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Cockroach Bay - Level 1+

  • 24 Oct 2020
  • 8:30 AM
  • Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park, Ruskin
  • 1

Registration

  • About 5-10 miles on protected coastal waters

Registration is closed

Trip leaders: Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776 & Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159

Description: Join us for a leisurely paddle on the protected coastal waters of Cockroach Bay, which is much prettier than it sounds!  (Regional lore explains that locals used to call horseshoe crabs cockroaches.)  There are two marked paddling trails to explore (Horseshoe Crab Trail and Snook Run), dozens of mangrove islands to wander by and tunnel through, and plenty of wading birds, dolphins and other sea life to entertain us. 

Location: We’ll launch from the beach beside the boat ramp at Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park, at the end of Cockroach Bay Road in Ruskin.  We’ll return to this spot at the end of our paddle to negate the need for shuttling.

Schedule: Meet at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, October 24, and launch by 9 a.m.  Bring a snack and plenty of water to drink—we’ll have a chance to stop for a break along the way.  Weather permitting, we’ll finish up early afternoon.

Additional information:

  • Parking is free.
  • This trip will be capped at 12 paddlers, including trip leaders.  

COVID-related recommendations:

  • To minimize contact among the group, pair up with another paddler for the day if help is needed moving boats between vehicles and launch.
  • Bring biodegradable hand soap and hand sanitizer for use after handling someone else’s boat on or off the water.
  • Wear face masks while loading/unloading boats and gear at parks. 

Difficulty: This is a Level 1-2 trip.  We’ll likely paddle at least 5 miles, but might approach 10 if we explore more trails and islands.   

Required gear: Wear a PFD and bring sun/insect protection. Refer to TBSK’s Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact the leader with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the website or RSVP to the trip leader to allow notification of any changes.



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