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• FORT DE SOTO PICNIC PADDLE - Level 2

  • When
    18 Oct 2025
  • Location
    Arrowhead Picnic Area at Fort De Soto Park

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  FORT DE SOTO PICNIC PADDLE - Level 2

  
  

  Trip leaders:

  Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com,  386-853-5159

  Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776

  Description: We'll meet at Arrowhead Picnic Area at Fort De Soto Park. If conditions allow, we'll launch and head through Bunces Pass, paddling north along Shell Key to Irma Pass.  We can stop for a break on the inside of Shell Key, go for a dip, practice rolls, etc. From there we'll paddle back on the inside to Arrowhead in time for the picnic at noon. We can make route adjustments in response to weather conditions and group needs. 

  Location: Arrowhead Picnic Area at Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S in Tierra Verde.  Here's a Fort DeSoto Park map. Unless you have an annual pass, you'll need to pay the $6 entry fee at one of the machines scattered around the park.

  Schedule: Meet at 8:30 AM on Saturday, October 18. Be ready to launch kayaks by 9:00.  We'll aim to return around 11:30-11:45 AM.

  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.  

  Requirements: Boats must be at least 14 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation.  Paddlers must wear a PFD with whistle, a spray skirt, and appropriate water shoes.  Bring plenty to drink and be sure it's accessible while you paddle.

  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.

  
  

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• Fort DeSoto Picnic Paddle - Rec/Level 1

  • When
    18 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Fort Desoto Park, Kayak Rental across from Pier

  Register

  Trip leader / Co-leader:  Chris Gray, (813) 728-2896, graymatter85@gmail.com

  Description:   We’ll meet at the kayak rental area and paddle down that channel, into Mullet Key Bayou, and along the shoreline at a leisurely pace toward the eastern end of the island.

  Location:  Turn right at the T intersection at the flagpole just after passing the entrance station.   (Unless you have an annual pass, you need to pay the $6.00 entry fee at one of the vending machines scattered around the park).  The rental location will be on the right approximately opposite the entry for Bay Pier.  A park map is available at Fort De Soto Park Map - Pinellas County.  The most convenient restroom is across the road at the GULF pier (on the side of the parking lot away from the beach).

  PLEASE NOTE:  We will park in the field at the rental and launch from an opening in the mangroves to the left of the rental area as you face the water (and face away from the paved road).  The dirt road that leads to that opening is blocked off to vehicular traffic, but kayaks and kayak wheels are fine.

  Schedule:  Saturday Oct 18.  Meet at 9AM for a 9:30 launch.  We’ll return by 11:30 to allow time to load up and join the other paddlers for the picnic at Arrowhead.

  Additional information:  The most convenient restroom is across the road at the GULF pier (on the side of that parking lot away from the beach).  At last check, the kayak rental operation was still closed.

  Difficulty:  Rec/Level 1.  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.  Approximately 4 – 5 miles. 

  Required / suggested / restricted:  Boats must be at least 14 feet long with deck lines and sealed bow and stern flotation.

  Remember that Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers requires that all trip participants wear a PFD and carry a whistle or other sound-producing device.  

  Be sure to bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen, bug repellent, and footwear that will protect you against possible oyster shells at take outs.  A paddling jacket or other waterproof outer layer is a good idea. 

  
  

  
  

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• TBSK October Picnic

  • When
    18 Oct 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Arrowhead Picnic Area at Fort De Soto

  Register

  TBSK October Picnic

  
  

  This month's picnic will be held at the Arrohead Picnic Area at Fort De Soto. Here's a Fort DeSoto Park map. Unless you have an annual pass, you'll need to pay the $6 entry fee at one of the machines scattered around the park.

  If you plan to join us, bring a camp chair with as table space will be limited.

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• October Member Meeting w/ Special Guest: John Connelly

  • When
    21 Oct 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

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  October Member Meeting w/ Special Guest: John Connelly

  
  

  In January 2024, John Connelly and Adam Tremblay completed their circumnavigation of Everglades National Park, 174 miles in 8 days. This tandem canoe expedition launched at the Gulf Coast Visitor’s Center in Everglades City and followed the open water route south, hopping island-to-island down the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay to the turning point at Flamingo.  The route then looped back toward Everglades City following the infamous Wilderness Waterway.  

