BACK SIDE OF WEEDON ISLAND SECOND ATTEMPT – LEVEL I PLUS (for distance)--LIMIT 10 PADDLERS (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

BACK SIDE OF WEEDON ISLAND SECOND ATTEMPT – LEVEL I PLUS (for distance)--LIMIT 10 PADDLERS

TRIP LEADER: Al Tillson alberttillson12@gmail.com 813-731-3583

For the October trip, the winds were too high to safely paddle down the Bay. The forecast looks better now, and we should have enough water with the later start time. We’ll paddle south in the bay and along the eastern edge of Weedon Island Preserve for about 3 - 4 hours and about 6 - 8 miles with a lunch/snack stop along the way. We should have a nice combination of open bay and mangrove areas and hopefully see a decent array of waterfowl, fish, and the occasional dolphin or manatee. There’s at least the possibility of a few recently arrived white pelicans.

Location: We’ll meet on the south side of Gandy Boulevard on the Pinellas side of Gandy Bridge about 200 yards to the east of Urban Kai near the last of a row of palm trees in the middle of the parking area.

Schedule: Saturday November 7th. Meet at 10:30 for a 11AM launch. Return about 3:30PM. The later launch time should get us better tide levels and let us spend some time inside the mangroves.

Additional information: No restrooms on site. Nearest are at the gas station/convenience store on the north side of Gandy or The Getaway restaurant.

Difficulty: Level I Plus (for distance). (See Skills Self Assessment Chart link below for level assignment)

Boats should be at least 14 feet long and have deck lines and/or grab loops, as well as sealed bow and stern flotation. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug repellant, a hat, and shoes that will protect you against oyster shells at take-outs.

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.

LEVEL 2 PICNIC PADDLE AT LIDO KEY IN SARASOTA (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

LEVEL 2 PICNIC PADDLE AT LIDO KEY IN SARASOTA

When: 21 Nov 2026

Location: Lido Key, Sarasota

Trip Leaders:

Libby Wolf

libbywolf2@gmail.com

(216) 337-8400

Cheryl Taskey

cheryl.taskey@gmail.com

(724) 713-0207

Description: We'll launch at South Lido Beach. Depending on conditions, we’ll paddle out to the Gulf through Big Sarasota Pass and circumnavigate Lido Key clockwise, coming back into Sarasota Bay via New Pass. We can stop for a break in a cove on Longboat Key’s Little Beach, go for a dip, practice rescues, rolls, etc. From there we'll enter Sarasota Bay, paddle south past City Island (location of the “old” Mote Museum), til we make our way back to our launch.

Alternatively, we can paddle this route counterclockwise or, if the Gulf is too choppy, remain in Sarasota Bay where we can still cover some miles, see some sights, and include a tour of the mangrove tunnels. The water in this entire area is generally crystal clear in shades of blues and greens.

This is a popular beach and anchored boats and jet skis will be present when we return.

Location: South Lido Key Beach is located at 2898 Ben Franklin Dr., Sarasota. Parking is to the left as you enter the park and beach is close. If you park to the right as you enter the park, you’ll need kayak wheels. Restroom is nearby.

Schedule: Meet at 8:30 on Saturday, November 21. Be ready to launch kayaks by 9:00. We'll aim to return no later than 12:30 to give everyone time to reload boats and gear before the picnic.

Difficulty: Level 2. This is a mostly open water paddle of about 7-8 miles. Review TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions that arise.

Requirements/Recommendations:

Kayaks at least 14' long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation
Paddlers must wear a properly fitted PFD with whistle, spray skirt, and water shoes.
Bring plenty to drink and snacks if you need them.

If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify trip leaders so that they can best prepare to assist you.

If your plans to participate change, please cancel your registration on the website or app so that others on the waiting list can join us.

Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers upcoming events

BACK SIDE OF WEEDON ISLAND SECOND ATTEMPT – LEVEL I PLUS (for distance)--LIMIT 10 PADDLERS (07 Nov 2026)

LEVEL 2 PICNIC PADDLE AT LIDO KEY IN SARASOTA (21 Nov 2026)