TBSK Picnic Paddle, Bayfront Park, Longboat Key
Trip Title: Islands of Longboat Key Picnic Paddle
Trip Co-Leaders: Libby Wolf and Cheryl Taskey
Description: The mangrove islands and seagrass meadows adjacent to the park are absolutely gorgeous and there are no crowds except for schooling fish and the occasional pod of dolphins – and, so many nooks and crannies to explore! This will be an easy, scenic paddle around Audubon Sanctuary Islands. We will visit Cranes Bayou, Buttonwood Harbor, White Key and Whale Key. After the paddle, you can rinse your boat at the take-out before loading it on your vehicle. Then, we’ll meet in the picnic shelter in the southeast part of the park, easily walkable from wherever you park. It’s a BYOPicnic Lunch and beverage.
The total trip is 6+ miles.
Location: Bayfront Park, located at 4052 Gulf of Mexico Dr on Longboat Key. There are two entrances to the park, located behind the Ace Hardware shopping strip. The kayak launch is at the north end of the park behind the tennis courts.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 20. Arrive at least 45 minutes early to unload, bring your kayak and gear to the launch, then park your car, and be ready to launch by 8:30am. We'll finish between 11:00-noon.
Parking: Drop your kayak at the launch area and park in the south lot, near restrooms and closest to the picnic pavilion. There is ample parking if you arrive before the pickle ball court opens at 8am
Rental Kayaks Available: Happy Paddler, located at the launch site, has just three recreational (sit inside) kayaks, so reserve yours now if you’ll be joining us. If you prefer a sit-on-top kayak, they have plenty. Phone 941-773-1920 or reserve your kayak online at https://happypaddler.com/bayfront-park-longboat-key-rentals/
Difficulty: This is a Level 1+ trip due to distance, and is open to paddlers of all skill levels and sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks. Boats should have deck lines and/or grab loops, as well as sealed bow and stern flotation. See the Skills Self Assessment Chart.
What to wear/bring:
REQUIRED: Any seaworthy kayak with flotation as well as deck lines and/or bow and stern grab loops is fine, but all participants must wear a PFD and carry a whistle or other sound-producing device.
RECOMMENDED: Spray skirt, sunscreen, sunhat, closed-toe shoes, extra safety equipment like bilge pump, paddle float, radio, tow belt, etc. Participants must wear a PFD and should bring plenty to drink.
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 so that people on the waitlist can join us.
Questions? Text or phone Libby at (216) 337-8400 or Cheryl Taskey at (724) 713-0207