Venice Lemon Bay Kayakers
Trip difficulity ratings


Our paddles are rated by distance, time, location and type of waters.  The duration and miles are listed on the “This Weeks Schedule” and “This Months Schedule”.  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. 

 “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.

"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 than only experienced kayakers in good condition should attempt.

 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 3.5 to 4 hours, you are in the majority group. We take care of our paddlers. More than once paddlers have gotten tired and fall back; we get an accompanying paddler to stay with them. We do not abandon anyone.