SUP Tour: Julington Creek

It was an early start, 6:15 am or just minutes until sunrise when I launched my paddleboard at Palmetto Leaves Regional Park (south entrance). My plan was to paddle the nearly 3.5 miles to the famous Clark's Fish Camp and hopefully make it out to a part of Julington Creek to see the sunrise. Both of these turned out to be failed missions.

Palmetto Leaves Regional Park is a city maintained park tucked away off Old St. Augustine Rd. near the I-95 interchange. Its entrance is difficult to see, and it can be easy to miss. The park has a small parking lot with about 7-8 parking spaces. There is room for about 10 additional vehicles if they park in the grass. The park does have bathrooms near the entrance as well.

The launch is a short walk down a dock where you will be greeted with a kayak launch attached to the dock. This makes it easier for kayakers to load and get in and out but does little for paddleboarders like myself due to the fin getting stuck.

The first few hundred yards of the paddle required some navigation around fallen tree limbs and other natural debris, but this was very easy to do. As I navigated from Big Davis Creek into Julington Creek I could see the Old St. Augustine bridge (it's really an overpass). Once I passed under Old St. Augustine road there was what looked to be a weather station standing up from the middle of the water.

The only gator that was seen on my journey.

After passing Old St. Augustine Rd. there were a few houses on the right. One had a giant statue of an alligator on the banks and its dock had collapsed into the water. Luckily, this was the only gator that I saw. Judging by the flags they had extending from their house, they are huge Florida Gators fans. The house just a little further down was a small home that sat just feet from the water. I can only imagine how flooded that house can get during hurricane season.

Once I passed these houses and a few others, it was just me and mother nature for a little while. Looking at houses, docks, and other interesting structures is always my favorite part when paddleboarding rivers and creeks. There were many docks and other structures and trees that have collapsed into the creek; either from prior storms or from rotting away from the elements. I always enjoy looking at the evidence of mother nature showing her power slowly over time.

I also saw an abundance of birds, most of which I did not know what type they were, and some fish. I came across a huge picture-perfect osprey nest just as it flew away. Osprey’s nests are giant and are easily identifiable by the large pieces of straw and twigs that hang down. Some can build nests so big that a human can fit inside.

Many of the fish I saw were just below the surface of the water and appeared to be gar and bass. The bass was a decent size while the gar was small and probably a baby. It made me wish I had a fishing pole. One of these days I will give SUP fishing a try.

I didn't quite make it to Clark's Fish Camp before turning around. I made it about 3 miles from my launch point and I could hear the motors of the weekend boaters up ahead. This was how I knew I was nearing the boat ramp by Clark’s. The sun was also beginning to bring the heat. With temperatures expected to be in the high 90s, I wanted to make sure I had enough water to make it back.

As I ventured back, near the end of the paddle the yellow flies and mosquitoes were in full attack mode and I was without bug spray. They were relentless no matter how hard and fast I paddled they would just keep buzzing by my head. Luckily, I had a long sleeve UV protection shirt on and a buff to put over my mouth and ears. My legs and ankles were not as lucky. Do not forget to bring your bug protection if you go on this trip or you will regret it!

Overall, the paddle was relaxing and very easy with plenty to see. Paddling down Julington Creek makes me think of a time in Jacksonville before we started putting houses along every inch of coastline. It is protected from the wind with plenty of shade from the canopy of cypress and oak trees above. There is one thing I will say about Julington Creek, it is very clean! I could not find one piece of trash in the water, which is rare.