Saturday, September 10, 2011

Paddling News September 2011



Now this is the good weather for kayaking!





upcoming trip schedule
September 12: Full Harvest Moon
Sunset 7:05/Moonrise 6:50
Monday, September 12, Meet at the Shop 6:20 FULL
Join us on Tuesday for Sunset and Full Moon!

Tuesday, September 13
Sunset Paddle to Deer Island, 5:30-7:30 pm

Friday-Sunday, September 16-18, Econfina Creek
see write-up below

September 12: Full Harvest Moon
Sunset 7:05/Moonrise 6:50
Monday, September 12, Meet at the Shop 6:20 FULL
Join us on Tuesday for Sunset and Full Moon!

Friday, September 23 BYOL
Bring your own lunch and paddle down Bluff Creek, 9am-1pm

Friday, September 30
Graveline - shore birds, 8am-12pm, binoculars recommended!


SOUTH COAST KAYAK FISHING IS ON!
We had our first fishing kayaks roll in this week – and Gene is hankerin’ to guide some fishing trips.  Call the shop if you are interested in kayak fishing.


SPANKIN’ THE SPECKS !
First annual kayak fishing tournament and First-ever kayak tournament on Mississippi Coast!
November 12, 2011
We have our first sponsors:  Gils Fish Camp and Arguelles Marine Contracting. 
Call if you are interested in sponsoring or fishing!  Keep posted for more information
1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes – five categories:  Speckled Trout, Red Fish, Flounder, Black Drum &  White Trout


ROAD TRIP --- CAMP AND PADDLE, September 16-18
Sign up for a ROAD TRIP with South Coast Paddling Company to Econfina Creek, Falling Waters State Park near Panama City.  Minimum6 guests, Maximum 8 guests.  Guides for the trip:  Nick (the General) and Dana (the Beast).  Cost per person:  $180 with 8 guest, $205 with 6 guests. Call for more information
Coastal Kayaking Instructor Workshops
Instructor Development – Nov 18-20, 2011 and Instructor Certification Exam– January 20-22, 2012
Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Please contact Ron at ronsmith@blackparrotpaddling.com or at (810) 599-9089 if you have questions and/or to register.

CLASSIFIED ADS for clients and friends of South Coast Paddling
Free classified ads for paddlers, gear, and the like. Post a trip, an environmental cause, gather a group for fun, sell a kayak, upgrade to a new one. Call or email us if you have something you want in the classified section!

TWO TANDEM KAYAKS FOR SALE:  Current Design, *Crosswinds*.  Replacement price new is about $2,999.00.  Asking price, “as is”, $900.00 each.  Good condition.  Call the paddle shop:  872.2030

Thule cargo carrier:  Our kayaking friend Laurie O’Reilly just moved to Detroit for a new job.  She is selling her Thule Cargo Carrier for $395.00.  It’s at the Shop and in great shape.  THULE Atlantis 1600... Premium Roof Rack cargo box... Silver... Quick-Grip mounts... 16 cubic feet.  Price new is $589.95

 Join us on Facebook or check the calendar on the website for upcoming events!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Paddling News June 29


It’s summer in Mississippi and it is HOT!  The temperature today is 92°. 
Water temperature is 87°.

South Coast Paddling Company is pleased to welcome Bayou Pilates to the kayak shop:  Ellen Miller, Bayou Pilates, will offer Mat Classes and Private Reformer Instruction:
Pilates for Paddlers begins this Saturday July 2 – Learn to specifically engage and develop the core muscles used for paddling a kayak. Saturdays from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m.  Bring a mat to class.

Pilates on the Mat in July - Develop flexibility, stability, and endurance. Strengthen and lengthen muscles in this full body workout great for men and women of all ages and fitness levels.  Mondays from 6:00 to 6:50 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m.  Bring a mat to class.

Class prices are $12 for a single class session, with discounts for multiple sessions - $50 for a five-session card and $90 for a ten-session card.  Ellen Miller, of Bayou Pilates, has practiced Pilates since 1993. She is trained as an Instructor of the Stott Pilates method, with more than 200 hours of specialized training in postural analysis, post rehabilitation exercise, anatomy, and mat and reformer Pilates exercises. Ellen offers various group classes and is also available for private instruction.  Stop by the shop and try out the only Pilates Reformer exercise machine on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Pilates Reformer exercise is very popular around the world, with athletes to actresses and everyone in between. Private reformer sessions are available. Click on this link for a quick introduction to the Reformer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTwRVqe3pNQ    Come try it, you'll love it!  Contact Ellen at ellen@bayoupilates.com or 310-614-3741 to register.  See you Saturday!


