Kayak Simpson Creek to Nassau Sound and Boneyard Beach

We will paddle on Simpson Creek to the white sand beaches on Nassau Sound.

We will launch about 10:30 am from PADL Ameila, paddle north on Simpson Creek with the lowering tide, get out of our kayaks to take a break and an optional swim when we arrive at a sand bar on Nassau Sound after paddling over an hour and then paddle north towards Boneyard Beach about an hour where we will get out of our kayaks for lunch, an optional swim and an optional walk at Drftwood Beach. We will then paddle back to PADL Amelia for over an hour with the rising tide.

When you sign up for this event, please sign the Sierra Club Release at:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000whTwrIAE

It is easier to paddle in Nassau Sound than the Atlantic Ocean because barrier islands make the swells smaller. We will paddle in 1 - 3 foot swells in Nassau Sound. We will land and launch in waves of less than 1 foot.

We will see jumping fish and a variety of birds. We may see dolphins.

To get to PADL Amelia from I-295, take Exit 41 Heckscher Drive, and drive east about 14 miles to PADL Amelia.

Please arrive about 10:00 am so we can launch about 10:30 am. The launch time is important because we must launch about 10:30 am to be able to use the regular boat ramp. We must return no earlier than about 3:30 pm to be able to use the regular boat ramp.

It will be more fun and safer if we paddle as a group. Please paddle within about 10 boat lenghts of the other kayakers.

PADL Amelia charges $5 plus sales tax to launch your kayak. The fee is waived if you show PADL Amelia your annual Florida State Park Pass.

There is a restroom in the PADL Amelia Island office.

Please bring a kayak, PFD, whistle, water, sunscreen and lunch or snack.

PADL Amelia (786-749-6730) rents kayaks at PADL Amelia for $25 per hour.

Please do not sign up for this paddle if you are a beginning kayaker, you are not comfortable paddling in 1 - 3 foot swells, or if you have an inflatable kayak, a folding kayak or a recreational kayak that does not have water tight, sealed compartments, because these kayaks can sink.

The Sierra Club wants you to be safe when paddling and requires that you wear a Type 3 or a Type 5 PFD which goes all the way around your chest at all times while you are paddling during a Sierra Club Meetup event. A PFD that is only a belt or a vest is not a Type 3 or a Type 5 PFD.

Total time on water and land: 4.5 - 5 hours
Total distance: 9 - 10 miles (with the current)
Kayaking level: experienced intermediate
Low tide: 1:10 pm

If your plans change and you will not be going, please change your status from "going" to "not going" on the Meetup page for this event so we have correct information regarding who will be going to this event.

Please check this website in the afternoon or the evening the day before the paddle to see if there is a postponement due to a bad weather forecast. If a postponement is not posted by noon the day before the paddle, we will paddle the next day at the scheduled time for the paddle.

Sierra Club maintains a safe space agreement among participants, leaders, volunteers and staff. We want to support everyone in exploring, enjoying, and protecting our natural environment. Dangerous or hateful behavior will not be tolerated. We will always say no to racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, impairment, and disruption. We request that all participants cooperate with the outing leader's direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.