**New Date**Paddle the Spoil Islands/Caladesi Island

This paddle adventure is a BYOK (Bring Your Own Kayak) event designed for a laid-back and enjoyable experience. We will explore the clear, shallow grass flats of St. Joseph Sound and the backside of Caladesi Island. The route features a scenic paddle through a mangrove tunnel, visits to several spoil islands, and a relaxing extended break on the Sand Keys. Expect to cover a total distance of approximately 7 miles. If you're in a hurry or on a time constraint then, this is not a paddle for you.

Skill Level: This trip is best suited for paddlers with intermediate skills, primarily due to the overall distance, the presence of some open water segments, and potential boat traffic. For a full description of skill levels, please refer to the bottom of the event page.

All paddlers are required to have the proper safety equipment before embarking on any trip. Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the water is mandatory for everyone. Additionally, paddlers should file a float plan before they begin their journey, informing someone of their intended route and expected return time.

Paddling sports come with inherent risks, and Florida’s coastal environment presents specific hazards that must be considered. These include shifting tides, rapidly changing winds, shallow waters, and dangerous underwater terrain such as soft mud, rocks, and oyster bars. Awareness of these environmental factors is crucial for staying safe while paddling.

Each paddler is responsible for recognizing the dangers associated with paddling in these environments. It is essential to accept and prepare for the potential risks, and to ensure that the skills necessary to navigate these conditions safely are in place before setting out.

Launch: The launch point is located at the Dunedin Causeway, just west of Sail Honeymoon. Look for the tiki hut and the colorful kayaks standing upright; the group will gather to the west of this area. The launch site offers an easy beach entry with restroom facilities nearby. The provided address is for directional purposes only.

Float Plan: We will begin our journey at 8:30 AM. Please arrive early enough to prepare your gear before launch. The group will cross the boat channel and head to the backside of Caladesi Island, a mostly no-motor zone. Following the island’s contour, the route leads to Caladesi Island's Marina, where a short floating break will be taken.
After the break, we will paddle through a picturesque mangrove tunnel. Upon exiting, there is a 0.75-mile paddle to a small spoil island, followed by a swing by another spoil island, and then a short paddle to the Sand Keys. Here, everyone will enjoy an extended break on the island. The return journey includes a 0.35-mile paddle to another spoil island, then a 1.25-mile paddle back to the launch site, concluding the adventure.

Afterwards: For those that are interested. We can replenish those spent calories and rehyrdate at Ozona Blue. 125 Orange St., Palm Harbor, FL 34863 Ozona Blue Grill – Bringing Families Together

Items to Consider Bringing: FRS/GMRS Radio tuned to channel 6 or VHF Ch 71, plenty of hydration, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, beach chair,towel, and anything that will make your day on the river more comfortable.

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

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.
I am not a professional guide but a volunteer for the group that enjoys organizing events for our members.

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.