South Coast Kayak Club:  Several local paddlers have signed up for the club.  T We’d welcome more!  The annual membership fee is $25.00 per person or $40 per couple.  Members will receive a FREE decal; 10% discount on all regularly scheduled trips (with availability); and a 15% discount on group reservations of 8 or more.  The purpose of the South Coast Kayak Club is to promote kayaking in south Mississippi and provide camaraderie for local kayakers.   

To join, email Carolyn or Gene:  info@southcoastpaddling.com  or call the shop:  228.872.2030.  We’re planning the first club meeting on Thursday, July 21 at The Shed.  Bring your kayak at 6:00.  Paddle for two hours – stay for a beer and meeting discussion from 8:00-9:00.  Membership fees will be collected at the meeting or you can send to South Coast Paddling Company. 


Trips scheduled for July:
July 2     ½ day fishing trip on Graveline (Bring your own fishing gear)
July 4     CLOSED (We are usually closed on Mondays but accept reservations on request.  This year we’re taking a holiday on July 4.  Happy Birthday, America! Call for trips on July 3 or 5)
July 6     ½ day trip up Bluff Creek (BYOL – Bring your own lunch)
July 15   Full Moon paddle
July 19   ½ day on Old Fort Bayou
July 21   South Coast Kayak Club meeting:   6:00 at The Shed
July 22   Davis Bayou Fishing trip
July 27   Deer Island Sunset paddle (Meet at 6:30pm.  Leave Biloxi beach at 7:00.  Return at sunset, 8:15.  Home by 9:00)
July 30  Horn Island Overnight, 12 person max (about 7 spots are filled)

CLASSIFIED ADS for clients and friends of South Coast Paddling: 
Free classified ads for paddlers, gear, and the like. Post a trip, an environmental cause, gather a group for fun, sell a kayak, upgrade to a new one. Call or email us if you have something you want in the classified section!
*Hobie Mirage* I am selling a hobie mirage sport, single kayak complete with peddle drive. The price is $1100. If interested please call chuck lizana (228) 697.9242 or email him cl228@yahoo.com

Join us on Facebook or check the calendar on the website for upcoming events!


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

OCEAN SPRINGS KAYAK FESTIVAL

CELEBRATE SUMMER 2011 - SPONSORS
SOUTH COAST PADDLING COMPANY
BUDWEISER
GULF HILLS HOTEL

The purpose of the OS Kayak Festival is to promote kayaking and provide quality family summer activity at Fort Maurepas.  There is no admission – so come enjoy the beach and the fun.  Bring a beach chair or blanket.  Bring friends and family.  If you have a kayak, bring it for a voluntary safety check and to play.  If you’ve never kayaked – now’s your opportunity!

           



FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday Night – June 17, 5:00pm to 10:00pm         

       Barefootin’ on the Beach
5-10pm:               Food & Drink
5-10pm:               Festival Tent at the Fort:  t-shirts, reservations for Kayak Instruction and Poker Runs
Information and assistance
6-8pm:                  On-site registration for MS State Games (Kayak Race – Nick Kinderman)
6-8pm:                  Volleyball, self-organized on the Beach
7-10pm:               Music – DJ:  Terry Breland
8-10pm:               Bonfire on Beach (tentative with fire ban)
6-8pm:                  “Cool Zone”:  kids’ activities on the lawn at the fort (bubbles, nerf ball, frisbee)
5-8pm:                  Vendor and exhibitor set-up

Saturday – June 18, 8:00am to 8:00pm
 Kayaking, Family and Community Sport

                                                                                                all day activities
7:00-8:00am         Registration for Mississippi State Games

8:00am-6:00pm    South Coast Paddling Booth:  Reservations for kayak lessons & poker run. 

8:00am-4:00pm    U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:  voluntary safety checks

8:00am-4:00pm     Kayak rentals: da Beach House & South Coast Paddling Company

8:00am-4:00pm     Exhibits

8:00am-8:00pm     Vendors

2:00-8:00pm           LIVE MUSIC: Dangeaux and The Baby, Alligator Zebra and Suns of Eden!!!
Bring your own kayaks:  U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be present to conduct Voluntary Safety Checks.  If  you pass, you get a sticker.  Also, they will have information about paddle boat safety for everyone.

