Alafia River - The Village Canoe and Kayak Club

THE VILLAGES CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB
Destination Report - Alafia River
www.thevillagespaddlingclub.com
DATE OF TRIP: 26 April 2005
Length of Trip: Approximately 12 miles or 4 hrs
River Conditions: Changeable subject to rain – River contains Class I rapids
Skill Level: Intermediate
Current: Slow (1MPH) to Swift (4MPH)
Wind Problems: None
Travel Time from Villages: 100 miles or 1 ¾ hrs
Departure Point/Time: Southern Trace Shopping Center in front of Bell’s Store with Departure @ 730AM
Planned Put-In Time: 945AM
Outfitter: Alafia River Canoe Rentals, 4419 River Drive, Valrico FL 33594, 813.689.8645. The outfitter has 100 canoes
(17 ft) that rent (group rates) for $28 and 6 single (sit-in) kayaks (Old Towne Otter) that rent for $19 (if 2 or more rented)
and includes tax and shuttle service (to Put-In). Shuttle service for private boat owners is $5 per single kayak and $10 for
canoes and includes paddlers. Otherwise, you will have to arrange your own shuttle transportation needs. We will use
our e-sign-up for this trip and members will pay for the trip and sign the Outfitter’s rental/waiver form at the April general
meeting. We prefer that you pay by check (Payable to Alafia River Canoe Rentals) or have exact change with you.
Put-In and Take-Out Locations: Put-In will be at Alderman Ford Park and Take-Out will be at the Outfitter’s Livery.
Those using outfitter shuttle will drive to and park at the Outfitter who will shuttle us to the Put-ln. Private boat owners
who will do their own shuttle will need to arrange their own transportation needs.
Travel Directions:
(Outfitter Shuttle Service):
I-75 South (Towards Tampa) to Exit 257
At the Exit 257 turn RIGHT onto Ramp towards SR-60/Brandon
Take Ramp (LEFT) onto locals roads towns SR-60/Brandon
Merge onto SR-60 (Adamo Dr E) for approx 3.2 mi
Turn RIGHT (South) onto CR-640 (S Lithia Pincrest Rd) for 1.9 mi
Keep STRAIGHT onto CR-640 (Lithia Pinecrest Rd) for 3.9 mi
Turn RIGHT (South) onto River Dr to Outfitter
(Private Boat Owners who will do their own shuttle):
To Alderman Ford Park ( Same as above but continue (EAST) on CR-640
Make (LEFT) on CR 39
Make RIGHT into Alderman Ford Park (Remember your transportation needs at the Put-In and
Take-Out). Outfitter will not charge for parking, their might be a nominal parking fee at Alderman Ford Park

River Information:
The Alafia River (Al-a-fie) is a windy and twisty state-designated canoe trail that traverses eastern Hillsborough County
for approximately 45 miles from the town of Mulberry to the cities of Riverview and Gibsonton on Hillsborough Bay.
The canoe launch at Alderman’s Ford is on a channel that leads to the main river. Travel approximately 100 yards from
the canoe launch and turn left (downstream). You will quickly pass under a small, but high bridge. From this point, the
river narrows and proceeds beneath cypress, hardwood hammock and oak trees that provide welcome shade. Along the
Alafia, the banks are generally several feet high and heavily vegetated, making it difficult to land or launch.
The river is fairly swift (1 to 4 MPH depending on water levels), with several small sets of whitewater rapids
created by limestone shoals in the river. At very low water levels these become difficult to pass without bottoming out and
at high water you might not notice them. However, if the water is just right, you'll experience up to 10 sets of class 1
whitewater rapids. Of course, compared to any state north of 30 degrees latitude it's not much, but for Florida, the
whitewater is great.
Please note: If the Alafia is flowing fast (over 3 MPH), especially after heavy rains and flooding, this is no place
for a beginner. You're sure to encounter numerous deadfalls, strainers and in general you'll be paddling through the trees.
Tight turns further complicate the issue.
At approximately 10 miles into the trip, the river passes under the bridge at Lithia Pinecrest Road. This will be the
first sign of modern civilization during the trip. Another mile downriver on the right-hand side is the Alafia River Canoe
Rental dock. The take-out at Lithia Springs County Park is located another mile down river, just past the campground and
before a large white pipe running over the river.
Explanation of terms:
What's a strainer? Anything with holes big enough to let water through, but still small enough to stop a boat—or a body.
There are a lot of them around: culverts, downed trees, undercut ledges, fences, even abandoned cars. Have you ever
watched a fly that's been caught in the blast of air from a fan and then thrown against a screen? The blast slips right
through the metal mesh, but the fly is pinned down by the force. It struggles and buzzes until you shut off the fan.
What’s Class-I Rapids? The American Whitewater Affiliation has codified a river’s level of challenge (difficulty). There
are 5 Classes of water identified as offering challenge due to rapids, each is progressively difficult. Class-I is generally
considered to be Easy, fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed
with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Recommended items to bring:
Hat, sunglasses and chums to secure glasses to your head, sunscreen, two liters of water per person, snacks, bailer,
sponge, dry bag to protect personal items (wallet, keys, camera, GPS, binoculars), lunch or snacks, rope to secure items
within your boat. Plan on bringing a change of clothing and towel.
Lunch:
For those interested, we are told that a local restaurant called Tadpoles has great burgers and chilled drinks, based on
member’s interest club officials will make reservations for lunch after the trip.
Paddle Safely and Enjoy The River,
Ted Wendel (tjwendel@thevillages.net)
CLUB OFFICIALS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO FIND PADDLING PARTNERS FOR CLUB MEMBERS. THIS
IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND SHOULD BE DONE PRIOR TO THE SIGN-UP FOR THE TRIP. YOU MAY
POST THAT NEED ON THE CLUB’S WEBSITE BUT THE CLUB BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
SUCCESS
PLEASE CHECK OUR CLUB’S WEBSITE FOR POSSIBLE UPDATES AND CHANGES