Miami Kayaking

Miami Kayaking Meetup Group

Trip Planning and Resource Guide 08/23/2009

Weather & Tides:

 Weather:  http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AM/630.html  http://www.twigsdigs.com/weather/hw3.php?  http://cleardarksky.com/f.php?Mn=astronomy&p=4C4812MFSGFL  http://www.weather.gov/view/national.php?thumbs=on  http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/os.shtml

 Tides, Winds and Currents:  http://thiswaytothe.net/  http://www.saltwatertides.com/  http://www.mobilegeographics.com/  http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tides08/tpred2.html#FL  http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Cutler%2C+Biscayne+Bay %2C+Florida&units=f  http://www.tides.info/? command=view&location=Key+Biscayne+Yacht+Club%2C+Biscayne+Bay %2C+Florida

 Water Data & Hydrology:  Hydrology Data

Safety Links:

 Safety Starts before you get on the water  Float Plans Save Lives  Sample Float Plan  SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger  Kayaking at Night  PFD Wearing Requirements by State

 Communications

 Marine Radio Procedures  When You Radio for Help on the Water

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 International Code Flags  Parks, Trails, Reference Materials

 Everglades National Park  Biscayne National Park  Florida Paddling Trails Association  www.Trails.com  www.paddling.net

 Terms & Some Science

 Anatomy of a Wave  Nautical Terms

Charts, Navigation, On-Water Resources: A good nautical chart is invaluable. GPS units fail, fall in the water and sink, batteries die. Always have a compass and chart of your area. Even when you have a GPS as your primary navigational aid, always carry a map and compass.

 Navigation  Rules of the Road  All About Nautical Charts  Nautical Chart Reading 101

 Free Online Charts & Maps:  NOAA’s On-Line Chart Viewer  Free Downloads and Demos from NOAA  My Favorite Free Reader (also a basic plotter) Maptech’s Chart Navigator  Google Earth Download Link  Nautical Charting Links  NOAA Chart 1 (What it all means)  http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/chartno1.htm#toc  NOAA Charts Online Find a chart online  http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/flamaps.htm

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Backcountry Trips & Planning:

Please be prepared. The first rule of backcountry paddling is to always have a solid, Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and be able to improvise Plan D & E. When camping in Everglades National Park, you can only pull your permit 24-hours before your paddle commences. That means that there is no way you can guarantee that the campsites on your desired route are available. Always be prepared for the worst. There is no potable water in the backcountry. You must bring all your water, food, and gear. Between Everglades City and Flamingo, your first stop is nearly 100-miles away. Despite all the potential danger and hardships, these are the most stunning paddles one can enjoy.

Some good sources of information:

 Everglades Wilderness Trip Planner  Gear List  How to Pack a Kayak for a Multiday Voyage  Pre & Post Paddle Exercises

Backcountry Resources:

 Everglades Diary  ENP Backcountry Information  Everglades Eco-System Map  Everglades Eco-System Map #2  Glades Go Deep Forum - FANTASTIC Discussions and information

Miscellaneous:

 Conversion Calculators  Time, Speed, Distance Conversions  Meters, Feet and Fathoms Conversion  Distance to Horizon Calculations  Statute/Nautical Mile Conversions  Chart Scale Conversion

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