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1. 

   DaveN2H2O
   Member

   Hello everyone,

   I'm hosting an open water swim event called the Swim Around Lido Key. It's being held on Sunday, April 12 on Lido Key in Sarasota, FL. The race is 7-miles around the island of Lido Key were each solo swimmer must be escorted by a pilot (kayaker). The pilot helps the swimmer navigate around the island, provides safety, and nutrition. We timed the race based on the tides so that the swimmer/pilot won't have to paddled against any strong currents in either New Pass or Big Sarasota Pass. Pilots get a free race t-shirt, free post race food and beer, goodie bag, and special gift. You can also come to the pre-race social at the Daiquiri Deck on St. Armands Circle on Saturday afternoon. Some of the race proceeds also supports the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation.

   If you're interested in kayaking for a swimmer or even just volunteering at the race, please go to http://www.FLOWSwimming.com and click on the Pilot Registration link to register as a pilot or on the Volunteer link to register as a volunteer.

   We need 20 more kayakers! We really appreciate your support! 

   Thank you,

   David Miner - DaveN2H2O

   Posted 7 years ago #
2. 

   Whale
   Member

   Having done several open waters swims I can tell you good kayak support is a key element in a successful swim. A good kayak support doesn't just float behind the swimmer waiting to be a rescuse platform. First they are watching for the safety of the swimmer by making sure the drunk boaters and jet ski cowboys don't run over the swimmer. At times putting the kayak between the approaching danger and the swimmer. Second they are key in helping the swimming navigate the course. Think  picking out a bearing is difficult in a kayak try it when your eyes are three inches above the water line. I have been very luck to have great kayak support and my navigation consisted of watching the side of the kayak. That tells you I wasn't navigating the kayaker was and they picked great lines. Third is providing fuel and water. These swimmers will be fueling every fifteen to twenty minutes and they have to do it without touching the kayak. It is not as simple as you think and without it the swimmer will not make it. Fourth -They are  providng encoruagement. I willl never forget one swim where my kayaker support was yelling encouragement the last 200 yards and becasue of it I was able to beat a few more folks to the finiah. That is if you want to call " Swim you nasty squid... swim" encouragment. Lastly the kayak suppoprt is the rescuae flatform if the swimmer has problems. Bottom line this is a not a do nothing task and does take an experienced kayaker and if you volunteer you will be key to a successful swim for the swimmer. 

   Posted 7 years ago #
3. 

   SeaDogRocket
   Member

   Very well said Whale. I will be there. Have done 2 frogman swim kayak supports and really enjoy keeping the swimmer on course and fueled to finish. Lido Key is also a great place to paddle.

   Posted 7 years ago #
4. 

   fusioneng
   Member

   I would assume they are just looking for just regular recreational kayaks for support, and imagine a fully rigged TI would be pretty unwanted.  However I personally would not want to take a regular (under 16 ft) recreational kayak off Lido (offshore) through the normal 2-3 ft breakers unless I was pretty experienced (just sayin). Also the area around Ringling causeway (in the bay) off bird key pretty much always has 1.5 to 2 ft washing machine chop (unless they go under the small bridge bypassing bird key, just sayin).  I'm out there most weekends, and don't recall ever seeing many small recreational kayaks offshore off Lido (bigger sea kayaks and surfski's yes,,,, experienced kayakers) just sayin. I maybe just over cautious because I've gotten in trouble out there too many times myself.

   Posted 7 years ago #
5. 

   fusioneng
   Member

   I only mentioned anything at all, and inquired whether rigged AI/TI type boats would be desired (probly not), is the Dolphin Island club ( https://www.facebook.com/DolphinIslandClub) is a pretty big local club of AI/TI owners (thru the local Hobie dealer Economy Tackle) who are often looking for stuff to do (great bunch of people)

   thats all.

   FE

   Posted 7 years ago #
6. 

   Santiago
   Member

   DaveN2H2O,

   Can I serve as a pilot without coming down Saturday afternoon/evening?  I can be there early Sunday to meet with a swimmer to discuss strategy and route, but Saturday is a problem.

   Thanks,

   Joe

   Posted 7 years ago #

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