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**Due to our regular mangroves launch site being closed, we have switched to Silver Springs for our January paddle. We'll get back to the mangroves when the park reopens.**We are serving up a special kayak adventure this month! Joins us at the gorgeous Silver Springs to kayak the Silver River. We'll see gators and birds, but we also might see monkey's and otters, and this time of year we're almost guaranteed to see manatees!
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Location: Silver Springs State Park
We'll launch at Silver Springs and take out at Ray Wilson Park.
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time: 8:30am until 12:30ish
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Approximate Time On Water: 3-4ish hours
Difficulty Level: Intermediate fitness/beginner kayak skills (see description below)
Bathrooms: Yes
Boat Rentals Available: Yes
Optional Picnic: No picnic, but we'll find a local restaurant to eat at afterwards for anyone who's interested
BYOB Fees: About $3 in fees/taxes get added at checkout
- $2 Park Admission
- $20 Fee for Silver Springs to Ray Wayside park and Shuttle back (book online in advance)
Rental Fees: About $9 in fees/taxes get added to all rentals
- $2 Park Admission
- $65 Single Kayak (book online in advance - includes shuttle)
- $70 SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) (book online in advance - includes shuttle)
Booking online:
- You must book in-advance directly with Silver Springs for the 8:30am time slot on January 10. Book here... https://silversprings.com/paddling/
- Click the teal "BOOK NOW!" button floating near the top right side of the screen (top center on a phone)
- Find "Silver River Paddle to Ray Wayside Park" and click on "Select Date"
- Scroll through the calendar to find and click on Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Select the 8:30am timeslot
- Choose your preferred watercraft and number of crafts needed. There is a "BYO Kayak/Canoe/SUPs" option at the bottom for anyone bringing their own boat.
- Book and pay
Where to meet: Please plan to arrive at the springs by 8am!!! That is 30 minutes before our launch time!!! If you're late, you may lose your booking and/or we might have to leave without you to not run late and lose our shuttle time. We'll gather our boats at the kayak launch and leave as close to 8:30am as possible.
PLEASE RSVP ON MEETUP:
https://www.meetup.com/cflfreethought/events/310355837/
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This gorgeous paddle will start at Silver Springs State park. We'll head down stream for just over 5 miles to take out at Ray Wilson Park. This should take between 3 and 4 hours depending on how much time we spend viewing the wildlife. We'll then take the shuttle back to Silver Springs Park. After the paddle, you are welcome to join us at a local restaurant (location TBD) for some more social time!
Though this is down stream, it's still a long 5 mile run. We'd rate this intermediate fitness but beginner kayak skills.
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What to bring:
- Anything you need to be comfortable on the water
- PFD - Personal Flotation Device
- A water bottle (I suggest a reusable water bottle, as they are less likely to fall out of the kayak and become litter)
- Snacks! Though we'll eat after, you might want a snack for 3-4 hours on the water.
- Wear clothes that can get wet. It's unlikely that you will fall out of your boat, but things can get really splashy.
- Wear water shoes rather than flipflops. It's unlikely that you'll need to get out of the boat, but occasionally, we need to pull boats over a downed tree in very shallow water. Flip flops tend to get lost or sucked into sand/mud.
- A way to protect your phone, if you are going to use it for pictures on the water. We may see monkeys and manatees so you may want to be prepared to take pictures!
- Weather appropriate clothing. This time of the year can be unexpectedly cold or hot, so you may want to check the forecast the night before and dress accordingly.
- Sunscreen, hat, sun shirt, bug spray, etc...
Please contact Jody or Mary if you have any questions! :-)
Seriously! If you have questions, please let us know!
PLEASE RSVP ON MEETUP:
https://www.meetup.com/cflfreethought/events/310355837/
#centralfloridafreethoughtcommunity #orlandoatheist #orlandohumanist
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488-1874, United States
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