Associated costs:  (cash or check.  Sorry, no credit cards)
Registration for the Mississippi State Games is $25.00 for one race/$35.00 for two races.  Awards for each category.  Additional $10 if you need to rent a kayak.

Registration for Kayak lessons is $60.00 if you bring your own kayak.  $75.00 if you rent our kayak.

Registration for the Poker Run is $10.00 if you bring your own kayak. $20.00 if you rent our kayak.
Winner take all:   $40.00 plus gift bag:  one prize for each run.

Kayak rentals and gear:  $10 per hour, $20 for two hours, as available. (Special rental price for kayak festival only)
           

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Paddling News June 8

      Upcoming Guided Tour Schedule

Fishing Trip                         June 10                 To davis bayou, half-day, 7-11, call for reservations
Paddle & lunch                    June 14                 A paddle up Bluff creek. BYOL- Bring Your Own Lunch. 9-1. Call for reservations
Full Moon Paddle                July 15                  2 hour moonlight paddle up Old Fort Bayou. Call for reservations
Pascagoula Marsh               June 22                  Explore the lower Pascagoula. Half-day, 8-12, call for reservations.
Fishing Trip                         June 30                  To Graveline Bayou. Half-day, 7-11, call for reservations

CELEBRATE SUMMER!  Ocean Springs Kayak Festival 
June 17-18, Ft. Maurepas - Front Beach - Fun for the whole family!
Friday Night - Barefootin’ on the Beach 5:00 pm- 10:00 -pm
·         Come enjoy an evening of family fun on the beach with music, volleyball, food and drink. It’ll be a laid back beach party. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs.
·         Registration for the Mississippi State Games Kayak Race from 6 – 8 pm.
Saturday All Day – Kayaking Fun 8:00am – 8:00 pm

We’ve scheduled all day fun with paddle sports including the MS STATE GAMES KAYAK Race, a Poker Run in kayaks, demonstrations, and LIVE MUSIC with some of our favorite original local bands! Come join the fun and CELEBRATE SUMMER!

Check out our bands on Facebook! Dangeaux and the Baby, Alligator Zebra and Suns of Eden
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm on the stage at Fort Maurepas - Cool live music, a summer breeze (yeah, right), good friends and beer. Can't go wrong! 

Sign up for Kayak Lessons! Saturday, June 18
Advanced reservations are highly recommended as class sizes are limited.
Kayaking Classes 1 and 2
Each  class will last “up to 3 hours” (Depending on how quickly the class moves through the skill levels).          Cost for each class will be $75.00 if you rent a boat.  $60.00 if you bring your own boat.
·         Class 1:  Kayak Basics will be held in the morning, from 10:00-1:00.  We won’t start the class until the Mississippi State Games race is completed.  Be a little flexible with start time. Students who take the morning class will be eligible for the afternoon advance course:  “Get your Rescue On”.     
Class 2:  Kayak Advanced – Get your rescue on will be held in the afternoon.  We anticipate from 1:30-4:30.    Refresh you safety and rescue skills.

Gulf Hills Hotel offers a special weekend rate to kayakers and festival participants.  228.875.4211.  Be sure to tell the reservation clerk that you are coming for the OS Kayak Festival.

Summer office hours in effect - come by and see Gene or Carolyn. Book a trip with us soon!  228.872.2030  info@southcoastpaddling.com 
Both self discovery and guided tours are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Yes, we do accept walk-ins -- but we aren’t always available.  For guided trips, we prefer advance reservations.  But, we are in business to serve you - so we’ll do our best to remain flexible and accommodate your schedule. 

CLASSIFIED ADS for clients and friends of South Coast Paddling: 
Free classified ads for paddlers, gear, and the like.  Post a trip, an environmental cause, gather a group for fun, sell a kayak, upgrade to a new one.  Call or email us if you have something you want in the classified section!
I am selling my 2010 Hobie Tandem mirage drive kayak. It is papaya colored. Price $1,800.
CALL Lori Brannon Carter (228)215-0296
*ALERT* A local woman has had her kayak stolen from the top of her car in downtown ocean springs. It is an 11.5’ blue, sit on top, recreational Perception Caster. If anyone has seen this boat or knows anything about it please contact Emree Steptoe at (228) 326-4313

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Paddling News June 3

PADDLING NEWS
Today - Friday, June 3


Upcoming Guided Tour Schedule

Davis Bayou                        June 7                   half-day 8-12, call for reservations

Graveline Bayou                 June 8                   half-day 8-12, call for reservations

Fishing Trip                         June 10                 To deer island, half-day, 7-11, call for reservations

Full Moon Paddle                July 15                 Call for reservations

CELEBRATE SUMMER!  Ocean Springs Kayak Festival 
June 17-18, Ft. Maurepas - Front Beach - Fun for the whole family!


Friday Night - Barefootin’ on the Beach 5:00 pm- 10:00 -pm
Come enjoy an evening of family fun on the beach with music, volleyball, food and drink. It’ll be a laid back beach party. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs.

Registration for the Mississippi State Games Kayak Race from 6 – 8 pm.


Saturday All Day – Kayaking Fun 8:00am – 8:00 pm

We’ve scheduled all day fun with paddle sports including the MS STATE GAMES KAYAK Race, a Poker Run in kayaks, demonstrations and LIVE MUSIC with some of our favorite original      local bands! Come join the fun and CELEBRATE SUMMER!

                        On the beach side                             At the Fort- Stage & tents
6:30-8:00         Set-up                                                  Set-up
7:00 – 8:00                                                                  Race registration
8:00                                                                             Welcome & Announcements
8:30                 Race #1 (4.5 miles)
9:30                 Race #2 (1.5 miles)
10:00 – 1:00    Kayak Basics (fee)                               DJ music on stage until 2:00
10:45                                                                           Race Awards
11:00               Stand Up Paddleboard demos                                   
11:30 – 1:30    Kayak Poker Run #1 (fee)
1:30                 Kayak Advanced “Get Your
Rescue On” (fee)                   
2:00- 4:00        Kayak Poker Run #2(fee)                    Dangeaux and the Baby
2:30                 Stand Up Paddleboard demos                       
3:00                                                                            Dangeaux and the Baby                     
4:00                 Close exhibitions                                 Alligator Zebra                       
5:00                                                                             Alligator Zebra
6:00                                                                             Suns of Eden
6:30                 Deer Island Kayak Camping Trip (fee)
7:00                                                                             Suns of Eden
8:00                 Festival ends                                   


Kayak Classes Offered at Festival

Advanced reservations are highly recommended as class sizes are limited.

Kayaking Classes 1 and 2:  with Joe and Rachel, First Coast Outfitters, American Canoe Association (ACA) trainers
·         Each  class will last “up to 3 hours” (Depending on how quickly the class moves through the skill levels) 
·         Cost for each class will be $75.00 if you rent a boat.  $60.00 if you bring your own boat.
·         Advanced reservations are recommended as class sizes are limited.
·         Students who complete the classes are eligible for ACA certification (an optional cost.  Certification requires membership in ACA, which is $40)

Class 1:  Kayak Basics will be held in the morning, from 10:00-1:00.  We won’t start the class until the Mississippi State Games race is completed.  Be a little flexible with start time.
   
Students who take the morning class will be eligible for the afternoon advance course:  “Get your Rescue On”.    

Class 2:  Kayak Advanced – Get your rescue on will be held in the afternoon.  We anticipate from 1:30-4:30.    Refresh you safety and rescue skills.

Gulf Hills Hotel offers a special weekend rate to kayakers and festival participants.  228.875.4211.  Be sure to tell the reservation clerk that you are coming for the OS Kayak Festival.

Summer office hours in effect - come by and see Gene or Carolyn. Book a trip with us soon!  228.872.2030  info@southcoastpaddling.com 
Both self discovery and guided tours are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Yes, we do accept walk-ins -- but we aren’t always available.  For guided trips, we prefer advance reservations.  But, we are in business to serve you - so we’ll do our best to remain flexible and accommodate your schedule. 

CLASSIFIED ADS for clients and friends of South Coast Paddling: 
Free classified ads for paddlers, gear, and the like.  Post a trip, an environmental cause, gather a group for fun, sell a kayak, upgrade to a new one.  Call or email us if you have something you want in the classified section!

