Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

Q:  What is the best time to go?

A:  We recommend early morning paddling - in summer it's cooler, less chance of rain, less wind, fewer boats, more wildlife - having said that - you're on vacation right? - so let's go when you can - weather permitting.

Q:  Where do we go to the bathroom?

A:  There are bathrooms close to the launch at the public boat ramp on the southwest side of Vilano Bridge.

Q:  Are there bathrooms on the paddling route?

A:  It depends on what route you take - on the beginners trip there are no bathrooms.  It is very important to use the bathroom before you depart.  In fact it is a little difficult even to stop and stretch your legs on this trip.  The best place to do that is to return to the launch area and there are also some small islands which I can point out to you when you receive your map.  If you have started your trip to the south and returned and you want more time you can paddle to the north after stretching your legs.

Q:  What do we bring with us?

A:  Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water shoes if you have some, (you can get these at Wal-mart) or tennis shoes (in the infrequent event of a cap-size tennis shoes are not as easy to swim in as are water shoes), lunch if you prefer.  You can bring camera and binoculars but use a strap and use caution - it is easy to get items such as these wet from the water from your paddle dripping into your lap. It is also easy to forget that your camera is in your lap when you exit.  Dry-bag if you have one.

Q:  Is it dangerous for beginners to be on Hospital Creek?

A:  Hospital Creek is protected from wind, waves and boats when compared to the open water of the Intracoastal/Tolomato River/Matanzas River.  Please see Weather, Tides, and Safety

Q:  What about oyster bars?

A:  Please stay off the oyster bars - stay in the main channel.  Oyster bars wreak havoc on the bottom of a kayak.  Never try to walk on an oyster bar - if you are looking to stretch your legs, pick a sandy bottom or grassy area without oyster shells. 

If your kayak gets grounded on an oyster bar it is better not to use your paddle to push off with, but you may have to.  Do not use your hands to push off of oysters.  It is best to shift your weight backwards - towards the direction you came from and deeper water - to get off the oyster bar.

Q:  How do I keep from getting grounded?

A:  Stay in the middle of a channel.  When rounding bends don't go to the inside of the bend where the shallow water is.  The water is usually deeper in the middle and on the outside of a bend.

Look ahead for shallow water - you may see a lighter sandy bottom (or oysters).

If you ground out, especially on top of oysters, be calm and try to think of the most sensible way that you can get your kayak back in deeper water.  That is probably to reverse your kayak back to the deeper water you just came from.  Continuing forward into even more shallow water is not the answer.

Pushing off with the hands is good in sandy areas and saves the paddle.  Do not use hands when on oysters.