Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers upcoming events

KAYAK SUPPORT FOR ST. ANTHONY'S TRIATHLON (26 Apr 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

KAYAK SUPPORT FOR ST. ANTHONY'S TRIATHLON

St. Anthony’s Triathlon has asked for our help!

Triathlon organizers are looking for spotters and kayak support for their upcoming race on Sunday, April 26. The event takes place at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg from 6:00 to 10:00 AM.

Athletes will swim a course of either 1500 or 750 meters. Kayakers will be placed strategically throughout the course to help spot athletes who go astray or need to rest for a minute. You are expected to bring your own kayak and wear a PFD with a whistle. Volunteers will be provided a parking pass, t-shirt, and safety instructions on race day.

If you are interested in helping, please email Patrick.McGee@BayCare.org and mention that you are a TBSK member. If 10 or more club paddlers volunteer, they will provide a monetary donation to TBSK.

Dunedin Marina to Stevenson Creek Limit 8 paddlers (29 Apr 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Trip title: Dunedin Marina to Stevenson Creek Limit 8 paddlers

Trip leader / co-leader: Bob Gallo 312-515-7963 1bobgallo@gmail.com

Description: Location: Launching from the beach next to the Dunedin Boat Club on the West Side of the Dunedin Marina (49 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL) we will paddle south along the Edgewater Drive/Alt 19 shoreline then pass under the Alt19 bridge heading East into the Stevenson Creek estuary. Stevenson Creek is a tidal estuary which continues to undergo successful ecological restoration evidenced by seagrass regrowth an occasional dolphin, shorebirds and a significant manatee population. After leaving “the creek” we will paddle west crossing the boat channel and land on a spoil island’s sandy beach, have lunch or a snack then return to the launch site.

Schedule: Wednesday 4/29 arrive 9:00am Launch 9:30am Return Approx 1:30pm - Distance approximately 7 miles

Additional information: Due to storm damage construction the only entrance to the launch site in the marina is off of Alt 19 south of Main St between the playground on the right and the Edgewater Arms condominium building on the left. Upon entering the parking lot continue straight bearing left past the closed boat ramp along the marina’s south wall to the end. Parking is free and arriving on time should provide a space next to the beach. Public bathrooms are available next to the playground and is walkable.

Difficulty: Level 2 Due to Distance 5 miles & potential choppy water

Required / suggested / restricted: Kayaks of at least 15' with decklines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation.

Paddlers should wear PFDs, spray skirts, close-toed paddling shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, plenty to drink and lunch/snack for stretch break on spoil island.

If you have any medical issues that may 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 attend change, please cancel your spot on the website so that others on the waitlist can join. If cancelling at the last minute please text or call Bob 312-515-7963

See the Skills Self Assessment Chart on the web site and contact the leader with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the web site or RSVP to the trip leader to allow notification of any changes.

TBSK Training Day: Greenland Skills (19 May 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

TBSK Training Day: Greenland Skills

EVENT DETAILS:

Coaches:

Tom Malone, tjmalone@verizon.net, 410-977-7785
Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776
Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159

Description: This practice session will focus on Greenland style paddling techniques, but all paddle types are welcome. Many of the principles underlying Greenland style strokes are easily transferred to Euro blades. Rolling may be an introduction for some paddlers, while others may want to refine their existing rolls or try new ones. We'll have three coaches on hand and can divide up into smaller groups based on what folks would like to work on. We'll also bring some extra Greenland paddles for folks to try out.

Location: Gandy Beach near The Getaway restaurant, located at 13090 Gandy Blvd N in St. Petersburg.

Schedule: Meet at 9:30 AM, unload boats and gear, and be ready to start class by 10:00. We should finish up around noon. After-class lunch at The Getaway is an option for those interested.

Additional information:

This training is open to all skill levels of paddlers. No prior Greenland experience required.
If your kayak lacks fore or aft bulkheads, be sure to add flotation.
If you have a Greenland paddle, bring it.
As usual, participants must wear PFDs. Close-toed shoes recommended.
Rollers: Wear a spray skirt, and you might be more comfortable practicing with either nose plugs or a diving mask on.
Pack plenty to drink and snacks if you need them.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify coaches before the training 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.

TBSK TRAINING DAY: "RESCUE ME!" (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

TBSK TRAINING DAY: "RESCUE ME!"

