GLOW Bioluminescent Tour (Aug 31, 2024)

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- IMPORTANT -
- SMALL GROUPS ARE WELCOME, BUT
GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 6 PEOPLE PER GROUP -
  
 
ATTENDANCE UPDATE
(Last Updated: May 15, 2023 at 7:30pm):
Maximum Participants Allowed: 30
Current # of Participants Registered: 0
>>> AVAILABLE SPOTS: 30 <<<
 



DAY TRIPS
2.0  (ROBUST)
RUGGED
1.0
$45  FREE

GLOW Bioluminescent Paddling Tour
Aug 31, 2024 (Sat night) - Safety Harbor, FL

 





GTD PAYMENT OPTIONS: 
 
GTD events can be paid for with Cash, Checks, Debit / Credit Cards, Venmo, & PayPal.
  
<> PayPal and/or with a Debit or Credit Card (Add 3% to cover PayPal & credit card fees):
https://www.paypal.me/GTDadventures
  
<> Venmo (@GTDADVENTURES) (Add 3% to cover Venmo fees): 
https://venmo.com/u/GTDADVENTURES
  
<> Send checks (made out to "GTD") to our mailing address:
GTD / PO Box 7523 / Seminole, FL 33775
 
<> Bring cash payments with you to the event.



- TRIP SUMMARY -
Get ready for a BIOLUMIN-EXCELLENT adventure with GTD!
 
 
GLOW BIOLUMINESCENT PADDLING TOUR
 
GLOW is what we call our paddleboarding and kayaking tour through the bioluminescent waters of Safety Harbor. This trip is open to the public and it usually fills up fast. GLOW is one of the newest GTD trips added to our adventure line-up! Join us to experience paddling through one of God’s most amazing phenomenon - bioluminescent plankton! That’s right, just a few months out of the year we are able to experience this phenomenon where the water literally lights up like a glowstick while you’re paddling through it. Every movement in the water activates the bioluminescent plankton so you might see dolphins and fish that look like underwater comets. Bring your swimsuit because you might want to play in the glowing water - that is if you’re brave enough (or crazy enough) to jump into the water at night.
 
GLOW is usually scheduled around the the new moon (or "no" moon) phase of the calendar or during "Dark Sky" nights (when the moon rise occurs after our tour hours). This means minimal moonlight and extra darkness during your tour which helps you to see the bioluminescence better. Bioluminescent plankton is a naturally occurring event and is usually best seen in the months of May thru October when the water is warm enough. Since areas of the harbor are more warm than other areas in the bay, this is a perfect spot to witness this event.
  
Bioluminescent plankton are a living organism and there’s always a chance they may not appear on this evening, but we will still have a great time regardless. We are an all-weather ministry so there is also the possibility that it may rain, but we plan on getting wet anyway. Lightning would be one of the only reasons we would postpone, shorten, or cancel this trip.
 
The tour will be a total of around 3-4 miles, depending on where the bioluminescence is best.
We will have plenty of hard shell paddleboards & tandem kayaks available.



