Let's Paddle to Shell Key for Island Time

Please read full description before signing up.
This is a BYOK event. There are reasons this is a popular paddling destination and a favorite of the group. Crystal-clear protected waters, mangrove islands with beautiful tunnels, abundance of wildlife and the highlight...a sandbar that has that tropical island vibe. So, come on out and paddle, bring a chair and be lazy, go shelling, take a beach walk, do some snorkeling or fishing. It's Your Time on Island Time. We will paddle approximately 6 miles. Ending time is an estimate so, if you're in a hurry or on a time constraint this paddle is not for you.

Skill Level: Intermediate (Please Scroll to the bottom 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: This is a different launch location than prior paddles. Toll Booth Launch/Bridge Launch. I've listed Tampa Bay Watch's address for GPS navigation purposes only. It is past this, before the bridge and immediately on the righthand side after the toll booth (toll must be paid). Push pin on map is accurate. No parking fee and no restrooms.

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. As we begin paddling towards Sawyer Key and to the NW. We will weave our way through a few beautiful mangrove tunnels, swing by some islands with interesting stories to them, making our way to the northern end, and eventually landing on BEAUTIFUL Shell Key at Irma's Pass. We'll plan to be here for at least an hour. For our return trip, we'll stay on the backside of Shell Key heading south towards Summer Resort Key before making the turn east towards the launch. Weather conditions could lead me to change this route so, please go with the flow.

This is not professional tour nor am I a professional guide.

Afterwards: Please join me at The Island Grille to replenish those calories, re-hydrate, listen to live music or even take a dip in their pool. It's 5 minutes down the road. 210 Madonna Blvd. Tierra Verde, FL 33715 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; VHF, FRS/GMRS radio tuned to Ch. 6, 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. Remember, it's your responsibility to be USCG compliant.

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.