In the early to mid-1980s, each year a different paddling club would host a weekend get-together of clubs. That club led the weekend’s trips, then passed the baton to another club the following year.
In 1987 the FL Canoe & Kayak Association began helping with the event, and eventually ran it. It evolved into a festival, the Florida Rivers Celebration. At that time, October was Florida Rivers Month. There were vendors, boat trials, clinics, presentations, and some paddling trips. The last festival was held in October 1995 at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch SP.
2002 to Present
In 2002, FSPC revived the old style get-together, at first called the Gathering of Florida Paddling Clubs, then the Paddling Clubs Gathering.
In 2006 a new name was voted on by the participants. It became the Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous.
The Rendezvous has usually been in October, around the time the summer heat breaks. Attendance has varied from 45-150+ people. The host club chooses the spot and trips, and makes the plan (as simple as they like). Typically there is no registration fee unless for event insurance. Along with lots of trips, there is a pot luck dinner, campfires, possibly a presentation or two, and mingling. Occasionally there are event t-shirts.
locations and host clubs
2002 – FL Sport Paddling Club at Silver River State Park
2003 – Palm Beach Pack & Paddle at Wekiwa Springs State Park
2004 – Marion County Aquaholics at Salt Springs Recreation Area
2005 – none
2006 – Wilderness Trekkers at Chassahowitzka River Campground
2007 – West FL Canoe and Kayak Club at Adventures Unlimited in Milton
2008 – Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers Assoc at Hillsborough River State Park
2009 – Indian River Paddlers’ Club at Skydive Sebastian in Sebastian
2010 – FL Sport Paddling Club at Silver River State Park
