Our paddles are rated by distance, time, location and type of waters.  The duration and miles are listed on the “This Weeks Schedule” page.  The Trip Announcement tells a lot about the type of paddle it will be (destination, duration and miles) and any description of the waters we will be in.

"Easy" means slow paced, easy going, relatively frequent breaks, 2 to 4 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours total of paddling (not counting time for breaks). This is for the novice, those with new gear, and those who simply want a shorter, easier trip.

This type of trip will only occur if there is sufficient demand from potential participants. 

“Intermediate” involves exposure to open water subject to moderate currents, tides and wind. Landing areas may be unavailable for up to three miles. Moderate hazards may exist such as depth, bottom conditions and unrestricted motorboat traffic. Trips will generally involve 7 to 10 miles, 3 to 4 hours of paddling time plus breaks. Trail may be difficult to follow without a guide. On-board snacks and water are recommended.

The majority of our trips fall into this category.

"Advanced" basically means 10 or more miles, more than 4 hours paddling time and/or difficulty along the way, such as fast currents, dodging overhanging branches, underwater obstacles, sharp curves, the sort of situations that only experienced kayakers in good condition should attempt.

Trips in this category are for competant, experienced, self sufficient paddlers only.

This is partly guesswork for unpredictable currents and especially strong wind can easily change a rating. The key to trips is this: how long can you paddle at your "average" paddling rate? If you can paddle right along at a good pace for 3 to 4 hours, you are in the majority group.

​​​We are friends who paddle together. The Venice Lemon Bay Kayakers is a group for kayakers and canoeists of varied skill levels.  Our members enjoy paddling in the rivers, streams, creeks, bays, lakes, the Intracoastal Waterway and near shore Gulf of Mexico from Bradenton to Fort Myers.   On occasion, we go further from home.
We have no officers, no official structure, no dues. We function via shared effort. Individuals volunteer to perform various tasks.
Each individual paddler is solely responsible for his or her own safety, well being and compliance with all existing and future Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.

Federal Safety Regulations require all paddlers to carry a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that is "readily accessible" and a sound producing device such as a whistle or horn.​

Our group highly recommends that all paddlers WEAR their PFD at all times while on the water.

We schedule a trip every Wednesday and Saturday and occasional "full moon" night paddles. (To view, Click on "This  Months Schedule"near the top of the page.)

"This Weeks Schedule" gives more detailed information about each trip. (start time, length of paddle, directions to launch site, etc.)
If you would like to find out more, you can meet with us 30 minutes before each paddle at the launch site.

Venice Lemon Bay Kayakers Trip Ratings

(Contact:  vlbk2020@gmail.com)

Venice LemonBay Kayakers

Economy Tackle  / Dolphin Paddlesports​

6018 S. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota, FL. 34231.
941-922-9671
www.economytackle.com
www.floridakayak.com

Where we buy our equipment.

SEE BULLETIN BOARD PAGE FOR:

• Comprehensive Launch Site List.
  
• Trip Cancellation Notices.
  
• Items For Sale by members.
  

Welcome to the Venice Lemon Bay Kayakers Web site.