Paddling the waters of SW Florida and beyond

MEETING MINUTES

November 15, 2006

Gulf Coast Backwater Paddlers Meeting 

The November 15, 2006 meeting of the GCBP started at 7:12pm at the Backwater Outfitters Store in Matlacha on Pine Island.

Steve Catron started the meeting by introducing him and Diane LaPell.  The new members introduced themselves.  They were Stephen and Christina Fisher, Phil and Eileen Correll, Ed Geueke and Kathy Heckman and Mark Bradley 

Rusty Batchelor then gave an update on the club website which is progressing real well.

The website address is www.gulfcoastbackwaterpaddlers.com.  The website is now on line and is available for members to view. 

 Steve then opened for discussion with the safety issue that was an issue at a recent trip when a paddler fell on the dock before the kayak trip while getting into her kayak.  Because of the many problems we had on that particular paddle, the entire club agreed that wavers for adults and minors were to be obtained from each paddler for a club event.  The waver was passed around and agreed on. 

 Also discussed was the role of the trip leader and a guideline to follow if leading a trip.  Diane LaPell read the Rules For Trip Leaders and it was agreed on by those present to follow the rules to protect the members and leaders. 

 Both Wavers and Trip Leader Forms are available through the club at the meetings and also will be on the website to copy and use as needed.

 Life Jackets were also discussed for safety.  It is in the best interest of the paddler to have an appropriate jacket for kayaking.  Diane showed an example of one that she just purchased that fit well, was Coast Guard approved and was cooler for the summer heat.

 Steve then approached the club with the American Canoe Assoc. information.  He agreed to follow up with the procedure for the club becoming an ACA affiliated club.  Steve will pursue this and if all goes as planned; our goal is to join the ACA in March 2007.

 Past trips club members have participated in were Matlacha, Cedar Key (for a kayak wedding attended by Diane) and a trip by Bill at the Charlotte Aquatic Preserve.

 A new trip planned is to Collier Seminole State Park in Naples to check out the 13-mile kayak trip before a trip for the club in March of 2007.  Teresa will try to lead a Full Moon Paddle around Dec 5 in the Bimini Basin.

 Steve also told us to watch the store schedule because he will be planning mini-demo weekends.  This is a wonderful opportunity for people who are looking for that perfect kayak and/or paddle to try them out before buying.  This will also be a good opportunity to inform people of our club.

 We will also be collecting dues and registration forms starting January 2007.  Single membership will be $25 and double and family memberships will be $50.

 Because of the holiday, it was agreed that the next meeting will be on December 13, same time, same Place.

 The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm