Shingle Creek: A Tale of Two Personalities
Disclaimer: This story predates my photography days, but it’s worth sharing because it frames my sense of adventure. And yes, the only thing I captured back then was mosquito bites.
Paddling Adventures – Overview
Before diving into the trail details, let’s talk about my paddling experience and some essential safety notes. Because nothing says “fun” like avoiding a call to the Coast Guard.
My Experience
I’m an experienced paddler with certifications in Paddle Craft Safely (in-person) and Safety Afloat (online) through Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America). As a youth, I paddled the Everglades and stayed in a chickee, explored the Wekiva and Peace Rivers, and countless lakes. I’ve taught Canoeing, Kayaking, and Windsurfing merit badges and worked with ROTC on paddling adventures at Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation in Lake Wales, Florida.
I share this because my perspective comes from years of experience—not as a first-time paddler. Please don’t attempt to follow my footsteps without proper preparation. Safety first! (Because “Safety Third” is not a real thing, no matter what your uncle says.)
Boating Safety Basics
While boating laws vary by state, here are universal essentials:
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Always wear a PFD that keeps you afloat and upright. Think of it as your life jacket—because “sink or swim” is not a good plan.
- Type I: Most common; good for lakes and rivers.
- Type II: Best for isolated waters far from shore.
- Type III: Ideal for paddling close to shore.
Safety Equipment
- Whistle (required in most states—because yelling “HELP!” gets old fast)
- Optional: flares, mirrors, satellite devices
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sun shirts, hats, sunglasses
- First aid kit, snacks, and water—because you never know when you’ll be stranded. Or hungry.
Pre-Trip Inspections
- PFDs for wear and tear (ripped straps, broken buckles, damaged foam)
- Boats for leaks and safety features
- Kayak foot pedals and paddle condition
- Inflatable vessels (hold air for at least 10 minutes)
- First aid kit and other gear
Fix Issues Before Launch: If anything fails inspection, resolve the problem before continuing—even if it means postponing your adventure. Remember: duct tape fixes a lot, but not everything.
Types of Paddle craft
- Canoe: Single-blade paddle, usually metal or fiberglass.
- Kayak: Sit-in or sit-on vessel with double-blade paddle.
- Paddleboard: Stand-up board with single long paddle.
For Shingle Creek:
- Upper and lower sections: canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
- Central section: kayak only—trust me on this. (Unless you enjoy swimming with your gear.)
The Trail
Upper Section
Distance: ~1.8 miles (one-way or out-and-back)
Parking:
- North: Osceola History Pioneer Village
- South: Lots off US 192 (south side)
This section is peaceful and beginner friendly. Starting at Babb Landing, paddle north until the creek narrows and downed trees block your way. Then head south past Steffee Landing (canoe/kayak rentals available) and enjoy historic sites like the Florida Cracker house. Eventually, you’ll see a giant stop sign warning about the challenging mid-section. If you’re not experienced, turn back here. (That sign isn’t kidding.)
Mid-Section
Distance: ~4 miles (one-way only)
Route: Stop sign south of Steffee Landing → Old Tampa Highway bridge
This is the ultimate adventure—narrow trails, strong currents, and complex maneuvers around cypress trees. Expect:
- Portaging over downed trees
- Possible drought conditions requiring long carries
- Or Class II rapids dodging trees (dangerous!)
After the chaos, you’ll enter untouched sand dunes—a stunning, seldom-seen part of Florida. Eventually, the creek widens and leads to the lower section. (If you make it this far, you’ve earned bragging rights.)
Lower Section
Distance: ~3 miles from Marsh Landing
- Easier than the mid-section but upstream paddling can be tough.
- Residential access—please respect private property.
- Lake access: Big Toho Marina (2 miles) or Brownie Wise Park (1.3 miles)
- Overnight camping? Check out Makinson Island (story for another day).
My Adventures on Shingle Creek
This is where the story gets personal. These trips taught me hard lessons about preparation, resilience, and the unpredictability of nature. I’m sharing them not as recommendations, but as cautionary tales and glimpses into the thrill of exploration. And yes, some of these moments were so wild they deserve their own sitcom.
Attempt 1 – The Drought Disaster
The first stretch was magical—dodging cypress trees, gliding through narrow waterways. Then came the rapids… except they weren’t there. The creek had vanished into the underbrush. A severe drought had drained the water, leaving us stranded in a swamp with sunset approaching.
With no time to backtrack, I made a bold decision: portage west toward the nearest road. That meant carrying two kayaks and helping my wife through knee-deep muck for half a mile. I’d haul my boat, then hers, then guide her forward—over and over. At one point, we crossed a pasture and met an unexpected local: a bull. Heart pounding, we pushed on until we reached the road and called my dad for rescue.
Lesson learned: Nature doesn’t care about your plans. Always check water levels and have a backup exit strategy. (And maybe learn how to moo back at a bull.)
Attempt 2 – Redemption
Months later, I was ready to give up—until a chance encounter at a Waffle House changed everything. An old friend had paddled the trail before and offered insider tips. Armed with tribal knowledge and extra kayaks, we set out again.
This time, the creek was alive. Rapids roared, sand dunes shimmered like ancient relics, and the trail unfolded like a secret world. We maneuvered through tight turns, portaged over fallen trees, and laughed through every challenge. It was everything I had imagined and more.
Lesson learned: Experience—and local wisdom—makes all the difference. (Also, never underestimate the power of hash browns and good advice.)
Attempt 3 – Chaos on the Creek
Feeling confident, I invited my dad and brother for a family adventure. My wife joined again (now very pregnant), and my brother insisted on bringing his dog. What could go wrong? Everything.
- My dad surged ahead and vanished into the swamp.
- My brother flipped his kayak; his dog bolted into the woods.
- My wife got caught in an eddy, flipped upside down, and was pinned under a fallen tree.
Adrenaline kicked in. My brother and I abandoned the dog search and dove to free my wife. She had been under water for nearly a minute terrifying. Once she was safe, we found the dog and began searching for Dad. No luck. His kayak and gear were scattered along the creek like breadcrumbs: a shoe here, a paddle there, a backpack snagged on a branch.
We reached Marsh Landing exhausted and worried. Locals hadn’t seen him. After hours of searching, we called 911.
Meanwhile… Dad’s Story: After losing his paddle and most of his gear, he clung to a fallen tree, then decided to keep moving forward. Eventually, he stumbled upon a retirement community, dragged his kayak to their clubhouse, and became the evening’s entertainment—sharing his tale over drinks while calling 911 to report himself “missing.”
Police connected the dots, and we were reunited. Relief washed over us, but the experience was sobering.
Lesson learned: Wear your PFD, stay calm, and never underestimate the creek. Emergencies happen fast—be prepared. (And maybe leave the dog at home.)
Planning Your Trip
- Easy: North section
- Moderate: South section
- Ultimate: Mid-section
Waypoints
- Route Planning
- North Side
- South Side
Recommended Gear
- Day pack
- Water (1 quart/hour/person)
- Snacks
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- First aid kit
- PFD & whistle
- Kayak/canoe/paddleboard
- Sun shirt, swimsuit, water shoes
Final Thoughts
Shingle Creek offers everything—from serene paddles to adrenaline-pumping rapids. Plan wisely, respect nature, and always Be Prepared. (Because “winging it” is for chickens, not paddlers.)
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