NSS 2008 Convention

Kayak Trip on the Santa Fe River

Led by James “Brack” Barker

August 12, 2008

This is an easy paddling trip downstream with the current of about 4.5 miles. The trip will begin west of High Springs and end at Rum Island Spring County Park. Some of the other springs we will float over along the way include Allen, Poe, Lily, and several seeps.

Sante Fe River
Early morning lazy stillness on the Santa Fe River. Photo by Wes Skiles.

Meet at 9:00am at the boat ramp on the west side of the Alt US 27 Hwy bridge a couple of miles west of High Springs. Look for kayaks on a trailer behind a red blazer. We will shuttle vehicles to the end point and be on the water by 10:00 am.

The trip should take around 2.5 hours, with time to explore side springs and swim at the take out point at Rum Island Park (Columbia County).

The price is $35.00 per person, and includes tax, insurance, kayak/equipment, delivery and guide. Payment can be made in cash, local check or postal money order, but no credit cards! Reservations can be made at brack154@msn.com and/or 352-226-2251 / cell.

What to wear/bring/directions will be provided to those that RSVP. Bring swim wear, snorkeling equipment and sun protection. Bring protection for your camera and binoculars if you bring them at all, as they could get wet.

The trip will be limited to 10 people, with a waiting list for an afternoon trip (at 1:30 pm) being possible if there is enough interest.

Participants are encouraged to honor a Leave No Trace ethic of no collecting. Those under 18 must be accompanied by supervising parent.

Brack and Blue

The guide for this trip is James “Brack” Barker, owner of Wild Florida Adventures, www.wild-florida.com. Brack has over 40 years experience at paddling, is an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified kayak instructor, and teaches kayak classes for Santa Fe College's Community Education Program. He first paddled this river in January of 1977, exploring the springs and natural beauty of North Florida, and is extremely experienced with this river run. Brack is also a naturalist with extensive knowledge about the local flora and fauna.

Original graphics,HTML code, animations, & logos © National Speleological Society

The information presented might be out of date or incorrect.
Caving,climbing, hiking, biking, boating, etc. are dangerous and can result in serious injury or worse.
By exploring this web site you agree not to hold the National Speleological Society, 2008 NSS Convention,
or the author(s) responsible for any damages, injuries, or death arising from any information on this Web site.
Caving, hiking and traveling in the back country is not without risks. The weather can change in an instant and there are many exposed places where
a loss of footing can lead to a certain death. Be prepared for your journey and be sure to check the current weather before heading out on your adventure.
Research any trip or activity before attempting it. Do not substitute the information on this web site for experience or training. Please recognize your limitations.


		Kayak Trip on the Santa Fe River Led by James “Brack” Barker August 12, 2008 This is an easy paddling trip downstream with the current of about 4.5 miles. The trip will begin west of High Springs and end at Rum Island Spring County Park. Some of the other springs we will float over along the way include Allen, Poe, Lily, and several seeps. Early morning lazy stillness on the Santa Fe River. Photo by Wes Skiles. Meet at 9:00am at the boat ramp on the west side of the Alt US 27 Hwy bridge a couple of miles west of High Springs. Look for kayaks on a trailer behind a red blazer. We will shuttle vehicles to the end point and be on the water by 10:00 am. The trip should take around 2.5 hours, with time to explore side springs and swim at the take out point at Rum Island Park (Columbia County). The price is $35.00 per person, and includes tax, insurance, kayak/equipment, delivery and guide. Payment can be made in cash, local check or postal money order, but no credit cards! Reservations can be made at brack154@msn.com and/or 352-226-2251 / cell. What to wear/bring/directions will be provided to those that RSVP. Bring swim wear, snorkeling equipment and sun protection. Bring protection for your camera and binoculars if you bring them at all, as they could get wet. The trip will be limited to 10 people, with a waiting list for an afternoon trip (at 1:30 pm) being possible if there is enough interest. Participants are encouraged to honor a Leave No Trace ethic of no collecting. Those under 18 must be accompanied by supervising parent. Brack and Blue The guide for this trip is James “Brack” Barker, owner of Wild Florida Adventures, www.wild-florida.com. Brack has over 40 years experience at paddling, is an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified kayak instructor, and teaches kayak classes for Santa Fe College's Community Education Program. He first paddled this river in January of 1977, exploring the springs and natural beauty of North Florida, and is extremely experienced with this river run. Brack is also a naturalist with extensive knowledge about the local flora and fauna.