Paddle to the Scenic Spoil Islands

This event is the change in venue for the cancelled paddle to Pelican Pass. Original attendees will be given priority.

Please read full description before signing up.

This is a BYOK. It will be a relaxed and casual paddle from a protected cove out to several scenic spoil islands, including Horseshoe Is. and Bird Island. These waters of St. Joeseph Sound are crystal clear with grassy bottoms and checkered with oyster bars. We will land and enjoy some island time on one or two of the islands. It's a very scenic paddle and great opportunity to encounter wildlife such as, dolphins, manatees & sea turtles. The paddle will be between 5-6 miles. Ending time is an approximate so if you're in a hurry or on a time constraint then, this paddle is not for you.

Skill Level: Intermediate (Please scroll down to bottom for skill level definitions). You must be able to maintain a speed of 2-2.5 miles comfortably, have done this distance before and comfortable being in unprotected waters.

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: Pop Stansell Park which has no entrance fee, a beach launch with a short portage, limited parking and has restrooms.

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles at 8:30a. We will begin by heading SW along the Palm Harbor shoreline and we'll come to our first scenic island around the 1.75-mile mark. We'll definitely stop here for a short time so, everyone can explore. We will then paddle north to Horseshoe Island, which is only about .50 mile away. We can also get out and check out the island, too. From here, we'll continue north for another .50 mile and encircle Bird Island. This is a bird sanctuary so we will not land. It's a cool place to see what might be roosting there. Perhaps, a few white pelicans might still be around? Our final stop is another scenic island to the north about .50 mile. This a beautiful island and we can make another stop as well. The final leg to the launch is about 2 miles and we'll be passing by several scenic islands on our way in. If the group feels like paddling a little more, we can causally explore the protective coves before ending our journey.

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

Afterwards: We can stop and enjoy some drinks and grub at the Thirsty Marlin, 1023 Florida Avenue, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 which is 5 minutes away. 1023 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor, FL 34683 The Thirsty Marlin - Palm Harbor, FL

Items that you may want to bring; GMRS/FRS radio tuned to CH 6 or VHF on CH 71, plenty of hydration, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, towel a chair. 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.