and entertain those participating. FEATURING: 25 + Guided Paddle Trips through the beautiful and historic waters in the Cedar Key area. Land-based Events that will acquaint you with all that the Cedar Key area has to offer: Its environment and nearby wildlife refuges, history, industry, art, beauty, and more. Social Events include a Meet and Greet Reception, a Dinner with featured speaker, and a Brunch on a nearby deserted island. Special Events include an ACA Skills Class, Early Bird Primitive Kayak/ Camping Trip, and a guided kayak fishing trip. Special Bonus: All paid participants of HCPA will receive a FREE digital subscription of Rapid Media s Paddling Magazine. COST: $100 PER REGISTRANT REGISTER TODAY (space is limited to the first 100 paid participants) hiddencoastpaddlingadventure.com 3

4 Important Notice Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure requires all participants joining guided paddling trips to wear a life jacket with safety whistle attached. It is the paddler s responsibility to choose an event that does not exceed his or her own capabilities. There are inherent dangers in any kayak trip. There are special hazards in the Cedar Key area due to shifting tides, changing wind and weather, shallow waters and treacherous bottoms with soft mud and oyster bars. It is up to the registrant to be aware of these dangers, to accept and be prepared for the risks involved, and to be certain that the registrant has the skills necessary to safely paddle in such waters. All land events must have a minimum of 5 registrants or they may be subject to cancellation 4

5 The guided paddle trips listed in this brochure are set up for different skill levels which are listed under each Paddle title. Skill Level Descriptions are as follows: Beginner: New to paddling and may need tips and or instructions about paddling strokes, safety procedures, and entering/exiting kayaks. Comfortable on short trips of 1 to 3 miles on protected waters, when wind does not exceed 5 mph. Novice: Paddlers acquainted with basic paddle strokes and can manage kayak handling independently in winds not exceeding 10 mph on protected waters. Comfortable with trip distances up to 6 miles. Intermediate: Paddlers with experience in basic strokes and some experience on different venues, including some open water. Comfortable on trip distances of 6 to 10 miles, winds not exceeding 15 mph. Advanced: Seasoned paddlers who possess skills and experience to paddle most all venues and conditions. Experienced in self-rescues. Should be comfortable paddling more than 10 miles in a day. 5

6 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure Schedule Thursday Check-in - Noon - 6:00 PM Friday Check-in 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM Cedar Key Community Center, 809 6th Street Check-in is mandatory to participate! Wednesday - October 3rd, 2018 Water Events High Tide: 8:20 AM (3.6 ) Low Tide: 4:05 PM (0.4 ) Deer Island Primitive Camping Trip - 11 AM miles Launch at Shell Mound. Experience camping overnight on the Big Bend by joining a group paddling from Shell Mound to Deer Island, winding about three miles between oyster bars and mud flats along the shallow coastline. Pitch your tent beneath a canopy of live oaks, palms and a rare stand of mature cedars which frame a stunning open vista of the Gulf. Wildlife viewing and fishing is excellent in this area along with memorable sunsets. Remember your binoculars, and camera. Prepare for bugs if the wind drops and keep an eye out for poison ivy. All participants must be gear/food/water independent. Please note this is primitive camping. Please follow Leave No Trace principles. Cars will be left overnight at Shell Mound. Return is back to Shell Mound Thursday morning after breakfast. Launch Site: Shell Mound ramp. Drive out SR24 and turn left on to CR347, then take another left onto SW 78th Place (Shell Mound Rd). Continue to the Shell Mound Ramp at the end of the road. Skill Level: Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak. No canoes. Thursday - October 4th, 2018 Land Events Check-in at the Community Center - Noon to 6:00 PM check-in before participating in any events. Check-in is mandatory! Please Living Shorelines Project Tour /Presentation - 2:00 PM Savanna Barry, PhD, the Coastal Ecosystems Regional Specialized Agent with UF/ IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant, will provide a tour of the recently completed Joe Rains Beach living shoreline project. She will explain why the project was needed, how it was constructed, and how it benefits the shoreline, waterfront homeowners, local clam farmers, and the community in general. She will show how the shoreline in the area changed over time and how the project takes advantage of the natural shoreline processes. Meet Site: Nature Coast Biological Station 552 1st St. Meet and Greet at The Island Hotel Courtyard - 6:00 to 7:30 PM Mingle with your fellow paddlers and your Guides and Sweeps. Happy hour with finger foods. 6

