KAYAK/SUP: Estero River - Koreshan State Park (Ft. Myers)

NEW 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!
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UPDATE: Our NEW SunCoast Pedal & Paddle (SP&P) decals are available for purchase prior to the event.

The cost is $3 for TWO decals (Please help out with exact change!)

By displaying the SP&P decal on your kayak, you will NOT have to sign the liability waiver on EACH trip you attend (instead you will sign an annual waiver when you purchase the decals).

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The Koreshans were a unique religious group of eccentric pioneers who believed that the earth was a hollow sphere with life existing on the interior surface and they sought an alternative lifestyle free of competitiveness. The land they settled is now Koreshan State Park, which includes 11 historic structures dating from 1882 to 1920 and covers approximately 200 acres.

Please arrive no later than 8:30 am for a launch at 9:00 am SHARP!

There is a $5 daily parking fee at the Park (cash or check only).

Restrooms and picnic tables are adjacent to the launch area.

From the kayak launch at Koreshan State Park you can go left (west) towards Estero Bay OR right (east) upstream on the Estero River. Most paddlers head upstream where the river soon goes from brackish to freshwater, and dense mangrove gives way to high banks dotted with oak, pal, and cypress, providing excellent shade and shelter.

There may be a moderate current, depending on tide and recent rainfall.

Proceeding upstream it gradually gets more narrow and paddling becomes a little more technical, until shallow water and down trees require us to turn around paddle back with the current.

We will paddle up river for 2+ miles before turning around and paddling back. From there we paddle with the current as the river gradually widens until it opens to Estero Bay where paddling becomes increasingly subject to wind and tide, and motor boats.

After returning to Koreshan State Park we will take a break for lunch (BYOL) or some may choose to paddle west towards Estero Bay and Mound Key. The direction of the paddle will be determined prior to the trip based on tidal and wind conditions.

Don't forget your PFD and whistle (required by law) and (optional) water/energy drink, snacks, bug spray, bite relief, paddle float, spray skirt, sunscreen, etc.

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

This paddle is for intermediate/experienced paddlers only. If you sign up for this paddle, you should have paddled a minimum distance of 8 miles within the past 6 months with a group of moderately paced paddlers.

Please indicate in your response whether you will be paddling a KAYAK or a SUP. If you are paddling a SUP, you must have paddled a distance of no less than 8 miles in the past 6 months and that you are able to keep up with the pace of kayakers.

IMPORTANT: Approximately 10 minutes before launch time we will hold a MANDATORY pre-paddle guidelines/safety briefing. Please do not get into your kayaks until AFTER the safety briefing is over.

BE CONSIDERATE: Due to safety considerations, we limit the number of attendees at our paddling events. Since the demand is high, we request that if you plan on NOT attending the paddle that you remove your name from the "attendee list" as soon as possible so as to accommodate members on the event waitlist.