Dave's Yak Tales: Withlacooche River

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Withlacooche River

The Glen Lakes Kayak Club was back on the water for the first time since November. Tia, of Adventures in Florida, and I helped guide 22 paddlers around Hog Island. And more.

Starting out at 10:30.

Despite some recent rain, the Withlacooche is still very low. Because of that, and being with a large group, 22, I left my best camera in the car. Tia and I did have to disembark and assist a couple of times. Including a paddler who had a small branch enter her kayak from below. In a scupper hole, not new damage.

The plan was to take a break on the south end of Hog Island. Then paddlers could decide it they wanted to continue upstream, or round the bend and head back on the other side of the island. The group was spread out. I was the sweep. That's the last person, making sure everyone is in front of me. One paddler was near me. All the others were out of my vision. I kept looking for some standing on the bank, taking a break. Eventualy, I looked at a map on my phone. "We need to turn around, we are well past the south end of the island" I was not the only one who missed the turn. Tia called, and said she had also led part of the group farther up river than planned. She realized they had gone to far when the lead group, led by Greg G., who had paddled the area twice in the last couple weeks, including yesterday, were paddling towards her. They also missed the turnaround. So, I was in good company. Eventually, the fleet got back together and we paddled down the west side of Hog Island.