7 Friday - October 5th, 2018 Water Events Low Tide 5:24 AM (1.5 ) High Tide 11:17 AM (3.8 ) Low Tide 6:19 PM (.16 ) Sunrise 7:27 AM Sunset 7:13 PM ACA Kayak Skills Class at City Beach - 8:00 AM This workshop offers the paddler an opportunity to learn and refine some of the most used safety braces, paddle strokes, and open-water rescue techniques. We will work on: bracing, forward stroke refinement, reverse stroke, J- lean and edging, sweep strokes, kayak spin, bow and stern ruddering, and draw strokes. We will also learn the "T-X" assisted-rescue and the "cowboy/ cowgirl" self-rescue and the paddle float self-rescue. Participants should dress for complete immersion and expect to enjoy your kayak as a pool toy for this course. With Tommy Thompson, ACA Certified Level-4 Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor, Guide, and Jill Lingard. Deer Island Circumnavigation 8:00 AM miles Paddle from Shell Mound out to Deer Island, winding about 2.5 miles between oyster bars along the shallow coastline. Take a break on a beautiful beach with a rare stand of mature cedars which frame a stunning open vista of the Gulf, before heading around the island and back to Shell Mound. Deer Island is the site for our Early Bird Primitive Camp Trip. Wildlife viewing and fishing is excellent in this area along with memorable sunsets. Bring your binoculars, and a camera. Launch Site: Shell Mound ramp. Drive out SR24 turn left on to SW CR347, then take another left onto SW 78th Place (Shell Mound Rd). Continue to the Shell Mound Ramp at the end of the road. Skill Level: Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak. Hog Island Circumnavigation - 8:00 AM miles Circumnavigating Hog Island, this paddle is on the edge of the Gulf and has both protected and open water. Native vegetation consists primarily black needlerush with some smooth cordgrass in the marsh, and southern red cedar, slash pines, and cabbage palms in the island hammocks. Launch Site: Shell Mound ramp. Drive out SR24 and turn left on to CR347, then take another left onto SW 78th Place (Shell Mound Rd). Continue to the Shell Mound Ramp at the end of the road. Skill Level: Novice/ Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak. Goose Cove Loop - 8:00 AM miles Launch from a beach and then paddle into a backwater area with numerous islands, oyster bars, and channels, which in turn empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The paddle then proceeds along the shore with beaches and views of the Gulf islands, then around Piney Point, through Goose Cove and back to the launch point. Launch Site: Beach fronting on G Street, downtown Cedar Key. Skill Level: Novice. Minimum Boat Requirement: 12 Canoe or Kayak. 7

8 Atsena Otie Inside Passage - 8:00 AM miles Enjoy a visit through a beautiful offshore island, Atsena Otie. Suitable for experienced paddlers comfortable paddling about 3 miles in some open water. View abundant wildlife, scenic unspoiled islands and the historic lighthouse in the distance as you take in the full beauty of Cedar Key and it's natural wonders. Launch Site: The beach at Cedar Key City Park. Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak; no canoes. Waccasassa River Paddle - 8:30 AM miles Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park guided paddle into the preserve along the Waccasassa River. This 5.5 mile paddle will start at the Waccasassa River boat ramp in Gulf Hammock and paddle westward to Stafford Island. After circumnavigating Stafford Island, we will return back to the boat ramp. Launch Site: Take SR24 out to US Hwy 19. Turn right on US19 (South) and proceed to CR 326 and take a right. Continue down to the boat ramp at the end of the road. Skill Level: Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement:. 12 Canoe or Kayak. Dennis Creek Paddle - 9:00 AM miles Launch at Shell Mound and head out toward the Gulf. Paddle up a tidal creek as it meanders through the pristine saltmarsh and isolated island hammocks. Take a short break at a Shell Mound hiking trail landing before paddling back to Shell Mound. Marsh vegetation consists primarily of black needlerush and smooth cordgrass, and in the hammocks, red cedar, pines, and cabbage palms. Launch Site: Shell Mound ramp. Drive out SR24 turn left on to SW CR347, then take another left onto SW 78th Place (Shell Mound Rd). Continue to the Shell Mound Ramp at the end of the road. Skill Level: Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement 14 Kayak; no Canoes. Snake Key Beach Trip - 9:00 AM -2.8 miles each way Enjoy a visit around a beautiful offshore island, Snake Key. Suitable for experienced paddlers comfortable paddling about 7 miles in open water. View abundant wildlife, scenic unspoiled islands and the historic lighthouse in the distance on Seahorse Key as you take in the full beauty of Cedar Key and it's natural wonders. An alternative site is Atsena Otie beach if it s windy. Launch Site: The beach at the Cedar Key City Park. Skill Level: Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak - Spray skirts recommended. No Canoes. Dog Island Clamming Tour/Paddle - 9:00 AM - 2 miles Paddle a short distance out to the clam leases near Dog Island. Leslie Sturmer, Shellfish Extension Specialist at University of Florida, will provide an on-the-water presentation on the Cedar Key clam aquaculture industry. Clam farmers on their clam boat will give a demonstration on the methods used for planting and harvesting the clams. Learn about the industry that has made Cedar Key a major producer of farm-raised clams in the United States. Launch Site: The beach at the Cedar Key City Park. Skill Level: Novice. Minimum Boat Requirement: 12 Kayak; no canoes. 8

