FIRST SUNDAY PADDLE - NEW FORMAT - CHANGING LAUNCH SITES! FEB 1: SHELL ISLAND RD

Hi, PCPC Paddlers.
Tom Long, here. While Mike Devlin is recovering from surgery, I will be hosting the First Sunday Paddles. And I have decided to mix it up, rather than always have it at Clam Pass/Clam Bay. We are not abandoning Clam Pass, but I figure to do good old Clamato about half the time.

But before I explain more, read this entire description and take note that if you RSVP, saying you will attend, or if you attend without an RSVP, you are accepting that everything that happens to you on this trip is your responsibility. Not the PCPC's responsibility. Not mine. Just yours. You MUST wear a properly fitted lifejacket the correct way, or you cannot join us.

Our February 1, 2026 First Sunday Paddle will launch from Shell Island Road (off Collier Blvd/951) Naples. This paddle will be about 10 miles. That's about 3 miles more than our Clam Bay trip. We will go through the marked paddling trail from Henderson Creek into Rookery Bay, up Stopper Creek, then snaking through the unnamed mangrove channels into Sand Hill Bay. We'll stop at Sand Hill Island to play King of the Hill. It's a beautful view of the islands from the top of the hill. You can see for 280 miles at the top. Maybe even less.

Hopefully, we'll see plenty of fish, ospreys, and other birds. Maybe some dolphins. Perhaps a mermaid. (Oh, you ARE still reading.)

There are no rentals regularly positioned at the end of Shell Island Road. However, you can call Naples Outfitters and see if you can rent a kayak from them that you pick up at their shop, or have it delivered to Shell Island Road. That will be your responsiblity to handle.

There is no charge of any kind to launch from Shell Island Road. I suggest you drive to the waterfront, unload, and then park your car in the sand lot about 50 yards back from the launch. Do NOT park your car where it will interfere with vehicles hauling trailers. (Smaller power boats launch from this location). The power boats have to launch on the left side as you face the water, so please stage your kayaks on the right side. There is no restroom or port-a-john at this location. There is usually a port-a-john along Shell Island Rd in front of the FWC office that you'll pass. It's the first building on your right on Shell.

Sit-on-top boats are okay, provided you can paddle 10 miles in one (they take more energy to paddle than a sea kayak), but if your boat is less than 12 feet, please don't expect to be able to keep up with the other boats on this trip. That's why I schedule other trips for the shorter boats and less experienced paddlers. This isn't a hard paddle, but the mileage would be stressful if you have a short boat that zig-zags to the left and right as much as it goes straight ahead. 10 miles becomes 20 miles in a short, zigzaggy kayak. If you know you can make it, then join us. I don't mind if you paddle a longer distance, as long as you can keep up. And falling behind out there in waters you don't know may not end in a joyful experience.

There's a VERY low tide around 8 AM. Too low, really, so we'll wait until 10 AM to launch. Be at the launch by 9:30 or soon after to be ready to go at 10, please.

Bring drinking water, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Don't leave the repellent in your car. Won't help you there when you need a re-application.

If you need to discuss anything with me, I'd prefer that you call me or text my phone, rather than use the comment section, here. Feel free to do so.

See you on First Sunday!

Tom Long
Cell: 239.963.6162