11th Annual New River Loop for a NEW YEAR 10:30AM launch
Details
Description ( click here to see chart (http://files.meetup.com/270488/Trip%20Ratings.pdf)) - SK2-SK3 (distance 17-19 miles/ speed 2.5+ mph).
This will be a slower paced padded as compared to the one leaving at 8:30AM from a different location. Jerry will be leading this trip as he is one of the first ones to do this trip. You may call him at 914 318 4630 if you have any questions.
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:
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Dania Cutoff Canal at US-1 - narrow bridge and swift currents.
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Port Everglades - can be very choppy at times and a lot of boat traffic.
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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 10:30AM
TRIP DETAILS - Will head north and east toward downtown Ft Lauderdale and then out to the ICW
Cross Port Everglades inlet and layover at John Lloyd for lunch and maybe beach. Bring swim suit and towel if you fee like taking a swim.
Relaunch from Lloyd and head south on ICW at 2:45 pm
Then turn into the Dania Cutoff Canal and Head west
At the south fork of the New River head north
Estimated return to Bill Keith is 7 pm
FOOD/DRINK - Bring lunch/snacks - we plan for a stop for lunch at at John Lloyd 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 - PLEASE NOTE THE ADDRESS ON THE MAP IS SOMEONE'S HOUSE. Please done not park there but park within the preserve. If you toggle to satellite view you will clearly see the parking lot. There is about 150 year walk from the parking area to the launch site. Recommend to bring a cart if you have one.
NIGHT TIME PADDLE: Bring appropriate lights as we will be returning to the launch in the dark. 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!