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FORT HAMER PICNIC DAY PADDLE - REC/LEVEL 1

When
16 May 2026
9:00 AM
Location
Fort Hamer Park, located at 1605 Fort Hamer Road in Parrish

Registration

Picnic Paddle - Rec/Lvl 1

FORT HAMER PICNIC DAY PADDLE - REC/LEVEL 1

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

Description: Join us as we explore a new picnic day location for TBSK! Fort Hamer is a public park on the Manatee River and home to Manatee County's youth rowing program. Situated just west of the spectacular Fort Hamer Bridge, the park provides a convenient access point to the stretch of the Manatee River between East Bradenton and Rye Preserve. The park is free to enter and has ample parking for vehicles with and without trailers. Launching from Fort Hamer, we'll head downstream and paddle a 3-4 mile loop around and through mangrove islands before heading back.

Schedule: Saturday, May 16. Meet at 9AM for a 9:30 launch. We'll aim to return by 11:30PM to be ready for the picnic at noon.

Location: Fort Hamer Park, located at 1605 Fort Hamer Road in Parrish.

Difficulty: Rec/Level 1. We'll paddle 3-4 miles on a fairly sheltered river with minimal current. Review TBSK's Skills Self-Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions.

Gear Requirements/Recommendations:

All kayaks welcome. If your kayak lacks bulkheads, be sure to add bow/stern flotation.
All paddlers must wear a PFD on the water.
Closed-toed paddling shoes are recommended.
Bring plenty to drink while paddling.
Pack a lunch and bring a camp chair for the picnic afterwards.

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.