Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers upcoming events

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

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: 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.

SHELL KEY FULL MOON PADDLE W/ PHOTO STOP - LEVEL 1 (27 Jul 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

SHELL KEY FULL MOON PADDLE W/ PHOTO STOP - LEVEL 1

TRIP LEADER:

Robby Bieber - (941) 744-6620, july_28_shell_key@bieber.dev

Description: We'll meet at Butler hole, on the South side of the Pinellas Bayway along the way to Ft. Desoto but before crossing over into the park. We'll aim to set out 30 minutes before moonrise, which will actually occur about 20 minutes before sunset. We'll paddle West about a mile to a mile and a half into the interior of Shell Key Preserve, where we should have some time to scout out a good place to watch/photograph the moon rising at about 120 degrees Southeast.

I'll be bringing a camera and tripod and plan to break for about half an hour once the moon rises and the sun has set to photograph it coming up over the water and mangroves. If you have a tripod you don't mind getting in the salt water, bring it along with a suitably dry-bagged camera or phone to take some photos of your own (don't forget a towel to wipe wet fingers on). Otherwise hang out in the twilight, have a snack, and maybe pose if you feel like being a subject.

We can try a couple of locations if the group is up for it, or just head right back after enjoying the sunset and moonrise. We should end up about 4 miles or less round trip, with tide starting around half a foot and coming in for the entire time we're out. Even with the tide coming in the interior of Shell Key is shallow, so be prepared to navigate skinny water and potentially walk boats at times.

Location: Butler hole. South side of Pinellas Bayway S. Lat/long: 27.6592, -82.7213.

Also marked as "Capt Yak" on Google maps, there's just an open grassy area off the side of the road to park and launch boats through the mangroves.

Schedule: Meet at 7:00pm on July 27th. Be ready to launch kayaks by 7:30. We'll aim for a return time before 10:00pm, but may be earlier or later depending on group preferences.

Difficulty: Level 1. We'll stick to the protected waters inside of Shell Key and cover a distance around 3-4 miles at a casual pace.

Requirements: All types of kayaks are OK and should have a closed hull, closed hatches, or bow and stern flotation. SUPs are welcome on this paddle and should have a leg leash attached. Paddlers must wear a PFD with whistle and appropriate water shoes. Bring plenty to drink and be sure it's accessible while you paddle.

For this paddle specifically, LIGHTS ARE REQUIRED. The sun will be going down when we launch, and we'll be returning in full dark. Your light(s) should be visible from a mile away, which can be accomplished by a light on a pole behind you or deck lights on both bow and stern. Head lamps with red light are also highly recommended. If you wear glasses, you may want to bring both sunglasses and clear glasses.

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 or app so that people on the waitlist can join us

JULY GENERAL MEETING: JOHN SHINNER, PADDLER & WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER (28 Jul 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

JULY GENERAL MEETING: JOHN SHINNER, PADDLER & WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER

We're so pleased to have TBSK member John Shinner joining us for our July General Meeting. John is both paddler and photographer extraordinaire! He is the 30th kayaker to have completed the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Having grown up in Tampa Bay, it was fitting that he finished those 1,515 miles with a paddle across Tampa Bay. The photo above is from the Fort Clinch State Park terminus of the CT in Fernandina Beach. John is also a talented professional photographer, often sharing his beautiful images of birds and other wildlife on social media.

Tune in at 7PM on Tuesday, July 28 to hear more about John's CT adventures, enjoy his lovely photos, and maybe even learn how to take better photos from our kayaks!

Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89145235982?pwd=toZ1Sod5E6ausLcMszOKxfAjjgM9aT.1

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.

PICNIC DAY PADDLES: WEEKI WACHEE RIVER (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

PICNIC DAY PADDLES: WEEKI WACHEE RIVER

Trip Leaders:

Cheryl Bollman Taskey, cheryl.taskey@gmail.com, 724-713-0207
Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159
Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776

Location: Rogers Park, 7244 Shoal Line Blvd in Spring Hill. Note: There is a $10 day use parking fee.

Description: In an ongoing effort to beat the summer heat, we'll explore some cool spring-fed waters for our August picnic paddles. We'll paddle the Weeki Wachee River...on a FRIDAY. That's so we can avoid larger weekend crowds and mayhem. Launching from Rogers Park, we'll paddle upstream against a manageable current (typically < 2mph), then enjoy the reward of a float back downstream. We can expect to see mullet parades gliding by us as well as an occasional manatee if we're lucky.

Schedule: Meet at Rogers Park at 8:30AM on Friday, August 14 for a 9:00 launch. Groups will finish around 11:30-12:30, depending on how far they paddle. We'll gather at the Upper Deck Cafe around 1PM for our "picnic" lunch (and air conditioning!). It's an easy walk or drive to this riverside restaurant from Rogers Park.

Difficulty: Based on mileage alone, this can be a level 1, 2, or 3 trip depending on your energy and how long the weather lets us be on the water. The entire trip up to the state park and back to Rogers is 11 miles, but you can choose to turn back before then. Before we launch, trip leaders will organize everyone into two or three groups based on how far they prefer to paddle.

Additional requirements/recommendations:

Properly fitted PFDs must be worn while paddling.
All kayas are welcome. If your boat lacks bulkheads, be sure to add bow/stern floatation.
Bring PLENTY to drink and some snacks if needed.
Hats, buffs, sunscreen...it's summer in Florida...you know the drill.

If you have 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 change, please cancel your registration on the event page prior to the trip. Click on the "already registered" link, then "cancel my registration" on the next page.

AUGUST PICNIC: UPPER DECK CAFE ON THE WEEKI WACHEE RIVER (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

AUGUST PICNIC: UPPER DECK CAFE ON THE WEEKI WACHEE RIVER

Let's gather at 1PM on Friday, August 14th at the Upper Deck Cafe on the Weeki Wachee River for our post-paddle picnic. The restaurant is located at 5386 Darlene Street in Weeki Wachee. It's a short walk across the bridge from Rogers Park. There's also parking beside the restaurant if you prefer to drive. Factor the day's heat index into your decision.

You can access a menu here. Fish tacos are a favorite!