  
  Severe weather, sea and current conditions, sharks, alligators, crocodiles, mosquitoes, and colorful characters made for an exciting adventure--one John has written about in his recently published book If We're Going to Die, It's Probably Here.  This book follows his 2018 publication of Dying Out Here is Not an Option, a travelogue of his 75-day 1500-mile solo paddle in inland and coastal Maine.  A contributing author for National Geographic Online, Cooking Light magazine, and in-flight magazines, he has had articles published about outdoor adventures, the health and wellness benefits of paddling, and the direct relationship between adventures in the wild and resource conservation and stewardship.
  
  Tune into TBSK's October meeting to find out if John and Adam sank or swam, got sucked dry by bloodthirsty insects, and how they survived saltwater crocodiles in the Jurassic Park of South Florida.  John will lead an informal discussion about their Everglades trip, including key elements of the planning and execution of the plan; what worked well and what did not go exactly to plan, ongoing reassessment of risk tolerance, as well as physical endurance and changes in mental status. John is also happy to chat about inland and coastal paddling in Maine (where he and his wife live now), including the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the Maine Island Trail. 

  TBSK Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
  Topic: TBSK Oct Member Meeting with John Connelly
  Time: Oct 21, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
  Join Zoom Meeting
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84202014163?pwd=WQSfoUqU1b8jSdutRmPTR29DluaqVr.1
  Meeting ID: 842 0201 4163
  Passcode: 505867
  

  
  

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• Upper Manatee River Paddle

  • When
    25 Oct 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Ray’s Canoe Hideaway, 1289 Hagle Park Road, Bradenton FL, 34212

  Register

  *Note: The water is somewhat shallow on parts of this paddle, for those who usually use Greenland sticks may want to bring a Euroblade paddle due to the water depth.
  

  
  

  Upper Manatee River Paddle 

  Level 1+ Due to distance

  
  

  When: 

  Saturday 10/25/25, 8:30am

  
  

  Location: 

  Ray’s Canoe Hideaway. 

  1289 Hagle Park Road

  Bradenton FL, 34212

  
  

  
  

  Trip leader: 

  Michael Kapson, michaelkapson1@gmail.com, 714-357-2939

  Co-leaders: 

  Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776

  Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159

  
  

  
  

  Description: 

  Join TBSK on a scenic paddle along the Upper Manatee River. While the Manatee River is a mile wide where it meets the Gulf, upstream it is a narrower, twisting river with tannic water and white sandbars along the shore. There should be a good chance to see a lot of birds and other wildlife along this uncrowded stretch of river. 

  
  

  We’ll start a Ray’s Canoe Hideaway, a private canoe and kayak launch, at 8:30am for a 9am launch. The parking cost is $8 per vehicle, CASH ONLY. So double up if you want to save a few bucks. There are restrooms, plenty of parking so trailers are ok, and a small shop with sodas and water for sale. Kayak rental is available, call ahead for reservations (941) 747-3909.

  
  

  After launching at the at, 2.5 mile mark, we’ll arrive at Rye Nature preserve. Named for Erasmus Rye (1834-1889), a Virginia settler and Confederate soldier who is buried in the old cemetery located within the preserve. This preserve was also the location of the community of Rye. From 1875 to the early 1900s it was a thriving logging and farming settlement of 75 families. Now it is a nature preserve with a kayak launch, hiking trails, and restroom facilities. We can go past the preserve if the group feels like it or make it our turn around for a total of 5 miles.

  
  

  Location: 

  Ray’s Canoe Hideaway, 1289 Hagle Park Road, Bradenton FL, 34212

  $8 parking per car, CASH ONLY.

  
  

  Schedule: 

  Saturday 10/25/25

  8:30am meet up for a 9am launch return by 12:30

  
  

  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 bow and stern flotation. 

  
  

  REQUIRED: 

  Any 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.

