Fort DeSoto Level 1 Picnic Paddle
Trip Leader: Jill Lingard jill.lingard@gmail.com 352-665-1776
Trip Leader Candidates:
Claudia Veihl claudia.veihl@gmail.com 203-918-9162
Bob Gallo 1bobgallo@gmail.com 312-515-7963
Description: We'll meet at Arrowhead Picnic Area at Fort De Soto Park. Launching from Arrowhead our L1 group will paddle together across Bunces Pass to the inside shore of Shell Key. The group will take a break there and wait for the L2 group to arrive then practice rescues and/or strokes on the shallow calmer inside waters. There have been trip planning rumors about a possible Spring campout on the Island so explore where you might pitch your tent! Leaving Shell Key with the L2 group we'll paddle around Mangrove islands on the inside, through some mangrove tunnels, and back to Arrowhead in time to pack up and head to the 1PM picnic at Shelter #3. We can make route adjustments in response to weather conditions and group needs.
Launch Location: Arrowhead Picnic Area at Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S in Tierra Verde. Here's a Fort DeSoto Park map. Unless you have an annual pass, you'll need to pay the $6 parking fee payable via the ParkMobile parking app or credit card.
Launch Schedule: Meet at 9:30 AM on Saturday, February 21. Be ready to launch kayaks by 10:00. (Later launch time due to tide schedule.) We'll return around 12:00-12:30 PM.
Difficulty: Level 1 This is a mostly sheltered inland bay paddle of about 5 miles. Review TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions.
Essential Requirements: Boats must be at least 14 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation. Paddlers must wear a PFD with whistle, a spray skirt, and appropriate water shoes. Dress for immersion--Gulf temps range from the high 50's to low 60's this time of year. Bring plenty to drink and be sure it's accessible while you paddle.
If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify leaders before the trip so that they can be best equipped to assist you as needed.
If your plans to participate change, please cancel on the website or app so that people on the waitlist can join us. If your plans change at the last minute please text the trip leader!!