I am selling my 2010 Hobie Tandem mirage drive kayak. It is papaya colored. Price $1,800.
CALL Lori Brannon Carter (228)215-0296

I am selling my Epic 16X Performance.  Composite of fiberglass, kevlar, and carbon, length 16 feet, weight 40 pounds.   Excellent condition.  Fast and stable with adjustable rudder peddles and seat.  Price $2,250.  Email mgmullins@bellsouth.net or call 601-807-4867.  Can email photos.


**Please contact us if you would like to be removed from this mailing list**

Contact us:
Write or come by:  2335 Government Street
Call:  228-872-2030

Learn more about us: 




Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Paddling News for the Week, May 25

Today – Wednesday, May 25
Water temperature is 81 Degrees!


HOLIDAY WEEKEND TRIPS to the Islands!
  1. Half day trip to Deer Island, Saturday morning, May 28:  Damian Rumery - guide.  Call 872.2030 to reserve space.
  2. Overnight kayak trip to Horn Island, depart early Saturday morning, May 28:  Gene Cossey – guide.  4-8 guests.  Call 872.2030 to reserve space.  See recent blog and photos from a happy kayaker to Horn Island:  http://thirdcoastconnect.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/horn-island-and-the-islander-artist-walter-anderson/

CELEBRATE SUMMER!  Ocean Springs Kayak Festival:  June 17-18.   Ft. Maurepas
Friday night, June 17      “Barefootin on the Beach”        
5:00pm – 9:00pm             Music, Dancing, Volleyball, Bonfire, Soda and Beer sales, bring your own picnic. 
               
Late registration for Mississippi State Games Kayak Race. More info & Sign-up at                 http://www.stategamesofms.org/site1/?q=node%2F139


Saturday, June 18 - Music, vendors, family fun
7:00-8:00 am         Late registration for Mississippi State Games Kayak Race
8:30 am                 MISSISSIPPI STATE GAMES, Kayak race
10:00 am               MISSISSIPPI STATE GAMES, Short Fun race        
9:00-12:00             Basic Kayaking (ACA certified trainers:  Joe Crespi & Rachel Austin)(Fee)
1:00-4:00  pm       Advanced Kayaking – Safety, Rescue (above trainers & fee)

Demonstrations: South Coast Paddling Company, Grand Bay NERR, da Beach House stand-up paddle boards
Ice Cream, Snow Cone, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Budweiser, Sodas & Water
            Children’s Activities:  Grand Bay NERR and Walter Anderson Museum

Upcoming Trips and Events Scheduled
Call for Reservations 228.875.2030

Poticaw Circle                  Tues, May 24                       Morning trip in the Pascagoula Basin swamps

Wolf-Jourdan                   Thurs, May 26                     New venue, Wolf River west to Jourdan River

Davis Bayou                      Tues, May 31                     Gulf Islands to National Wildlife Refuge Fountainbleu
               Trail for Nature walk and picnic

Graveline Bayou             Thurs, June 2                       New venue, Graveline Bay is a GEM (Gulf Ecological
               Management Site).  Come see if you agree


The next Full Moon Paddle  - Wednesday, June 15 
$30 pps or $15 if you bring your own kayak.  Call for trip info & reservations. 228.872.2030

OFFICE HOURS AND TRIP RESERVATIONS:
Regular summer office hours: 10:00-5:30 Tuesday – Saturday.  Regular office hours are for accepting reservations, sharing information and sales.  Walk-ins for self-discovery trips are welcomed – but not always available.

To assure availability, we recommend advance reservations.  Please call ahead to book the trip that’s best for your schedule and interests.   We offer trips seven days a week, with availability of guides and equipment.

For your house guests over the summer:  in addition to our standard tours, South Coast Paddling offers customized tours and trip packages to suit your interests and skills.   Call or email for information and reservations:  228.872.2030  info@southcoastpaddling.com 

The Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers a fun and conservation minded camp for students in Grades 2-5. The camp date is June 13-17th for the Summer of 2011.  Camp activities are based on the Mississippi state frameworks for Math and Science. These activities foster a “hands on” approach to learning, and prepare students for the upcoming school year. This encourages them to become excited about nature and collecting data.

CLASSIFIED ADS for clients and friends of South Coast Paddling:
Free classified ads for paddlers, gear, and the like.  Sell a kayak, upgrade to a new one.
Post a trip or environmental cause.
Call or email us if you have something you want in the classified section!