  
  

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

  • When
    01 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    near Urban Kai in the off-road parking on the south side of Gandy Boulevard on the Pinellas side of Gandy Bridge

  Register

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

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

  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 dolphin or manatee. There’s at least the possibility of a few recently arrived white pelicans.

  Location: We’ll meet near Urban Kai in the off-road parking on the south side of Gandy Boulevard on the Pinellas side of Gandy Bridge.

  Schedule: Saturday November 1 st . Meet at 9:30 for a 10AM launch. Return about

  2:30PM

  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.

  
  

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• TRAINING DAY: STROKE REFINEMENT ON THE MOVE

  • When
    02 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Rogers Park on the Weeki Wachee River, 7244 Shoal Line Blvd in Spring Hill

  Register

  TRAINING DAY: STROKE REFINEMENT ON THE MOVE

  

  Coaches:  Jill Lingard & Scott Jantz 
  

  Location: Rogers Park on the Weeki Wachee River, 7244 Shoal Line Blvd in Spring Hill

  Date/Time: Sunday, November 2.  Arrive by 8:30 a.m. Class will start at 9:00.  We should finish up around noon-1PM, depending how far upstream the group chooses to paddle.  NOTE: Daylight Savings Time ends at midnight Saturday--don't forget to reset your clocks!  We'll "gain" an hour, so this morning drive won't feel so bad.  

  Description: The twisty path of the spring-fed Weeki Wachee River provides a fun opportunity to practice powerful forward stroke form as we paddle upstream against the current.  On our journey back downstream, we can practice turning strokes like sweeps and bow rudders, as well as edging.  

  What to bring: This training is open to all paddlers and kayaks of any length are welcome.  Participants must wear a PFD.  Bring plenty to drink and snacks if you need them.  We can have lunch at the Upper Deck Cafe next to Rogers Park after our paddle if folks are interested in that.  

  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. 

  Please register (or cancel) on the website or contact the trip leaders to notify them of any last minute changes to your plans to participate.

  Questions? Contact Jill at jill.lingard@gmail.com or 352-665-1776 or Scott Jantz at scottjantz2@gmail.com or 386-853-5159.

  
  

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• Annual Trip Leader Orientation, Training & Skills Refresher

  • When
    06 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    To Be Announced
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  ANNUAL TRIP LEADER ORIENTATION, TRAINING & SKILLS REFRESHER

  NOTE: WE WILL UPDATE THIS EVENT AS MORE DETAILS ARE DEVELOPED.  POSTING NOW TO GENERATE INTEREST AND HELP YOU PLAN. 

  Meet-up Plan:

  • Location: TBD
  • 8:30-9:00 a.m. -- Arrival, stage gear, mingle
  • 9:00 a.m. -- First class starts

  Hosts: Training Coordinator Anthony "Ant" Sousa, assisted by several other of our ACA-certified trip leaders and instructors.

  Goals: This training is intended for trip leader candidates and current trip leaders. The focus is on refreshing skills for our current leaders, and supporting trip leader candidates in checking off credentials to start leading trips as soon as possible.

  Note: Trip leaders and candidates have priority; however, we can accept "skills participants" not in the trip leader candidate pipeline.  Skills participants will serve primarily as "practice students" for our trip leaders for things like leading, rescuing, towing, coaching, etc.

  EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Basic paddling kit (kayak, paddle, PFD w/whistle attached, sprayskirt)
  • Rescue items, if you have them: Waist-mounted tow and stirrup recommended; other items at your discretion.
  • Optionally, other kit you would normally carry as a trip leader. Use your judgement on this and we’ll use it as a comparison discussion, time permitting.
  • Water (1L recommended)
  • Lunch and Snacks
  • Sun protection items (clothing or applicants)
  • Warming layers in a dry bag (mid-weight fleece top and fleece beanie)
  • Dress for probable immersion and/or wind (check the sea surface temperature rating here): paddling jacket is recommended, wetsuit is optional/if desired.

  MORNING: Classroom Sessions

  • Welcome + Plan of the day + Introductions + Goals
  • Discussion Topic: Risk Management
  • Discussion Topic: Group Management + Group Dynamics
  • Discussion Topic: Trip Planning w/Practical Session

  LUNCH + PREP TO LAUNCH
  Launch location: TBD based on conditions. We will discuss before lunch.

