11th Annual New River Loop for a NEW YEAR 8:30AM launch

Description ( click here to see chart (http://files.meetup.com/270488/Trip%20Ratings.pdf)) - SK2-SK3 (distance 17-19 miles/ speed 3.5+ mph)

If you are looking for a later start time and more leisurely paddle then Jerry will be leading a slower trip at a different location. See link below for info concerning that trip:
https://www.meetup.com/kayaking-130/events/246202281/

Why not start off the new year with a nice long trip! It's what some of you have been asking for.... Just don't RSVP if you're planning a major hangover - paddling through it is not a lot of fun!

The New River Loop forms a 25-mile-long circle that links a series of conservation areas, parks, and cultural and historic sites--all within metropolitan Ft. Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. It encompasses almost all of Fort Lauderdale's New River's north and south forks, the Tarpon and Stranahan Rivers, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Dania Cut-off and New River Canals. This loop is part of the Broward Urban River Trails (http://www.burt.org/).

Why SK2-SK3? There are three challenging aspects to this trip:

1. Dania Cutoff Canal at US-1 - narrow bridge and swift currents.

2. Port Everglades - can be very choppy at times and a lot of boat traffic.

3. Total paddle distance will be between 17-18 miles.

Are you capable of doing this trip? I am leaving that to your judgment. The most important rule to keep in mind is to know your abilities! "Can I do a self-rescue in choppy water? Am I the master of my kayak or does it master me? Am I comfortable sitting in my kayak for 4-5 hours?"

If you have any questions email the organizer (http://kayaking.meetup.com/130/suggestion/).

LAUNCH TIME - Plan to launch starting at 8:30AM, with a "move out" time no later than 9AM. DO NOT BE LATE - the trip will be leaving on time.

TRIP DETAILS - Launch point is at the boat ramps at the east side of Harbour Towne Marine, next to the I. T. Parker Community Center (26° 3'33.36"N 80° 7'40.18"W). This site gives us the best chance to have the current with us most of the trip, and those who have done this trip can attest that it's best to have the current with you or slack tide. We should be on the water by the times indicated above. We will head west on the Dania Cutoff Canal then north towards Pond Apple Slough. If the group feels like it we can to a side trip into Slough. Will stop at Bill Keith Preserve for lunch/snack break. From there head east on the new river to the ICW, head south the ICW through Port Everglades back to our launch site.

FOOD/DRINK - Bring lunch/snacks - we plan to break for lunch at Bill Keith Preserve Park on the South Fork of the New River at 26° 5'57.06"N 80° 9'55.05"W - just east of the I-95 bridge. Water is a necessity, other tasty drinks are an option too.

WEATHER - Rain will not stop this trip but, lightning and thunder will. There needs to be no evidence of lightning and thunder for at least a half hour before the trip start, and if it moves in we will seek appropriate shelter.

PARKING - Parking is available at the ramp area - use the single car parking, not the trailer parking, as this is a busy ramp.

LAUNCH SITE - This trip launches from the boat ramps at the east side of Harbour Towne Marine, next to the I. T. Parker Community Center (26° 3'33.36"N 80° 7'40.18"W). Please visit this launch online using Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/qitGM) before you attempt to drive here - it's not easy to find!

GEAR (http://kayaking.meetup.com/130/pages/GEAR%21%21/) - BASICS plus VHF, SELF RESCUE GEAR, PERSONAL GEAR*, SUN CLOTHING, lunch & snacks. Please visit the GEAR (http://kayaking.meetup.com/130/pages/GEAR%21%21/) page link for specifics!