We've been doing kayak club paddles for several years out of Crystal River as Aardvark's Nature Coast Paddlers. Meetup is a way to involve new paddlers and get the word out.. We've expanded into Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) in 2011, so we'll alternate between SUP and kayak outings. Anyone with a desire to give kayaking or SUPing a whack is welcome to join.

There are trips designed for all skill levels, from novice to expert. Minimum equipment requirements and skills may be specified based on the outing. All outings are free to those with their own gear. Rental gear is also available with discounts for groups members.  Group sizes have been limited in order to minimize our foot print.  While the maximum number of participants is 20, we only have 7 rental boards available on a first come first served reservation basis.  After signing up here, please call Aardvark's during regular shop hours to reserve your rental gear.  352-795-5650.

We won't have a lot of rules, but those we do have are important for the well being of either paddlers or wildlife.  There are two inviolate rules.  Rule #1 is be safe.  Rule # 2 is minimize your impact on the wildlife and the environment.

There is no need to RSVP that you are not coming unless you've already said you were.

When you sign up, you are agreeing to the following liability waiver:

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

I fully understand and acknowledge (1) that padddle sport activities have inherent risks, dangers and hazards and such exists in my participation in such paddles; and (2) that my participation in such activities may result in injury or illness including, but not limited to, bodily injury, disease, strains, fractures, partial and/or total paralysis, death or other ailments that could cause serious disability; and (3) that these risks and dangers may be caused by the negligence and/or incompetence of the other participants, accidents, the forces of nature or other causes. Risks and dangers may arise from foreseeable or unforeseeable causes including, but not limited to, decision making, misjudging terrain, weather, trail or river route location, and water level, risks of falling out of or drowning, sun, wind, heat, rain, cold, electrical storms as well as tidal currents, rip tides, exposed open water, surf, river rapids, and such other risks, hazards and dangers that are integral to recreational activities.

I acknowledge, agree and represent that I understand the nature of paddle sport activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activities. I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the activity. I hereby assume all risks and dangers and all responsibility for any losses and/or damages which may occur during, in preparation for, or in transit to or from all outings, whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence and/or incompetence of any other person participating in these recreational activities.

I, on behalf of myself, my personal representatives and my heirs, assigns and next of kin, hereby voluntarily agree to release, waive, discharge, hold harmless, defend and indemnify all fellow participants from any and all claims, actions or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, or otherwise which may arise out of my participation in such recreational activities. I specifically understand that I am releasing, discharging and waiving any claims or actions that I may have presently or in the future for the negligent and /or incompetent acts or other conduct by all fellow participants. The above agreement shall be binding on my heirs, successors, assigns, administrators and executors.

I HAVE READ THE ABOVE WAIVER AND RELEASE AND BY SIGNING HERE AGREE THAT IT IS MY INTENTION TO ASSUME ALL RISKS AND TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY, AND TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND FOREVER DISCHARGE ALL FELLOW PARTICIPANTS IN THIS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY OF AND FROM ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, EXPENSES, CAUSES OF ACTION, LAWSUITS, DAMAGES AND LIABILITIES, OF EVERY KIND AND NATURE, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, IN LAW OR EQUITY, THAT I EVER HAD OR MAY HAVE, ARISING FROM OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS ACTIVITY, INCLUDING LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR WRONGFUL DEATH CAUSED BY ANY PARTICIPANT’S NEGLIGENCE, INCOMPETENCE OR ANY OTHER CAUSE. I UNDERSTAND AND CONFIRM THAT BY SIGNING THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE I HAVE GIVEN UP CONSIDERABLE FUTURE LEGAL RIGHTS. I HAVE SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT FREELY, VOLUNTARILY, UNDER NO DURESS OR THREAT OF DURESS, WITHOUT INDUCEMENT, PROMISE OR GUARANTEE BEING COMMUNICATED TO ME. MY SIGNATURE IS PROOF OF MY INTENTION TO EXECUTE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. I AM 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND MENTALLY COMPETENT TO ENTER INTO THIS WAIVER.

PFDs will be worn at all times while on the water.  Failure to comply may get you banned.