Coaches:

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

Location: Fort De Soto Park, located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S in Tierra Verde. As you enter the park, turn left at the flagpole and drive past the sign to East Beach to park at the end of that arm of the peninsula. (Note: East Beach has the closest restroom facilities to where we'll be.)

Date/Time: Saturday, June 27. Arrive by 8:00 a.m. Class will start at 8:30. Early start is an effort to beat the heat and summer thunderstorms. We'll finish up by noon.

Description: It's hot as blazes out there--LET'S GET WET! Kayak rescues are perishable skills—even if you’re familiar with them, it’s important to practice them regularly to keep your proficiency up. We’ll facilitate practice on any kind of rescue that paddlers are interested in--assisted or self, incorporating assistive tools like stirrups and paddle floats as needed. We can even progress to rolls as time permits, but that won't be our primary focus. This session is open to paddlers of all skill levels and sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks.

What to bring: The usual paddling gear, plus a spray skirt, stirrup, and paddle float if you have them. Nose plugs or a dive mask are useful for those looking to practice rolls. Coaches will bring extra paddle floats and stirrups to lend out as needed. Participants must wear a PFD, wear closed-toed water shoes, and bring plenty to drink.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your rescue practice, please notify leaders before the training so that they can be best equipped to assist you as needed.

Please register (or cancel) on the website or contact the trip leaders to notify them of any last minute changes to your plans to participate.

TBSK TRAINING DAY: "Rescue Me AGAIN!" (26 Jul 2026)

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:30:00 GMT

TBSK TRAINING DAY: "Rescue Me AGAIN!"

Coaches:

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

Date/Time: Sunday, July 26. Arrive by 7:30 a.m. to gear up and be ready to launch by 8:00. Early start is an effort to beat the heat and summer thunderstorms. We'll finish between 11:00-noon.

Description: This is Part Two in our summer of rescues and attempt to stay wet in hot summer conditions. We'll focus more on various SELF rescues this time, utilizing assistive tools like paddle floats and stirrups as needed. As time and interest permits, we may get to the "ultimate self-rescue"--the roll or re-enter and roll.

This session is open to paddlers of all skill levels and sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks. No worries if you didn't attend our June training--we'll start where you are.

What to bring: The usual paddling gear, plus a spray skirt, stirrup, and paddle float if you have them. Nose plugs or a dive mask may be useful for those looking to practice rolls. Coaches will bring some extra paddle floats and stirrups to lend out as needed. Participants must wear a PFD, closed-toed water shoes, and bring plenty to drink.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your rescue practice, please notify leaders before the training so that they can be best equipped to assist you as needed.

If your plans to participate change, please cancel on the website so that people on the waitlist can join the class.

TBSK WEEKENDER TRIP: Summer of Springs 1 - Silver River (31 Jul 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TBSK WEEKENDER TRIP: Summer of Springs 1 - Silver River

Trip leaders:

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

Description: Let's beat back the heat in beautiful cool spring waters! We'll launch from Ray Wayside Park and paddle up the Silver River and back. If we make it all the way up to the head spring, it'll be about a 10-mile round-trip paddle. We can turn back at any point the group chooses to. We can also practice rolls, rescues, swim, float--anything to keep cool. Expect to see lots of beautiful birds along the way and maybe some monkeys.

Location: Ray Wayside Park, 9564 NE 26th Lane in Silver Springs. Please note that there is a $7 per vehicle parking fee (cash only).

Schedule: Friday, July 31 Meet at 9AM to prep for launch by 9:30. We'll aim to return around 2-3PM.

Difficulty: Level 2. The trip may creep into Level II territory due to round-trip mileage if we paddle all the way to the head spring and into every nook and cranny along the way. Our upstream journey will be a little more challenging since we'll be paddling against the current, but it's manageable...and our reward for a little more exercise on the way up will be a relaxing float downstream. See TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact the trip leaders if you have any questions.

Additional information: This trip is the first day of a three-day "Summer of Springs" exploration. You can sign up for one, two, or all three days. If you plan to make a weekend out of it, we urge you to find lodging in the area to avoid driving back and forth from the Tampa Bay area. The towns of Ocala, Silver Springs, Dunnellon, and Crystal River have lots of hotels and are in the region that we'll be paddling each day. Scott & Jill will be staying in a rental house on the Rainbow River on Friday and Saturday nights. They have room in their rental house for 6-7 additional people. Contact Jill or Scott if you'd like to stay with them and share rental costs.