9 Old Cedar Key Loop - 1:00 PM - 3 miles Head east through back waters towards Number 3 Bridge and the large clam aquaculture facilities near the bridge. Paddle among forested islands and oyster bars past the old Cedar Key neighborhood of Kiss Me Quick. Continue through the back bayou and past the remaining pilings of the old trestle where David Levy Yulee s Cedar Key to Fernandina railway crossed the water coming into town. Follow the channel past the Back Bayou waterfront of docks, fishing boats, clam facilities, and a variety of residences and business that still add to Cedar Key s economy. Pass under Number 2 Bridge and past a marina, more seafood facilities, the historic Cedar Key Cemetery, Cemetery Point Boardwalk and Park, and finally back to the launch spot. Launch Site: Anchor Hole Boat Ramp. Take Whidden Ave off SR24, then take a right on to Gulf Blvd. Continue to Hodges Ave and take another right. Ramp is at the east end of Hodges Rd. Unload at ramp then park along roadside Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 12 Canoe or Kayak. Scenic Cedar Key Loop - 1:00 PM miles An exploration of the scenic waters that are seen driving into Cedar Key between Number 4 and Number 3 bridges. Begin at the boat ramp at the Number 4 bridge and meander east through oyster bars and forested islands towards the Gulf of Mexico. Head back west and under Bridge Number 3 to an area of typical Cedar Key backwaters, with homes, businesses, aquaculture facilities, the Tiki Bar, grassy islands and oyster bars. Loop back to Number 4 Bridge for take out. Native vegetation is predominately black needlerush with some smooth cordgrass. Launch Site: Boat Ramp at #4 Bridge, which is on the southeast side of the first bridge coming into Cedar Key. Skill Level: Novice/ Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 12 Canoe or Kayak. Atsena Otie Circumnavigation - 1:00 PM miles Enjoy a visit to Atsena Otie, a beautiful offshore island. Suitable for experienced paddlers comfortable paddling about 4 miles in open water. View abundant wildlife, scenic unspoiled islands and the historic lighthouse in the distance as you take in the full beauty of Cedar Key and it's natural wonders. Launch Site: The beach at Cedar Key City Park. Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak; no Canoes. Lukens Loop - 1:00 PM - 3 miles After leaving the launch site, a quarter mile of a defined, leisurely canal paddle places you among grassy islands, oyster beds and island hammocks, ready to circumnavigate Lukens Loop. Looking to the west as you enter the open back bay, you will see the causeway and fishing pier at #4 bridge. Some pristine white beaches, open bays, marsh, and islands dotted with cabbage palms, pines, palmettos and mangroves will delight the paddler. Launch Site: Head out of town on SR24 and take the first right after the last bridge (#4 Bridge) onto SW 153rd Ct.. A short distance after turning off, there will be a gated road on your right. This is the Lukens Tract launch site access. Your Guide will have the code for entry. Launch site is at the end of the road past the residence. Be respectful of private property. Skill Level: Novice/Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak; no canoes. 9

