What’s a river rat? 'River rat' is a moniker that some river paddlers have given themselves. It is a term of affection and best describes the sometimes grubby, relaxed and always fun nature of paddling on moving water. In most paddling circles, being identified as a river rat is like a badge of honor. The term river rat also describes the anonymous and down to earth nature of the paddling clan. You can be a high powered executive, blue collar worker or a struggling college student, but once on the water, pretenses are left behind and magically we are transformed into fun-loving, happy-go-lucky river rats!

How many people participate? We will limit the number of participants to 125 paddlers.

Can I go for just one day? Yes, but the Daily Rate will not be offered until January 15th and will not be offered should 125 paddlers sign up for the full weekend. Should the daily rate be offered, you can register for one day at a cost of $75/person. This daily rate includes that evening’s dinner, the next morning’s breakfast and lodging for one night.

What does my registration fee include? Registration fee includes 4 days of paddling on some of Florida’s most beautiful rivers, lodging Fri-Sun night at centrally located Camp Kiwanis (set up your own tent or stay in a heated/AC dorm), five catered meals (breakfast-Sat, Sun and Mon/dinner Sat and Sun), river maps and descriptions, T-shirt, nightly entertainment (live music) and activities.

How much does it cost? The River Rat Rendezvous costs $150 per paddler.

Do I need to be an experienced paddler? No. It helps if you have paddled before, but these rivers are gentle and peaceful. Each trip will be led by a volunteer river rat crew member that is an experienced paddler and can assist newer paddlers. If you are new to paddling, we ask that you take the basic canoe/kayak instruction offered at Camp Kiwanis on the afternoon of Friday, February 18, 2011.

How long are the paddling trips? Most rivers will take 4-5 hours to paddle at a leisurely pace. Plus, most days there will be a shorter and a longer option to choose from. Most of the rivers have a good current, so the paddles aren’t strenuous.

Do I have to have my own equipment? Yes. We are not an outfitter, but we can suggest local outfitters that you can rent from to get your canoe or kayak and gear. You are required to provide your own canoe or kayak, Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or life vest, and whistle. See the Outfitters page for a list of outfitters to secure your rental boat. Additionally, if you plan to tent camp, then you will need to bring your own tents, pillow, sleeping pad and sleeping bag. If you plan to stay in the dorm, then you will need to bring your own linens (for the bunks) or sleeping bag and pillow. You’ll need to bring your own personal toiletries and towels as well.

Where do we camp? Tent camping will be in a designated location at Camp Kiwanis. Bathroom facilities and hot showers are available at Camp Kiwanis.

Do I need to bring food? Most meals will be provided for you. We will provide you with Breakfast Sat, Sun and Mon morning and Dinner Sat and Sun. You are responsible for all your lunches and Dinner Friday night. There are plenty of restaurants around Ocala for you to choose from.

Can I cook at the campsite? No. Camp Kiwanis will not allow cooking in the campground.

What will the weather be like? Ocala’s February average high temperature is 73° F and the average low temperature is 47° F. Also, the average February rainfall is 3.11 inches. It is possible that we will have sunny days or thunderstorms with high winds. No matter what the weather, we plan to have a great time. Come rain or shine we will paddle, but you can chose to hang out at Camp Kiwanis where you can play volleyball, horse shoes or basketball. If it does rain, the spacious covered, screened pavilion will be available and you can sit around the fireplace. If the weather is predicted to be severe (i.e., day long severe thunderstorms or tornadoes predicted), then organizers reserve the right to cancel that day’s paddling.

What kind of boat should I bring? Any canoe or kayak will do! Whitewater kayaks and canoes, recreational kayaks, tandem canoes, flat-water canoes, sea kayaks and sit-on-tops are all welcome at the Rendezvous. Because of the twisty, narrow nature of Juniper and Alexander, short boats such as whitewater boats (canoes and kayaks), short canoes, and recreational kayaks are great for exploring these rivers. Longer boat paddlers (>14 feet) such as tandem canoes and sea kayaks will enjoy the wider Ocklawaha and Silver Rivers and their longer boats will aid in gliding through the water. Because we are staying in one location, you can even bring a short AND a long boat to match the challenges of that days paddle. Also, the sandy bottoms of these rivers are gentle on fragile boat materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber and thermoform plastics. Sit-on-tops are fine for this weekend, but keep in mind that the air and water temperatures (since you will be sitting in the water) might be chilly in the morning hours, so you must dress appropriately.