What we’re about
Paradise Coast Paddlers Club (PCPC) was founded in 2005.
Our club specializes in Sea Kayaking, Skills including Traditional Greenland, Education, Surf Ski and safety training. We also have an active group that loves kayak rolling. All levels are welcome who are interested in expanding, growing or developing their skills.
Our paddles are rated according to ACA levels 1-5 and other factors including distance, pace, planned stops, what kayak type is needed, if self-rescue skills are required and more.
We also offer monthly meetings and bring in informative speakers such as:
Different types of kayaks and their use. What’s the right kayak for you.
Calusa Indians
Water quality
Local water navigation
Kayak camping
We have a yearly festival where we offer instruction from local experts and other instructors from around the country. We partner with local shops, vendors, park service and more. We have fun day including an exhibition of paddle skills including a rolling show.
IMPORTANT
** PFD'S MUST BE WORN ALWAYS (properly)** This is not only for the paddler’s safety but for the entire group’s safety.
We have more paddles, education and social events coming soon. Stay tuned!
Our club has adopted ACA guidelines to help rate our paddles:
*** Please be aware conditions can always change quickly and unexpectedly.***
A properly fitted PFD must be worn on all paddles. Your safety is YOUR responsibility.
Level 1 Paddle:
Conditions: Flat water protected from wind and waves with little boat traffic, current less than .5 knots
Required gear: PFD, whistle, paddle, kayak.
Night paddle requirement: white light on board and accessible.
Level 2 Paddle:
Conditions: Calm, protected water, wind less than 10 knots, waves under 1’, current less than 1 knots
Required gear: PFD, whistle, paddle, kayak, bailer.
Night paddle requirement: white light on board and accessible.
Required skills: Self rescue
Level 3 Paddle:
Conditions: Potential exposure to wind and waves up to 2’, wind less than 15 knots, current under 2 knots
Required gear: PFD, whistle, paddle, kayak, bailer, spray skirt, paddle float, ( leader may suggest: tow line, radio, distress flag and flares if a certain distance off coast)
Night paddle requirement: white light on board and accessible.
Required skills: Self rescue
Level 4 Paddle:
Conditions: Open water, exposed to wind and waves up to 4’, wind between 15 - 20 knots, current under 4 knots
Required gear: PFD, whistle, paddle, spare paddle, kayak, bailer, spray skirt, paddle float, marine radio (leader may suggest: tow line, distress flag and flares if a certain distance off coast)
Required skills: Self rescue
Level 5 Paddle:
Conditions: Full exposure, Waves over 3’, current over 4 knots, Wind over 15 knots
*** Leader permission required to attend a level 5 paddle.***
Required gear: PFD, whistle, paddle, spare paddle, kayak, bailer, spray skirt, paddle float, marine radio (leader may suggest: tow line, distress flag and flares if a certain distance off coast)
Required skills: Self rescue
REMEMBER: RESPECT THE WATER - KNOW YOUR ABILITIES
PADDLE @ YOUR OWN RISK
BE SAFE HAVE FUN !
Jay Rose - President
Brandon Gunderson - Vice President
Carrie Strickland - Secretary
Sheri Chase - Treasurer
Mike Devlin, Co-founder-President Emeritus
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- PCPC Monthly Meeting - Felipe Behrens Expedition Sea Kayak CircumnavigationsNorth Collier Government Center, Naples, FL
Please join us as we welcome world expedition paddler Felipe Behrens to discuss his circumnavigations of Florida, Puerto Rico, Vancouver Island and most recently Great Britain AND Ireland!
Felipe moved to the US from Brazil after graduating from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in environmental engineering. He started paddling soon after to find a way to beat traffic travelling to his mother's house which started a love for all things sea kayak as well as numerous adventures and expeditions around the world. This is bound to be a can't miss meeting for sure. Felipe will have copies of his book Around Vancouver Island on My Kayak available for purchase as well.
Visit Felipe's website here: Around on My Kayak
We will continue trying to put the meetings on Facebook LIVE for those who can’t be there.
Meetings are regularly scheduled on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm, in the North Collier Govt Center at Orange Blossom Drive, just off Airport Rd and across the parking lot from the Main Branch of the Collier County Library. Come to the left (south) corner of the Government Center.
After the meeting some of us meet up for dinner someplace.
WE CAN THROW A MEETING - BE THERE!!!!!!