10 Snake Key Circumnavigation - 2:00 PM miles Enjoy a trip around Snake Key, a beautiful offshore island. Suitable for experienced paddlers comfortable paddling about 7 miles in open water. View abundant wildlife, scenic unspoiled islands and the historic lighthouse in the distance on Seahorse Key as you take in the full beauty of Cedar Key and it's natural wonders. Launch Site: The beach at Cedar Key City Park. Skill Level: Advanced. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak, spray skirts recommended. No canoes. Friday - October 5th, 2018 Land Events Check-in at the Community Center 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM Golf Cart Tour of Cedar Key 1:00 PM Join City Commissioner Sue Colson in a convoy of golf carts around the Island City. Learn about all that s being done to make Cedar Key a better place to live. From economic development, to beautification, to historic preservation, to environmental protection, and beyond - you ll learn it all from Commissioner Colson. Meet Site: The Gazebo at City Park. Nature Coast Biological Station Tour 1:00 PM The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) created the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) in 2015 with the mission to "enhance the conservation and sustainability of natural resources throughout the Nature Coast through collaborative research, enhanced public engagement, field-based courses, and hands-on training workshops." NCBS staff will provide a tour of the NCBS facility and an overview of ongoing research in the area. Topics to be discussed will include sea bird nesting studies, oyster reef restoration projects, fisheries improvement strategies, and the future Aquarium. With Mendy Allen Meet Site: Nature Coast Biological Station, 552 1st St, Cedar Key. Yoga for Paddlers at the Community Center 1:00 PM Asanas focus on stretching and strengthening hip, shoulders, core and lower back, at the Community Center. Bring your own mat! Meet Site: Cedar Key Community Center. Intro to Kayak Fishing Part 1 - Fishing Techniques - 2:00 PM Learn what works well in the Cedar Key area from your Kayak Fishing Guide Will Wolfson who will be leading Saturday s Fishing Trip. Your guide will meet all who have signed up to fish with him on Saturday, and go over knots, artificial lures, etc. Then if there is time, we ll hit some shoreline and get to know everyone s casting ability. Meet Site: Cedar Key Community Center. 10

11 Southern Cross Clam Industry Tour 2:00 PM Join a local expert on this tour which will acquaint you with the various components of Cedar Key s shellfish aquaculture industry. After the fishing net ban was passed in 1994, the state worked with local fisherman in making a transition to aquaculture, the success of which has allowed Cedar Key to maintain its importance as a seafood producer and has allowed many local families to continue their tradition of working on the water. From the hatchery, to the nursery, to the growout, to a delicious meal on your table, learn about this fascinating industry that has made Cedar Key a leading producer of farm-raised clams. Meet site: Upstairs in the FWC Marine Lab Bldg SW 153rd St., Cedar Key. Florida Paddling Trail Association Fall Meeting 4:00 6:00 PM The Florida Paddling Trail Association invites paddlers to its fall board meeting. FPTA s mission is to develop water trails, protect the environment, and be a resource and voice for paddlers. Come join a dynamic and fun group of volunteers committed to sharing their love of paddling in Florida. Meet Site: Cedar Key Community Center. Saturday - October 6th, 2018 Low Tide: 6:24 AM (1.1 ) High Tide: 12:22 PM (4.0 ) Low Tide: 7:07 PM (0.9 ) - Sunrise 7:28 AM Sunset 7:11 PM Guided Fishing Trip - Part 2-7:00 AM - 2:00 PM Anglers will be taught the use of live bait and artificial lures to target such species as red drum (redfish), black drum, spotted seatrout and summer flounder. The goal is foreach angler to leave this 2 day event with an increased knowledge of fishing knots, rigging tackle, reading tides and predicting weather, along with the confidence to fish any location while targeting the more popular species using artificial lures. Bring a lunch. Guide: Will Wolfson. Launch Site: Shell Mound ramp. Drive out SR24, turn left on to SW CR347, then take another left onto SW 78th Place (Shell Mound Rd). Continue to the Shell Mound Ramp at the end of the road. Outer Keys Tour - 8:00 AM miles Enjoy a visit to beautiful offshore islands, Atsena Otie, Seahorse, and Snake Keys. Suitable for experienced paddlers comfortable paddling about 12 miles in open water. View abundant wildlife, scenic unspoiled islands and historic lighthouse as you take in the full beauty of Cedar Key and it's natural wonders. Launch Site: The beach at Cedar Key City Park. Skill Level: Advanced. Minimum Boat Requirement: 14 Kayak with dual bulkheads or flotation. Spray Skirt Recommended. No canoes. Deer Island Circumnavigation 8:00 AM miles See previous description page 7. Goose Cove Loop - 8:00 AM miles See previous description page 7. Waccasassa River Paddle - 8:30 AM miles See previous description page 8. 11

