TBSK TRAINING DAY: Rescue Me, Part III: Rough Stuff!
Coaches:
- Anthony Sousa, anthony.g.sousa@gmail.com, 727-455-2615.
- Assistant coaches or qualified assistants/spotters needed. Contact Anthony to volunteer.
Location: Honeymoon Island State Park, located at 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 (Google Maps link). As you enter the park, go past the turn to the Caladesi Ferry and turn left at the signs for Main Beach/South Beach Pavilion. When you get to the beach, turn left again and go toward the South Beach Pavilion Cafe. Look for Anthony’s silver Sprinter, a.k.a. the Ant-Van. We’ll look to park near one of the beach walk-throughs from the parking lot and help each other carry kayaks to the water. Restrooms, changing facilities, beach showers, and food are available on site.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 12. Please be at the gate in time to line up for for its 8:00 a.m. opening.
Note on Start/Finish: There can sometimes be a line-up for park entry, so we’ll need to be a little flexible on gathering. We’ll get started once everyone is gathered. The early start is an effort to beat the heat and summer storms. We'll finish by noon. There’s an option afterward to have a bite to eat and reflect on rescues at the South Beach Pavilion Cafe, or head over to House of Beer in Dunedin.
Parking Fees: Park entry is $8 per vehicle with up to eight occupants. State park passes are available at this link.
Description: This is Part Three in our summer of rescues and attempt to stay wet in hot summer conditions. The idea is a capstone experience of taking the rescue skills you learned in calm water out into some conditions. Conditions can simply be managing a shore break landing or launch, or could be attempting self or assisted rescues in bumpy conditions, or potentially out in breaking waves. We will work the venue to scale the location to your skill level or desired challenge. We’ll also role model risk assessment practices and venue selecting on shore before just diving into the lumpy waters.
This session is open to paddlers of all skill levels and kayak types. 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 slings 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. Spaces will be limited based on the number of coaches and qualified assistants available.