Paddle-Fishing.com

This is an annual event that many have done. It's a great event for a great cause!

I'd love to see a good turn out from Paddle-Fishing.com out there again at the next one. To give you an idea on how eager the swimmers are, their registration sold out in 33 minutes.

http://tampabayfrogman.com/volunteer/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Scroll down to the Kayak Escorts section

I'm signed up

Just signed up looking forward to this

I signed up last week - this will be my third.

Thanks for posting this, Rik!

I'm the Kayak Support Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim. The event is several months away, but it really is helpful for us to have people sign up as early as possible.

We really need experienced kayakers with quality open-water-capable equipment. Those of you who have participated in the past have seen some of the well-meaning folks who have come out to help, but who frankly had no business being there. Either their equipment or their experience level - or both - fell short. The potential exists for the water to be rough; crossing winds, currents, and tides can really create some interesting effects in that section of the Bay. The kayak you use should be capable of managing those conditions, and safely holding you AND a swimmer afloat until help arrives. It will also be important for you to bring your own PFD (mandatory) as well as a PFD or other appropriate flotation device to assist your swimmer, should the need arise.

Everyone at the TBFS very much appreciates the support from Rik and the members of paddle-fishing.com. When you register, please list paddle-fishing.com as your "club". This will help me track who comes from where. If you've already registered but didn't include that info, please email me and I'll add it to your registration.

Any questions or comments, let me know!

Best,

Greg aka BigFlyReel
[email protected]

BigFlyReel wrote: The potential exists for the water to be rough; crossing winds, currents, and tides can really create some interesting effects in that section of the Bay.

High tide at 0600, low tide at 1230. 1.6 foot drop. Yes, there will be tidal current.

Interested and available? Go to http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOv ... 6958189921" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; to learn more and register. Questions?email me at [email protected].

I'm registered

Thank you - see you there!

I'm in!

If you have never done this before it is a great event, sign up and join the fun.

Excellent - see you there!

One of the nice things about this event is the friends made from far away. I will be escorting the same swimmer I have been with a few times before, he missed last year. Dennis and his wife are great people and we will get together and have dinner a few days before the event. I have made a good friend doing this.

I've been wanting to do this for the last couple of years but always had a scheduling. I'm registered and looking forward to it. Time to hit the rowing machine at the gym since I haven't been on the water in awhile.

Outstanding! Look forward to seeing you there! We still need 20+ more support kayakers - who else?

http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOv ... fEID=20776" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For those on the fence about this please note it is not a grueling fast pace paddle across the bay. You would paddle faster on your way out fishing. The start can be a bit hectic but after that you simply paddle as fast as your swimmer swims and guide them in the right direction.

Todd wrote:For those on the fence about this please note it is not a grueling fast pace paddle across the bay. You would paddle faster on your way out fishing. The start can be a bit hectic but after that you simply paddle as fast as your swimmer swims and guide them in the right direction.

I'll second that. It really is a slow leisurely paddle at 2 - 3 mph.

The hardest part is getting your swimmer aimed in the right direction to make the turn buoy without having to swim back up current due to the tidal flow. As you are heading across the channel, you'll see two groups of escorts. One is heading straight at the turn buoy and the other seems to be heading well left of the turn buoy. Follow the groups heading well left of the buoy. Those going straight at it will be struggling to get back up current to make the turn. Your swimmer would much rather be 50 feet up current of the buoy than 50 feet down current.