Welcome to the Hidden Coast Paddling Festival

The 2012 Paddling Festival drew about 100 kayakers
and was a great experience for all

NOW - Planning is underway for October 4-5-6, 2013
in the Cedar Key area

Here's a couple of nice videos from the 2012 Festival

The Hidden Coast Paddling Festival was initiated because so many avid paddlers will claim that this area is some of the very best paddling in the world- yes - the world ! ! This includes the authors of the book, Sea Kayak Day Paddles on Florida's Hidden Coast, which is available absolutely free on this website HERE. For those of you not acquainted with the Hidden Coast of Florida it's also known as the Big Bend and is in the bend of Florida on the northern Gulf of Mexico side seen in the picture above. The flow of water in this area is very different from the rest of Florida and has, over eons, built up a shoreline unlike anything else there is. Explore the world-class paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities the Hidden Coast offers along Florida’s Big Bend’s waterways, trails, and slow-paced back roads.

Here's a nice video from a paddle through Locke Creek in the Town of Suwannee

Heres a list of area links that will help you enjoy your Hidden Coast experience to the max

We're starting to work on the Fall 2013 festival now which will be on the other side of the Suwannee River in the Cedar Key area October 4-5-6. There may also be a small gathering for a 1 day event of fun and self guided trips around the Suwannee area. Stay tuned. If you've ever registered here you will be receiving an email about this.

Go to the Cedar Key Chamber website and click on Lodging for local accommodations and dining. To stay close to the event the Levy County Visitors Bureau website has more information in the Levy County area. You can also go to the Pure Water Wilderness website for accommodations and dining along with other services and activities in the Tri-County area. Be sure to mention you are coming to the Hidden Coast Paddle Festival as there may be discounts. Also check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for information on hunting, fishing, birding and wildlife in this area. Suwannee has been designated a Blueway Community.