SunCoast Pedal & Paddle

4.9•3033 ratings

About us

If you are an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys recreational sports and meeting like minded people then this is the group for you! Release under read more...

All skill levels are welcome, just pay close attention to the skill level needed for the individual posted activity you are interested in. Contact information will always given at least 24 hrs. prior to any activity so you can be assured of finding your Meetup Group.

There is a nominal $10 annual membership fee which will be used to directly support group management and activities. Membership does not guarantee openings for limited event space which is on a first come first serve basis.

Thanks for your interest in the group,
Daniel

Note: No show RSVP's will be tracked for removal from the group. Limited to 3, Strictly enforced!

Effective 12/07/21 we no longer allow more than 3 cancellations in a row or 3 in a month. This infraction is subject to expulsion from the group.

By joining the group and saying YES to RSVP to an event, you agree to the following:

WAIVER, RELEASE & INDEMNIFICATION

Read Carefully Before Joining
In CONSIDERATION of being permitted to participate in any kayak, stand-up paddleboard or cycling trip organized and/or hosted by or on behalf of Suncoast Pedal & Paddle, (“the event”),
1. For myself , my executors, heirs, next of kin, and assigns, I hereby
(a) Waive and release any and all claims that I may have against the event, Organizer/ Host for Suncoast Pedal & Paddle (a meetup group), their organizers, volunteers, assistants and any support personnel (the “releases”) including any and all claims for damage caused by the negligence of any of them arising out of my participation in the Event and its related activities, together with any cost including professional and attorney’s fees as a result of any such claim whether valid or not.
(b) Indemnify and hold harmless the releases and each of them against any such claim that I or any one or more of my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors or assigns may have or assert or against any costs including professional and attorney’s fee, with respect thereto.
(c) Acknowledge, agree and represent that I understand the nature of paddlesports, camping or cycling and its related activities and that I am sufficiently trained for the event, in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity and willingly agree to comply with the stated customary rules and regulations of the event. I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the event. If I decide to leave before the trip is officially terminated as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave.
2. I hereby acknowledge the all paddling, pedaling, and camping events are extremely strenuous, difficult and hazardous, even under the most favorable conditions and that such activities involve risks and danger to personal property and serious bodily injury, incurring permanent disability, paralysis, and death (“risks”). I understand that my participation in this even curries risk of personal injury, sickness and/or death including b not limited to those caused by terrain, my physical condition, marine obstructions, vessel traffic, collision with other watercraft, vehicles, alligators, otters, snakes and conditions known commonly as “red tide”, I understand and hereby accept these and all other risks and hazards inherent in this event and its related activities.
3. I hereby acknowledge that the possibility exists that I may be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus or “flesh-eating bacteria”. I am aware that I should NOT participate if I have breaks in my skin, a weakened immune system, or if I am concerned that I may accidentally injure my skin during boarding, disembarking, or paddling my kayak or paddle board.
4. I am fully aware of the health risks associated with the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic and will not hold anyone from SP&P responsible if I become sick and/or die as a result of my participation in the event for m COVID-19 including death.

5. I have read this agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have give up substantial rights by joining Suncoast Pedal and Paddle freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid, the balance notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.

Featured event

KAYAK/SUP: Orange River - Manatee Park - Caloosahatchee River

Fri, Feb 27 · 9:30 AM EST

Manatee Park, 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, US

ARRIVAL TIME - Arrive between 8:30 - 9:00 am!
We launch anytime between 9:15 - 9:30 am.

The Orange River is a tributary of the Caloosahatchee River and is 8.7 miles long. The Orange River flows in to the Caloosahatche River near I-75 ( approximately 2 miles from Manatee Park).

Manatee Park is a seasonal location for viewing manatees. Manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter (mid-December to March) when the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is below 68 degrees. The warm water in Manatee Park comes from the local power plant and is created as a by-product of cooling off the equipment.

The warm water discharge canal is fenced off from boats. Visitors on foot must view the manatees from the bank. The water is not clear like Central Florida springs, but you can still see manatee body parts as they emerge from the water - a snout loudly exhaling here, a bulbous stomach there, a scarred back rolling by, a flipper briefly waving to the paddlers.

We launch at the Manatee Park kayak launch, paddle towards the Orange River via a short mangrove tunnel, then paddle downstream (to the right) to see the manatees. We then continue to paddle downstream for approximately 2 miles to the Caloosahatche River.

We then turn and head back upstream, past Manatee Park, and continue for another 2 miles past (upstream) Manatee Park before heading back.

The parking fee at Manatee Park is $5/day. Parking is a short distance (100 yds.) from the kayak launch site. Restrooms are available on-site.

Due to the length of the paddle (8+ miles), this event is for intermediate and experienced paddlers only!

Approximately 5 minutes before launch time, we will hold a MANDATORY pre-paddle safety briefing. Please do not get into your kayaks until AFTER the safety briefing is over. However, be prepared to launch immediately after the safety briefing.

This trip is exclusively for members of SunCoast Pedal & Paddle. No guests, pets, spouses, or 1's allowed on this trip.

Don't forget to bring: PFD and WHISTLE (required by law), water, water shoes, bug spray, itch relief, sunscreen, snacks, paddle leash, bilge pump, spray skirt, paddle float, etc.

UPON ARRIVAL! Please sign in on the "Participant Liability Waiver" (unless you have SP&P decals and have previously signed an annual waiver for 2024).

CANCELLATION POLICY: Since the demand to attend our paddling events is unusually high, we request that if your plans change and you won't be attending, that you remove your name from the "attendee list" as soon as possible! If you do not remove yourself from the list of attendees WITHIN 24 HOURS of the event, you will be marked as a "NO SHOW". If you have THREE "NO SHOW"s you will be dropped from the group.

FIRST TIMERS: SunCoast Pedal & Paddle (SP&P) decals are available for purchase prior to the event. The cost is $3 (Please help out with exact change!). By displaying the SP&P decal on your kayak, you will be exempt from signing a separate liability waiver on EACH trip you attend (instead, you will sign an annual waiver when you purchase the decals).