Paddles are on the beautiful rivers and creeks of Sarsota, Manatee and Charlotte counties and will be about 6 to 8 miles long and last about 2 - 2.5 hours. Walks are in scenic areas of the Venice, Nokomis and Osprey area and won't be over 2 miles...and will always be for you and your best canine friend.

Paddles and walks are scheduled from October through April. I paddle on Cape Cod from May through September.

Paddles are for experienced, energetic paddlers who want to and are able to keep up a good rate of speed. Because of that, the group does not wait for folks along the way....and no one should be going back to the launch alone.  This is not a place to get experience on the water. You need to have that experience before paddling with us. Adults only.

You are encouraged to join the group if you only want to go on the walks...and you certainly don't have to have a dog.

We'll try to take a short break in the paddle, if the terrain allows. On most trips, you'll see no attempt to paddle with the current....the only concern is that we'll have enough water all the way out and back.

If strong wind or rain is forecast the evening before an event, I'll email everyone who RSVP'd to give updates on the event. Please make sure that I can contact you...if you won't have easy access to email, make sure I have your phone number.

If only one or two people RSVP for a paddle and I don't yet know you, you will need to phone me the morning of the paddle before I start loading up my boat.

You can change a "yes" RSVP to "not going" at any time, but two "no shows" and you are automatically dropped from the group.

Everyone who applies to join the group must read the waiver below and state that you agree with the waiver when answering the profile questions. A waiver agreed to by one person can not legally cover another person. Therefore,  there are can be no guests on paddles. Guests are always welcome on walks. Each family member, each partner, each friend is going to have to join him or herself...and agree to the waiver before they join the group. Thanks.

ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY (AWRL) By reading this or participating in an event, I certify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently prepared for participation in this event. I acknowledge that this athletic event carries with it the potential for death, serious injury and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of athletes, lack of hydration, equipment, vehicular traffic, and actions of other people including, but not limited to, event participants. I hereby assume all of the risks of participating in this MEETUP.COM event. On consideration of my interest and permitting me to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself and my executors to (A) Waive, Release and Discharge from any and all liability for my death, disability, personal injury or property damage that may occur to me during the event, or while traveling to and from this event, the following: Joyce Leary; (B) Indemnify and Hold Harmless Joyce Leary from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals as a result of any of my actions during this event. I hereby consent to receive medical treatment which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident and /or illness during events. I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form will be used by the organizers of the event in which I participate and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said events. It is further agreed that this waiver, release and assumption of risk is to be binding on my heirs and assigns. This AWRL shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law. By joining this group, and electing to attend an event, I affirm that I have read and understand the AWRL.