The Villages Canoe and Kayak Club

07/31/2026

Silver Springs Trip 6/18/26

07/31/2026

Hey folks, I am your friendly safety officer. Please remember to always wear your life jacket whenever you are on the water.

If you are paddling on a club trip it is a requirement. Please make it a habit no matter if you are paddling with the club or not.

I am a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and as such I pay close attention to boating accident statistics and news. The number one cause of death on the water is not wearing a properly fitted life jacket.

As a canoeist or kayaker you should wear an inherently buoyant PFD instead of an inflatable. Inflatables are great for powerboating and other on the water activities, but paddling is just like riding a motorcycle; it's not if you are going to dump, it's when. At some point you are going to end up in the water.
Whether it's on purpose or not and that inflatable, if it's an automatic will inflate and do its job whether you want it to or not. If it's not an automatic and you either lose consciousness or panic, it is nothing more than extra material hanging from your body.

Please be safe and remember Keep Calm and Paddle On!!

07/31/2026

Pick the Trip That's Right for You by Linda Morrison -
Pick the trip that's right for you.

We frequently host paddle trips on the Silver River. It's a beautiful, clear spring-fed river, and we're guaranteed to see a variety of birds, gators, fish, and possibly some of the resident manatees and monkeys. With its 2-3 mph current, it's an easy river to paddle . . . as long as you're going downstream and the current helps you along. But please read the trip announcement carefully. Some of our Silver River trips require paddling against that strong current, which can present quite a challenge.

Consider the different strength, stamina, and skills required for each of these trips:

* "one way" -- launch at Silver Springs kayak launch, paddle with the current 5.5 miles downstream. Take out at Ray Wayside.
* "down and back" -- launch at Silver Springs Park kayak launch, paddle down stream 3 miles, turn and paddle against the current 3 miles to return to the Park kayak launch.
* "photographers paddle" -- launch at Silver Springs Park kayak launch, paddle slowly 1.6 miles around the Fort King Loop, pausing frequently to take pictures. This requires paddling about 3/4 mile against the current, but with frequent stops.
* "up and back" -- launch at Ray Wayside, paddle against the current 3 miles, then turn and paddle downstream 3 miles to return to Ray Wayside

Same river. Same wildlife. Same beautiful scenery. But which trip is right for you?
Read the trip announcement carefully. If in doubt, contact the trip leader and ask.
****

06/18/2026

Pictures from our towing class on 6/15/2026 at Carney Island Park on Little Lake Weir.

06/05/2026

03/13/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Members of the Villages Canoe and Kayak Club will meet March 19 at Colony Cottage Recreation Center to show and discuss their favorite accessories for paddling. Come and learn from your fellow paddlers, and share your own favorite accessories.
What should you carry in your kayak? What accessories will you need for your personal safety and the safety of others? Navigation? Hydration and energy? Protection from the sun, wind, rain, cold or hot temperatures? What about those cute and useful gadgets to keep your phone, wallet, and car keys safe? And, once you've identified them, where do you buy them?

Doors open at 2 p.m. for socializing, and meeting with club leaders. Program begins at 2:30. Monthly meetings are open to anyone with a Villages resident or guest ID. The club hosts paddle trips throughout the year, open to members only.

For information on membership, please contact Gloria at [email protected].

01/02/2024

Thirteen members of the Villages Canoe and Kayak Club said good-bye to 2023 and welcomed 2024 with a "crossing over" paddle trip on the Withlacoochee River on January 1. Halfway through their 7-mile trip, the paddlers crossed over the Wysong Dam, pausing atop the embankment for a picnic lunch and a toast to the New Year.

Our paddlers enjoyed the warm and sunny afternoon, after launching in a cool, overcast morning.

Raising a cup of sparkling grape juice are (seated) Stephanie Darling, Randy Darling, Dietra Lott, and Jim Lott. Standing are:
Judy Nast, Linda Morrison, Dave Davidson, Glenn Schaefer, Bruce Varner, Michael Rath, Dave Otis, Jon Hackley.

not pictured - John Holloway

12/10/2022

Lake Griffin State Park is seeking volunteers in the area of visitor services; assisting in the park office / park entrance station. The park would welcome someone interested in helping out a few hours a day, a day or so per week. Volunteers would be trained to greet visitors, collect entry fees, register campers and assist administrative staff.

The Park would also like to increase our interpretive programing and are seeking anyone interested in producing and / or conducting interpretive programs, leading nature walks and assisting with special events. Programs at the State Park shall educate visitors about the park, the eco system, wildlife, history, resource management or related subjects.

Interested persons should contact:

Mark Knapke
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Lake Griffin State Park
Park Manager
[email protected]

08/29/2022

For Sale – Tandem kayaks and trailer
Two tandem “sit on” kayaks.
1. Hobie 14’ Mirage Oasis tandem kayak is speedy, and very comfortable, featuring Hobie’s
Mirage Drive that you peddle. www.Hobie.com/miragedrive/
a. Kayak comes with two sets of Mirage drives – the standard original drives and a
rotating 180 degree set that allows you to peddle in reverse
b. It has four water tight storage hatches and can be outfitted for fishing or sailing
c. Hobie’s twist and stow rudder system can be steered from the forward or aft seat
d. Includes heavy duty wheels with 225lb capacity to dolly your kayak to the water’s
edge
2. Perception Tribe 13.5’ tandem kayak
a. The seats provide nice back support making it very comfortable to paddle b. Includes two super light Werner paddles
3. Yakima light-weight aluminum Rack and Roll 78 trailer
a. Heavy duty suspension increases weight limit to 350 lbs.
b. Five spoke spare tire
c. Tongue extension kit minimizes space for storage
d. J cradle kayak racks for left side and ‘Sweet Roll’ saddle & roller mounts saddles for
right side. Pulls very nicely behind even a small car.
https://yakima.com/products/rackandroll-78-trailer
4. Includes four premium life vests
Kayaks and trailer are in great condition. Invested over $9,000 for all of the above. Asking $4,500. Call 352.233.8685 or email [email protected].