  AFTERNOON: On-Water Practicals

  • Role modeled on-shore trip brief and controlled launch
  • Short paddle modeling formations and leader roles
  • Assisted Rescues:
  • • Assisted/stablized rescue with a swimming start
    • Stirrup variations
    • Flooded vessel options (T-rescue and more)
    • Incapacitated/unresponsive paddler rescues
    • Scoops, ‘hand of god’
  • Towing:
  • • Contact tows
    • Towing w/Lines (in-line, double in-line, vee tows)
    • Rafted tows
    • Paddler-Kayak Separation: Swimmer carries and moving empty kayaks
  • Wrap-up: Short debrief/highlights/what’s next

  EVENING: Optional Meet-up & Trip Leader Social

  • After our on-water time, we'll go somewhere nearby for socializing.
  • Goal is as an opportunity to "talk shop" on trip leading and just get to know each other.
  • We may also brainstorm some 2025 monthly trip plans.
  • Location is TBD, but it will be close to the launch.

  CONTACT: Anthony Sousa, (727) 455-2615, anthony.g.sousa@gmail.com or explore@kayakant.com if you have any questions. 

  FUTURE PLANS: Let Anthony know if you are interested in trip leading and/or trip leader training, but are unable to attend this session.  We may plan a "Round 2" session in early 2026.

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• Tampa Bay Frogman Swim Kayak Escort

  • When
    18 Jan 2026
  •  
    6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Gandy Beach
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  Register

  The Tampa Bay Frogman Swim is a 3.4-mile open water swim and fundraiser in support of the Navy SEAL Foundation.  Kayakers support the event either as escorts for individual swimmers or in a general support on the water for groups of  swimmers and kayakers.   

  If TBSK has enough people registered as kayak escorts, we will have a group presence with things like a table and banner set-up, or just hanging out and helping each other with logistics.

  How TBSK registration works:

  • Step 1: Register as a kayak escort at the Frogman Swim website (links below).
  • Step 2: After you have registered and been approved as a kayak escort by Tampa Bay Frogman Swim, then register for the TBSK event on this page. The purpose of this is to let us know how many people are representing TBSK as kayak escorts, so we coordinate plans, if desired. 
  • Alternative: If you just want to come and cheer on the swimmers (and their kayakers), as well as represent TBSK at a table set-up, register here and let Anthony know what role you're interested in.

  
  

  About being a kayak escort:

  This is a very crucial role that serves as the swimmers’ first safety net in the event of distress. The kayaker escorts and guides an individual swimmer, provides needed assistance, communicates with boaters/wave runners if swimmer needs additional help. Additional kayakers not assigned a swimmer will be assigned as “rovers” with each swimmer wave.

  It’s of utmost importance that individuals volunteering for this role have extensive open water kayaking experience and skills for two important reasons…1) the kayak will be the swimmers primary point of reference/guide to stay on course and legally round each buoy, 2) and more importantly, the swim is subject to potentially hazardous weather conditions including rough seas and high winds that only an experienced and skilled paddler can handle.

  Note that the date and time shown here are for the actual start of the swim event.  You will receive additional information about meet-up times, shuttle times, and other schedule-related information directly from Tampa Bay Frogman Swim.  You will also receive an invitation to the post-swim party at American Legion Post 138, where the swim finishes.

  Links:

  • Registration Page: https://events.hakuapp.com/2b7129afb11c2e75520c
  • Kayak Escort Info: https://tampabayfrogman.com/volunteer/kayak-escort/
  • Overall Event Info: https://tampabayfrogman.com/ 
    
    

  Talk to a past escort for insight:
  If you are interested in this event, but need more insight on being an escort, a good info source is TBSK member and past kayak escort TJ Grimes (TJ@wepaddle.org).  Chad Dumke (dumkemail@gmail.com) and Anthony Sousa (explore@kayakant.com) also participated last year, but it was cancelled due to weather.  They didn't get to escort a swimmer across as a result; however, they can share insights on event logistics.

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