Please read this entire description before you RSVP. By signing up for this trip you acknowledge that you are fully responsible for your own safety and equipment, and that any injuries, including death or damage to your property, are your responsibility. Paddle at your own risk.
When you RSVP, (
https://www.meetup.com/naples-marco-island-paradise-coast-paddlers-club/events/311045350/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2) if you will be in a tandem kayak with a partner, count that as one person, not as you plus a guest. You will need to purchase a $5.00 (per kayak, tandem or single) launch pass from the Collier Parks website. There is a sign with a QR code and a text to reach the site, next to the boat ramp. You might need to pay for your vehicle, too, ($10) unless you have a county Parks Pass on your windshield.
I can't provide a Wikiloc link to the trail I made that you see in the photo, but if you go onto the search funcion in Wikiloc, just search for Tom Long's 10K Islands Double Secret Tunnel Trip.
That day, I had planned to come back to the launch on the outside (the Gulf of MEXICO side) but it was too windy, so we opted for the shelter of the trees. I very much hope to go back on the outside for this trip, because the tidal current will be much friendlier to us if we can.
This route is about 15 statute miles. This event is for sea kayaks and surfskis-only. The distance is too long and potentially too challenging for recreational boats to be able to keep up. If you paddle a rec boat, please don't despair, I schedule many trips that are rec-boat-friendly. If this trip description intrigues you but also frustrates you because you don't have the right kind of boat, contact me (239.963.6162) and I will advise you on what to do to become a proficient sea kayaker.
This event begins promptly at 8 AM from the Goodland Boat Park. Please be there in time to be prepared to leave at 8 AM. Be prepared for a five-hour paddle, though four hours is more likely. Bring lunch or snacks if you wish, but I think many of us will eat at one of the Goodland restaurants following the trip, and the group can discuss that venue while paddling.
You MUST be proficient at being rescued (with an assist) to participate in this event. Properly fitted, properly worn PFDs are an absolute requirement on this trip. Because nobody is allowed to drown (my rules!), PFDs cannot be worn in a loose or unfastened way at any time while paddling, since they don't work when you do that. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant!
I hope to see plenty of wildlife and I will take you into two of my favorite mangrove trails out there. One of them often has roseatte spoonbills.
I hope the weather is great and we have a large turnout for this paddle. Please check this Meetup post before you drive out on Saturday morning, in case there's a cancellation for weather, or any reason.
Anyone who needs clarification is welcome to call or text me, Tom Long, at 239.963.6162.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Marco Island, Meetups in Marco Island, Sports events in Marco Island.
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