Difficulty: Level 2 for distance and a bit of current on the upstream paddle. Review TBSK's Skills Self-Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions.

Gear Requirements/Recommendations:

Kayaks at least 14 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation.
Paddlers must wear a PFD.
Pack a lunch and bring plenty to drink.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify the trip 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.

TBSK WEEKENDER TRIP: Summer of Springs 2 - Rainbow River (01 Aug 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

TBSK WEEKENDER TRIP: Summer of Springs 2 - Rainbow River

Trip leaders:

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

Description: Day 2 of our Summer of Springs trip will take us to the aptly named Rainbow River. We'll launch from Blue Run of Dunnellon Park and make our way up the Rainbow River to the head spring. Along the way up or back down, we can snorkel, swim, practice rolls and rescues, and check out side springs like Gissy. With its lush underwater eelgrass, diverse fish species, turtles, and otters, the Rainbow is a wonderful snorkeling experience! A round-trip paddle from Blue Run to the head spring is about 10 miles.

Location: Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, 19680 E Pennsylvania Avenue in Dunnellon. Note that there is an overflow parking area off San Jose Boulevard. You can drop your boat/gear near the launch, park there if needed, and it's a short walk back to the launch.

Schedule: Saturday, August 1. Meet at 8:30AM to prep for launch by 9:00. We'll aim to return around 1-2PM.

Additional information: This trip is the second day of a three-day "Summer of Springs" exploration. You can sign up for one, two, or all three days. If you plan to make a weekend out of it, we urge you to find lodging in the area to avoid driving back and forth from the Tampa Bay area. The towns of Ocala, Silver Springs, Dunnellon, and Crystal River have lots of hotels and are in the region that we'll be paddling each day. Scott & Jill will be staying in a rental house on the Rainbow River on Friday and Saturday nights. They have room in their rental house for 6-7 additional people. Contact Jill or Scott if you'd like to stay with them and share rental costs.

Difficulty: Level 2 for distance and a bit of current on the upstream paddle. Review TBSK's Skills Self-Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions.

Gear Requirements/Recommendations:

Kayaks at least 14 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation.
Paddlers must wear a PFD.
Mask, snorkel, fins, and a line to tow your kayak with if you plan to snorkel.
Pack a lunch and bring plenty to drink.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify the trip 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.

TBSK WEEKENDER TRIP: Summer of Springs 3 - Crystal River (02 Aug 2026)

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

TBSK WEEKENDER TRIP: Summer of Springs 3 - Crystal River

Trip leaders:

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

Description: Interested in deepening your understanding of Florida springs? Join SpringsWatch volunteers Jill Lingard and Scott Jantz on a citizen science paddling trip that will encompass seven springs around Kings Bay in Crystal River, including the crown jewels of Three Sisters Springs. Our paddle will be a slower-than-you're-probably-used-to 5 miles as we stop at stations to take measurements of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, light attenuation, water clarity, and submerged vegetation. Paddlers who enjoy snorkeling can also participate in an optional fish count at two springs. We'll also keep tabs on birds, turtles, manatees, and other wildlife. Jill and Scott will provide on-the-job training on the various meters used for water quality monitoring.

Location: Port Hotel & Marina, located at 1610 SE Paradise Circle in Crystal River. We will launch and return to this spot.

Schedule: Sunday, August 2. Meet at 8:00AM for an 8:30 launch. We usually finish up around 1-2PM.

Difficulty: Level 1+ based on mileage and a possible chop on the bay if winds build. The springs are mostly located along protected canals, but we paddle in the more open bay to reach them. See TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact the trip leaders if you have any questions.

Required gear: Kayaks of at least 14' in length with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation. Sit-on-top kayaks are actually very useful for this activity as you may be carrying extra SpringsWatch equipment. PFDs must be worn. Bring snorkel/mask/fins plus a line to tow your boat if you plan to participate in the fish count.

Gear Requirements/Recommendations:

Kayaks at least 14 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation.
Mask, snorkel, fins, and a line to tow your kayak with if you plan to participate in a fish count.
Paddlers must wear a PFD.
Pack a lunch and bring plenty to drink.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify the trip 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.