by Mike Hammond
With Florida being such a transient state, there are many people new to the area looking for someone to paddle with. In fact, one of the questions I get asked most often is, “Are there any paddling clubs in the area?” Fortunately, several groups exist to paddle with in Southwest Florida. They may not have monthly meetings, presidents, dues or recorded minutes but they do get out and paddle together. Most of the clubs I am familiar with have transitioned to Meetup or Facebook groups online. This has several benefits. If you have ever been the president of a paddling club then you know it is a lot of work. Everything from obtaining insurance to getting the right size T-shirts falls on the president. While there are still organizers and trip leaders, going to online meetups reduces the workload for active board members. It also reduces some of the cost associated with clubs. There are a few tactics to being a good group member. One of the most important is to know your limits. No one goes to these paddles hoping they will have to look after another paddler who becomes overwhelmed by the route or physical activity. Read the trip description carefully and evaluate your skill level realistically before deciding to go. If you are unsure of your abilities, I recommend going on some of the easier paddles and talking to the more experienced group members. They have most likely done all the trips several times and can give guidance. While reading the trip description, pay attention to details other than skill level. Some group organizers wisely state that PFDs must be worn. Don’t make it awkward for others by ignoring group safety guidelines. Comply or don’t go. Also, pay attention to launch times. It’s very frustrating to wait for someone to unload who has arrived late. If possible, arrive early, unload and then help others get their gear down to the launch. This is an easy way to get to know other paddlers and you will be seen as an asset to the group. “Be prepared” is not just the Boy Scout motto. Do your best to bring everything you need for the paddle and more. All paddlers have probably left a water bottle back at the launch or misplaced a towrope. If you are the group member with an extra bottle of water or sunblock to share, your group status will rise quickly. If you are looking for a fun group of people to get on the water with, meetups are a great way to go. Get online, signup and start paddling.
It’s not too early to register for the Battle on the Blueway on June 8th on Ft. Myers Beach. Please visit the website for details: https://paddleguru.com/races/BattleontheBlueway2019