Inspiring Stories Along Florida Paddling Trails

FloridaPaddlingTrails.com

FPTA: Develops & Maintains Water Trails

Places to Paddle: Did you know?

The FPTA website:

• Posts a “Paddle of the Month” to entice your imagination for places to paddle!

• FPTA has the largest collection of paddle maps, information sheets, and the most comprehensive paddle launch/ramp data (pulled from multiple verified sources)!

  We did the homework for you! So next time you’re looking for ideas, check out the Paddle of the Month and the state-wide paddle map information!

FPTA has been preparing for the 2022-2023 CT “paddling season.”

The recommended months for paddling the CT are October through April (CT Guide, 8th Edition, page 358). Trail Keepers, some teamed up with Florida Fish & Wildlife, have been working all summer upgrading and maintaining the trail.

• Dallus Creek received two 10’X10’ platforms.

• Site cleanups and general maintenance are ongoing around the state.

• A new primitive camp site at Oleta State Park has been established.

• The 8th Edition of the CT Guide was published! Buy it here!

  A BIG shout out to all our dedicated volunteers!

  STATS:

• FPTA has 16 registered paddlers, all in various stages of completing the CT; including one new through paddler, a SUP paddler, and two very close to finishing! Safe journey to all!

FPTA: Promotes Paddling Safety

Education:

Kayak Rescues: Taking a Class is NOT Enough

by Steve Henkind, M.D.

I take rescues VERY seriously.  My position in the Coast Guard has provided me exposure to disturbing information about fatal kayaking incidents.  I personally saved two kayakers who likely would have died had I not been there to rescue them. A number of years ago, I watched a paddler drown in front of me (I was not close enough to perform a rescue).

Some paddlers “take a rescue class” and then think that they are forever after safe. Rescues are highly perishable skills and, unless you practice, within a few months you will not be able to perform a safe and effective rescue within a reasonable timeframe.  Rescues need to be performed efficiently, with the goal of getting the job done in under 90 seconds for a sea kayak or a sit-on-top.  Recreational sit-in kayak are actually more difficult to rescue so it may take longer. In general, the swimmer needs to get back into their boat quickly before the situation degenerates further.  
There are three types of rescues that paddlers should learn:

• Wet exits – especially if you wear a spray skirt

• Self-rescues – getting back into the boat by yourself

• Assisted rescues – helping others to get back in their boats.

After learning the basics, these rescues need to be practiced in the most challenging circumstances which the paddler is likely to encounter - even 10 knot winds and 1-foot waves can turn a flat-water T-rescue into a fiasco.  Ongoing practice is necessary in order to maintain proficiency.

I should note that, although I take rescues very seriously, they can also be a lot of fun.  In fact, for many of the people whom I have trained and trained with, practicing and performing rescues is at the top of the list of favorite activities.  For real!

It is nearly impossible to self-teach yourself safe and effective rescue techniques.  Professional training is highly recommended.  If you have not learned – and continued to practice – rescues, then the safest thing is to always paddle within swimming distance of shore.

AUTHOR: Steven Henkind, M.D. has served in various capacities in the U.S. Coast Guard for nearly 20 years, including leadership of the underway component of the national kayak safety program. He is also the highest ranked ACA Kayak Instructor/Instructor Trainer in Florida.

FPTA: A Resource & Voice for Paddlers

FPTA’s Legacy Fund:

FPTA is a resource for partner-based youth education. Through our Legacy Fund, each summer FPTA sends children to paddling camps across Florida. This year, FPTA awarded $7200 to six partner organizations:

Gulf Coast Kayak

Virginia Key Outdoor Center

Wayne Adventures

Kayak Amelia

City of Pensacola

Big Bend Maritime Center

Not only are we building future paddlers, but we are also teaching these kids how to be good stewards of Florida waters. You are part of this legacy, each time you make a purchase from the FPTA Store OR Donate Here.

Membership:

Businesses and Paddle Clubs: An important part of FPTA serving as a statewide paddling resource is connecting paddlers to the businesses and clubs that can support their outdoor adventures. FPTA can help you promote your products, services, and paddle clubs!

Individuals: Be part of the FPTA Family/paddling community. Enjoy Florida’s natural beauty by paddling scenic rivers, spring runs, lakes, and coastal waterways. FPTA’s website provides a wealth of information to help you plan day-trips or multi-day expeditions. Did we mention member discounts at participating FPTA Business Members? Learn more HERE.

FPTA is has partnered with the BEST Florida paddlers can receive support from! Every month, more and more businesses, outfitters, and paddle clubs are joining the FPTA family so they can offer FPTA members exclusive discounts.