12 Atsena Otie Inside Passage - 8:30 AM miles See previous description page 8. Hog Island Circumnavigation - 9:00 AM miles See previous description page 7. Dennis Creek Paddle - 9:00 AM miles See previous description page 8. Backwater Birding Paddle - 9:00 AM The Backwater Birding Trip will leave from Shell Mound and will paddle the coastal marsh. The trip will focus primarily on our abundant population of of native and migratory shorebirds. At this stage of the tide numerous birds will be roosting. There is a good chance of seeing herons, egrets, ibis, spoonbills and bald eagles. We will probably stop and exit the kayaks at least one time. Bring your camera, and of course your binoculars! Launch Site: Shell Mound ramp. Drive out SR24 turn left on to SW CR347, then take another left onto SW 78th Place (Shell Mound Rd). Continue to the Shell Mound Ramp at the end of the road. Skill Level:: Novice/Intermediate. Minimum Boat Requirement: 12 Kayak; no canoes. Guide: Doug Maple. Old Cedar Key Loop - 1:00 PM - 3 miles See previous description page 9. Scenic Cedar Key Loop - 1:00 PM miles See previous description page 9. Lukens Loop - 1:00 PM - 3 miles See previous description page 9. Snake Key Circumnavigation - 1:00 PM miles See previous description page 10. Atsena Otie Circumnavigation - 2:00 PM miles See previous description page 9. Saturday - October 6th, 2018 Land Events Yoga for Paddlers at the Community Center 9:00 AM See previous description page 10. Yoga Unwind Community Center 1:00 PM Post-festival stress reduction for body and mind at the Community Center. Bring your own mat! 12

13 SUP Demo at City Beach 2:00 PM Have you been wanting to try out Stand Up Paddleboarding? Here's your chance! Tom Liebert of Kayak Cedar Keys will give a demonstration and have an assortment of SUPs to try out on City Beach. Cedar Key Art Walk 2:00 PM Join Lynn Sylver and explore Cedar Key s art galleries and learn about the thriving art scene that has developed in this picturesque island village. There will be free time on this tour for shopping in the art galleries. Meet Site: The Art Center Courtyard, 457 2nd St. Cedar Key Historical Society Museum Tour 2:00 PM Tour the excellent Cedar Key Historical Society Museum in downtown Cedar Key with Dr. John Andrews and Minnie Crevasse, followed by a walking tour of the historic downtown area. Learn about Cedar Key s history, industries, and culture with your tour guides Dr. John Andrews and Minnie Crevasse, whose families have for generations played important roles in the history and economy of Cedar Key Meet Site: Cedar Key Museum, corner of 2nd and D streets. Horseshoe Crab Research Presentation 2:00 PM Join Tiffany Black, an FWC crustaceans biologist, as she discusses an amazing living fossil called the horseshoe crab. This presentation will cover their life history, historic and current uses of horseshoe crabs, and their importance in the ecosystem. Meet Site: Upstairs in the FWC Marine Lab Bldg SW 153rd St., Cedar Key. Dinner at the Community Center - 6:30-8:00 PM Keynote Speaker - Evening Kayak Adventure Program at the Community Center - 8:00 PM Sunday - October 7th, 2018 Low Tide: 9:26 a.m. (-0.2 ) High Tide: 3:43 p.m. (3.8 ) Sunrise 7:28 a.m. Meet at City Park. Paddle to Atsena Otie Beach - 9:30 AM Brunch on Atsena Otie Key. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM You won t want to miss the Grand Finale to a wonderful weekend. We will launch together in a paddling armada to share the scenic charms of nearby Atsena Otie. Enjoy a delicious brunch (Cedar Key Style) with fried mullet, Molly s grits and other yummy fare. Paddle back to Cedar Key 12:00 PM 13

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15 Welcome To The Nature Coast Discover your next adventure in a world of natural wonders far beyond the hustle and noise of man-made attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen have long found a wealth of opportunities within the boundaries of Levy County. Word has spread about this diverse, unspoiled region known as Florida s Natural Paradise where the human population is dwarfed by the multitude of birds and wildlife that call the area home. It s scenic beauty, wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities make Levy County the perfect destination. With nearly one fifth of the county set aside for state and national wildlife refuges, Levy is blessed with numerous parks, preserves, springs and wildlife refuges where visitors can discover rest and recreation in abundance. In fact, there are over 25 nature-based recreation sites in Levy. VISITLEVY.COM

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