Paddle to Shell Key/ Beach Time

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A few folks have been asking for this one, again. This is a BYOK. I usually have kayak rental info for Greg, Cpt. Yak, but he is out of town. Join us for a relaxed paddle on the crystal-clear waters, along mangrove islands, through mangrove tunnels and enjoy some beach time at Shell Key/Sandbar. This is also an excellent opportunity to encounter wildlife. Frequently, you'll see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, game fish and lots of wading birds. We will paddle around 7 miles (MOL). Ending time is an approximate so, if you're in a hurry or on a time constraint this paddle is not for you.

Skill Level: Intermediate due to distance (scroll down for skill level descriptions)

Paddlers should have all proper safety equipment and check conditions before departure. All paddlers should always wear PFDs while on the water and leave a float plan. There are inherent dangers in any paddle sport. There are special hazards along the Florida coast due to shifting tides, changing wind and weather, shallow waters, and treacherous bottoms with soft mud, rocks, and oyster bars.
It is up to each paddler to be aware of these dangers, to accept and be prepared for the risks involved, and to be certain they have the skills to safely paddle in these conditions.

Launch: Please note this is a different launch location than the previous paddles. The launch is aka "Tool Booth", ".75 cent", "Bridge Launch" It is on the Pinnellas Bay Way, after Tampa Bay Watch, through the toll booth and almost immediately on the righthand side. Address is for directional purposes only. Please see push pin on map. If you find yourself driving over the bridge to Ft. DeSoto then, you've gone too far. There are no restroom facilities at the launch or on Shell Key. Plenty of mangroves, though. :-)

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles right at 8:30a so, please be there in enough time to prepare your gear. We will mostly be paddling in shallow open grass flats and no motor zones; we should see minimal boat traffic. We will weave our way through a few beautiful mangrove tunnels with our ultimate destination being BEAUTIFUL Shell Key Preserve (north end). Here we will BEACH it, hang out, chill, and enjoy this scenic location. We'll plan to be here for at least an hour. For our return trip, we will paddle south along the backside of Shell Key to the southern end. From that point we'll paddle east to the launch and end our journey.

Afterwards: join us at The Island Grille to replenish those calories, re-hydrate with cold drinks or even take a dip in their pool. It's 5 minutes down the road. www.islandrawbar.com

Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any information, changes or cancellations. On day of event, feel free to text or call: 813-442-1615.

Items that you may want to bring; plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, water shoes, towel, snorkel gear, umbrella and a chair for the sandbar.
This is not a professional tour nor am I a professional guide.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.
If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

Skill Level Definitions (Florida Paddling Trail Association)

Beginner: New to paddling and may need tips and or instructions about paddling strokes,
safety procedures and entering/exiting kayaks. Comfortable on short trips of 1 to 3 miles on protected waters, when wind does not exceed 5 mph.
Novice: Paddlers acquainted with basic paddle stokes and can manage kayak handling in
dependently in winds not exceeding 10 mph on protected waters. Comfortable on trips up to 6 miles.
Intermediate: Paddlers with experience in basic strokes and some experience on different
venues, including some open water. Comfortable on trip distances of 6 to 10 miles, winds not exceeding 15 mph.
Advanced: Seasoned paddlers who possess skills and experience to paddle all venues and
conditions. Experienced in self-rescues. Should be comfortable paddling more than 10 miles in a day.