FPTA Region H Summer Paddling Safety Workshop

Name: FPTA Region H Summer Paddling Safety Workshop
Start: 2026-05-23T09:00:00-04:00
Location: Virginia Key

Schedule

Sat, 23 May, 2026 at 09:00 am

UTC-04:00

Location

Virginia Key | Miami, FL

Join us for this free kayak skills session sponsored by Region H, of the Florida Paddling Trails association, with collaboration from South Florida Paddlers!
Let's get wet!
What is your favorite method for kayak rescue? Many of you have been solo-kayaking. When was the last time you practiced self rescues? Which is your preferred method for self rescue? On an assisted T-rescue and re-entry, which re-entry method do you prefer? We will be doing demos and live practices of Wet Exit/T-Rescue/re-entry, Scoop Rescue, Cowboy/Cowgirl Scramble Self Rescue (paddle-float assisted and free-style), Paddle Float Assisted Self Rescues including Heel Hook technique, conventional technique, and Witch's Broom, and if everything else fails, the Hand of God rescue!
Do you know the proper way to use a Tow Belt? Do you own a Tow Belt? How do you get a "swimmer" back to their kayak if they were separated from their kayak after a capsize?
JIMBO"S LAGOON:
We will be meeting at Virginia Key Beach North Point Park, next to the “lagoon”. The lagoon called Lamar Lake (Jimbo’s Lagoon for the old timers…), is a prime, sheltered location, which is ideal for paddling skills practice. If you wish to practice Paddle Float Rescues, then bring a paddle float. We will also have extra paddle floats for you to borrow.
GENERAL SKILLS:
If there is a particular skill you are interested in practicing, then please let us know. We will make every effort to assist you. ACA-Certified Kayaking Instructors will be present, to support the session.
WILDLIFE
Last week, I spotted manatees at the lagoon, even though we are at the very end of Manatee Season... It looks like we might have some stragglers... Manatees are a Protected Species. Please be respectful of ALL wildlife in the lagoon, and surrounding areas.
PFD Policy:
All participants must wear a PFD, fully buckled or zippered, and properly fitted, and carry a signaling device (such as a whistle), while on the water. No exceptions!
MEETING TIME:
Please plan to arrive between 9:00 AM. and 9:30 AM. The Skill Session will start PROMPTLY at 9:30 AM.
WHERE:
Virginia Key Beach North Park
3801 Arthur Lamb Jr Rd
Miami, Florida 33149
(Virginia Key)
What3Words location:
barns.seasonally.lives
GPS Coordinates
25°44’50.3448”N
80°8’45.9168”W
LEVEL:
This skills session is open to sea kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, inflatables, and recreational kayaks WITH BULKHEADS and flotation.
SKILL LEVEL:
This session is open to paddlers of all skill levels. Note: If your paddle craft is a standup paddle board, then you are welcome to join us on the water. You will receive latest statistics on SUP Safety, and you will be able to practice SUP self rescue skills.
LET US KNOW!
If there is any particular skill, stroke, maneuver, rescue, etc., that you'd like practice, then PLEASE LET US KNOW! Your host will be present for the whole day.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring our kayak and related gear (we do not provide kayaks). Bring sunblock, bug spray, and plenty of fluids. A PFD and sounding device must be worn on the water to participate in this event. Bring snacks (food is fuel...). BRING WATER.
FACILITIES:
The Bathroom Facility, and outdoor showers at the PADL, Inc. concession will be available for this event (Note: This is Florida Paddling Trails Association Event. It is not sponsored by PADL, Inc.). PADL, Inc. is a Business Member of the FPTA.
PARKING:
Please park on the lots on either side of the PADL, Inc. complex. There is an $8.00 Fee to enter the park.
Event Fee:
This is a FREE EVENT, provided as a Public Service to the paddling community, courtesy of Florida Paddling Trails Association, South Florida Paddlers, and ACA Certified Instructors. There is no fee for this event, other than the park entrance fee of $8.00. However, if you are not yet a member, then we encourage you to join the FPTA by visiting www.floridapaddlingtrails.com. This will be an INSURED event. Insurance is already paid by the Florida Paddling Trails Association. We would appreciate your membership in the FPTA to defray insurance expenses. This event is offered by the Florida Paddling Trails Association, as a community service to the Paddling Community at large.
DISCLAIMER:
Each attendee is responsible for their own safety and preparedness. Participants acknowledge that kayaking has inherent risks that can result in accident, injury, and possibly even death. Participants, their heirs, their executors, and administrators, waive all and any claim, right, or course of action, against Florida Paddling Trails Association. South Florida Paddlers, and the organizer of this event, for or rising out of loss of life, or injury, damage, or loss of any description whatsoever, which may be suffered, or sustained of, or consequent of, participation in this activity. You are at your own risk. By clicking "Going" on the event, you accept these terms. Participants will also be required to sign a Florida Paddling Trails Association waiver, which will be provided at the event location.