Hillsborough
Rowlett Park, Tampa
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 0.27 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Hillsborough River Near Tampa Fl |
| Flow Rate as of 10 minutes | 0 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 29, 2024 |
River Description
A message suggesting 'There is a surf spot at high levels' was posted on 'HyperNews' at Boater Talk. Unfortunately, that site was reorganized and the link to that message no longer works.
A user 'Trip Report' from 2014 provides: 'This rapid does have some nice waves when water level is up, and easy eddies to get back up. This flow comes from a dam that holds water for the Tampa water supply and opens one of its gates to provide flow to the rest of the river. Some rocks are present below the flow to make some rapids.
You can park and put in at Rowlett Park. If you get to where the park meets the river just look up stream, you can't miss it. Rowlett Park is not in the nicest of neighborhoods but it is not too bad once you are in the park. There are also some official warnings posted about not messing with the dam so don't touch it. It is a great find considering it is in Central Florida.'
River Features
No river features have been added
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportIt would be awesome if any of the local paddlers would become a stream keeper for AW and post some current info & pics for this reach. Id be happy to get you started. David Bazemore
Unlawful to paddle within 150 yards of the base of the dam. Must wait for high enough level where the flow creates rapids below warning signs. 1200 cfs not enough, 2000 might be.
I will be paddling this spot tomorrow. I will post info at the specific level and add some info about the actual wave and or hole. I will frequently visit this spot if it is as good as it sounds. I can be reached at 4074147442 if you want info on the spot or to paddle.
This rapid does have some nice waves when water level is up, and easy eddies to get back up. This flow comes from a dam that holds water for the Tampa water supply and opens one of its gates to provide flow to the rest of the river. Some rocks are present below the flow to make some rapids.
You can park and put in at Rowlett Park. If you get to where the park meets the river just look up stream, you can't miss it.
Rowlett Park is not in the nicest of neighborhoods but it is not too bad once you are in the park. There are also some official warnings posted about not messing with the dam so don't touch it.
It is a great find considering it is in Central Florida.
theres waves and 'rapids' on the smallish watershed that is hillsborough river through the state park.....local scene isnt altogether 'boater friendly'......small, needs rain