Be sure you show your FPTA membership card to take advantage of these discounts from these FPTA supporters!

Business Spotlight: MANG Apparel

by Monica Woll, Vice President, FPTA

I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of the group Mang Apparel until a few months ago. Our friend Christina who works as a field biologist for the FWC came out to our islands for a visit (shout out to her alter ego, Lady Wild Bones on Instagram)! I wanted her to see the diverse wildlife on the islands, particularly the nesting birds. It’s hard not to notice all the dead mangroves from Hurricane Irma five years ago. She mentioned that a group named Mang would probably help us out so she gave me the contact for one of the twin brothers who started the nonprofit apparel company whose logo is “Buy One, Plant One.”

During Christina’s tour, she was able to see all five of the species that were nesting there - white-crowned pigeons, tri-color herons, clapper rails (whose black fuzz balls were already hatched and running around), kingbirds, and blackbirds. But she was concerned about the devastation. “Definitely contact Mang ASAP,” she said. By the way, the Molasses Keys are an official campsite for the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (permission to camp is required - go to our Facebook page or text 305-394-9252).

I contacted Mang and heard back the next day! We followed up with a phone call a few days later and they asked for some photos. We sent some pics of the devastation and some aerials with circled locations so they could make a plan. They put us on the calendar for mid-August. In the meantime, I ordered a couple of shirts for me and Frank and also a Mang bracelet. I wanted to support them since they were supporting us - WARNING: the designs are so cool it’s hard to pick one! Check out Mang Apparel and all of our FPTA Business Partners HERE!

Planting day arrived and they brought a crew of 6 including Kyle & Keith, the founders in their awesome boat they call the “Prop Dropper” which is wrapped in a leafy design. Kyle is more the business end of the company and Keith is trained in horticulture. They are based out of the farm they grew up on in West Palm Beach and employ some family members as well as many volunteers. Their aunt designs all the beautiful shirts! Frank and I were ready to work too. It was a super-hot day but we got almost 300 red mangrove trees planted on the big island and only 4 on the smaller key.

They plan to come back in a few months and plant more on both islands. Because of this partnership, Mang Apparel has become an FPTA Business Member! Like all of FPTA Business Members, we work together to cross-promote each other, and many offer discounts to FPTA Members! Please our “Supporters” page for a listing of FPTA Business Members, Paddle Clubs, and Agencies! Mang: Buy one, plant one means you will be supporting their efforts around Florida and also in the Bahamas!

Volunteering: Paddling with a Purpose

FPTA Region Directors volunteer their time to explore and map new paddling trails for our members. Pictured left to right: (a) Entering the Crooked River via Lake Louisa (b) Passionate paddlers/volunteers Bill Durkin, Barry White, & Dorsey DeMaster (c) Entering Lake Susan en route to Lake Minneola. Get the info on the new trail HERE.

The Florida Paddling Trails Association is growing and is looking for volunteers who want to offer their time and talents to help us meet our mission of being a state-wide resource and voice for paddlers.  Tell us what you are passionate about and how you want help. Contact FPTA today and be part of something bigger!

FPTA Store: We Have Great Merch!

KARMA…Did you know that when you make a purchase on the FPTA Store, not only are your paddle buds going to ask “Where did you get that cool shirt?” but you are also supporting FPTA’s Legacy Fund/paddle camps for kids…AND FPTA’s mission to support passionate paddlers like you! GOOD KARMA!

Visit the FPTA Store Today!

National Recreation Trail

Submitted by Doug Alderson, FL DEP/OGT

Apply for National Recreation Trail Designation

Deadline November 1

The National Recreation Trail (NRT) program works to preserve and celebrate our nation's pathways. If you are interested in applying, check out our NRT webinar and the additional webinar we held on National Water Trails, then visit this webpage for information on submitting your application.

Trails that are designated will be announced publicly on National Trails Day in June 2023. Email nrt@americantrails.org with any questions.

What is an NRT?

The National Trails System Act of 1968 authorized creation of a national system of trails comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails. 

National Recreation Trails are existing land-based and water-based trails that provide close to home recreation opportunities on Federal, State and local lands. National Recreation Trail designation promotes some of our country's highest-caliber trails with the intention of providing recreation access to rural and urban communities, economic development through tourism, and healthy recreation opportunities. National Recreation Trails are recognized by the federal government, with the consent of any Federal, State, Tribal, local, nonprofit, or private entity having jurisdiction over these lands. Today over 1,300 of these trails have been designated throughout the country. They are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

 NRT’s in Florida

NRT’s in Florida include the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT) and 11 other paddling trails. Click HERE for the NRT list.

Have questions about the NRT, contact Doug Alderson at Doug.Alderson@floridadep.gov