- EVENT DETAILS -
The Specifics
 


 EVENT: 
  • GLOW Bioluminescent Paddling Tour
 DATE: 
  • Aug 31, 2024 (Sat night)
 COST: 
  (See "What Is Included" and "What Is NOT Included" below)  
  • REG = $45/person
  • "SALEabration" PRICE: FREE!!
  • MINISTRY PARTNER'S RECEIVE A DISCOUNT.... FREE!!
  • REFUNDS: If we have to cancel this event due to severe storms (or for any reason) or you are not satisfied in any way with this event we are happy to issue you a full refund. ...But, we believe you're going to have a great time!
  • PAYMENTS (& WAIVERS): Since we are meeting at a city park sometimes city officials don't like financial transactions to be openly conducted on park property. This is our 2nd summer using this park for a group event so please be discrete with payments & waivers while we continue to get familiar with this new location.
  • PAYMENT OPTIONS:
    • GTD events can be paid for with Cash, Checks, Debit / Credit Cards, Venmo, & PayPal.
    • PayPal and/or with a Debit or Credit Card (Add 3% to cover PayPal & credit card fees): https://www.paypal.me/GTDadventures
    • Venmo (@GTDADVENTURES) (Add 3% to cover Venmo fees): https://venmo.com/u/GTDADVENTURES
    • Send checks (made out to "GTD") to our mailing address: GTD / PO Box 7523 / Seminole, FL 33775
    • Bring cash payments with you to the event.
 GTD GIVES YOU MORE FOR LESS! ...ALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR TOUR: 
  • Premium Snacks
  • Hydration (Bottled Waters &/or Gatorade)
  • Glow Sticks
  • Water Blasters
  • Navigational Lights
  • Optional Swimming in the Bioluminescent Waters
  • Optional Hydro Scooter Self Guided Ride in the Bioluminescent Waters
  • Optional Snorkeling in the Bioluminescent Waters
  • More
Say Hello To My Little Friend! GTD's Underwater Hydro Scooter
(ride at 2 mph thru the bioluminescent waters)

Snorkeling Gear

Water Blasters

Glow Sticks


     TO REGISTER (2 STEP PROCESS): 
    • STEP 1: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER!! [CLICK HERE TO REGISTER]
    • STEP 2: PAY FOR THE EVENT. Select one of our payment options above to lock in your spot.
     START TIME IN PARKING LOT: 
    • 7:00pm (This is the official starting time)
      • COME EARLY: The official event begins at 7pm, but GTD will be arriving around 5:45pm to prepare for our adventure. Feel free to arrive early and practice on the paddleboards or prep the kayak... or to help us prep for the event if you would like.
      • EAT B4 ARRIVAL: Make sure you eat dinner before you arrive (there are some great restaurants in Safety Harbor if you want to make it a full night out). GTD will be supplying a variety of  quality snacks, bottled waters, a jug full of cold water, & a jug of cold Gatorade. We also encourage you to bring your own water bottle(s) and favorite snack(s) if you have certain dietary restrictions.
     ENDING TIME IN PARKING LOT: 
    • 11:00pm (This is the official ending time)
      • WANT TO HELP?: We love help! We understand if you need to leave when this event ends, but if you would like to stay for a few extra minutes to help us sort and load the gear we always appreciate an extra hand =)
     LOCATION, MAP, & GPS COORDINATES: 
      MIN. PEOPLE:  
    • 2 participants
      MAX. PEOPLE:  
    • 30 participants
      AGE RANGE:  
    • All ages (15 & under must be accompanied by an adult)
      • Paddleboarders must be 12 or older and weigh no more than 230 lbs
      IMPORTANT NOTES:  
    • PICK A KAYAK OR PADDLEBOARD: During your registration you will need to pick your paddling vessel, either a tandem kayak (YAK) or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). We can't accommodate last minute changes so consider your choice carefully.
    • Individual participants will use a paddleboard or be the 2nd paddler in a tandem kayak
    • For kayaks, the most experienced paddler should sit in the rear seat in order to steer the vessel
    • Your group size can not exceed 6 people
    • NO-SEE-UMS, DUSK, & LOW TIDE: Sometimes our launch time is during low tide at dusk which makes the launch area a little more muddy and buggie. The no-see-ums will be out so bring bug spray and/or long sleeves, etc. Usually we don't experience any bugs once we are offshore and out on the water, but be prepared just in case.
    • SHORT DISTANCE & PLAY TIME: Our total amount of paddling out-and-back will be about 3-4 miles round-trip. We will be looking for concentrated pockets ("hot pockets") of bioluminescent waters. Turbulence in the water (such as paddling) causes the "glowing" bioluminescent reaction. We will spend about 60-90 minutes playing around in the "hot pockets".
      CANCEL DATE:  
      (If the minimum amount of people do not register for this event by the date listed below then this 
        event will be rescheduled or cancelled.)  
    • No Cancel Date!
      TRANSPORTATION:  
    • Transportation is not supplied by GTD
      MEETING LOCATION, RESTROOMS & PARKING:  
    • We will be meeting at Cooper's Bayou Park
      • CARPOOL: There are about 20 parking spaces at Cooper's Bayou Park so carpooling is recommended.
      • NO RESTROOMS: There are no restrooms available at Cooper's Bayou Park so make sure you "go" before you arrive. There is a 24 hour 7-Eleven 1 mile away & late night Taco Bell 1.5 miles away - both on Gulf to Bay Blvd. There is a Walgreens, Publix, & 24 hr Exxon 1.5 miles away on McMullen Booth Rd & 10th Street.
      • MAP: This is a hybrid layout taken from of a Google street map of our meeting location and morphing into a satellite image of our paddling destination. This map also has areas highlighted in case you need to find a nearby restroom or need to get some food & drinks.
    • LOOK FOR OUR WHITE TRUCKS (we may or may not have a trailer)

      AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):  
    • Meet at our "Meeting Location"
    • Welcome & Introductions
    • Collect Waivers
    • Snacks & Drinks
    • Distribute SUP’s/YAK's & Gear
    • Paddling Instructions
    • Group Picture & Group Prayer
    • Put-In / Start Paddling
    • Water Blaster Wars / Play in the Glowing Water
    • Devotional (On The Water)
    • Return to YAK/SUP Launch
    • More Snacks & Drinks
    • Load Kayaks, SUP’s, & Gear
    • Goodbyes
    • Depart
        HYDRATION and SNACKS:  
      • GTD will be supplying a variety of  quality snacks, bottled waters, a jug full of cold water, & a jug of cold Gatorade. We also encourage you to bring your own water bottle(s) and favorite snack(s) if you have certain dietary restrictions.
          WHAT IS INCLUDED:  
        • Full time guides, event planning, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, paddles, PFD's, all gear, snacks & drinks, Christ-centered devotional, free downloadable event pictures, a God-awesome lifelong memory!
          WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:  
        • Transportation, snacks related to special dietary needs, dry containers, water bottles (we will have bottled waters, but not heavy duty water bottles), items listed on checklist (see below).
            REQUIRED WAIVERS:  
          • GTD Waiver [PRINT or DOWNLOAD ONLY]. If possible, please complete prior to arrival. (Any participant under 18 must also have parent/guardian sign the waiver)
              WEATHER:  
            • BE PREPARED FOR THE WEATHER! Check the weather forecast before arrival and prepare accordingly. Wear appropriate clothing for the forecasted weather.
            • STORMS: Storms typically move through quickly and don't usually prevent us from paddling even if we have to wait 30-60 minutes. Our plan is to show up and wait out any storms if they occur. It may push back our start time, but the darker the better =). 
              EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:  
            • GTD: 727-692-5296 (GTD cell phone - Doug Garner)




            - SUP or YAK -
            Pick Your Paddling Vessel


            2 PADDLEBOARD MODELS
            GTD offers a 2 varieties of recreational level stand-up paddleboards. Both models are hard shell paddleboards.

            Lifetime Horizon Recreational SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard)
            Constructed of: Hardshell UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
            Level: Beginner to Intermediate
            Height: 10 ft
            Width: 34 inches
            Thickness: 6 inches
            Max Weight Capacity: 230 lbs
            Designed For: Maximum Stability
            Quantity: GTD has 13 of these in various colors
            How much does this paddleboard weigh to pick-up & carry? 44 lbs
             
            ------------
             
            Lifetime Freestyle XL Recreational SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard)
            Constructed of: Hardshell UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
            Level: Beginner to Intermediate
            Length: 9 ft 8 inches
            Width: 35.5 inches
            Thickness: 6 inches
            Max Weight Capacity: 200 lbs
            Designed For: Maximum Stability
            Quantity: GTD has 3 of these in various colors
            How much does this paddleboard weigh to pick-up & carry? 40 lbs
             
            ------------
             

            Adjustable SUP Paddle (variety of models & colors)
             
             

            Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
             
             
             
            Ankle Leash (9 ft)


             
             
            TANDEM SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS
            GTD offers heavy-duty 13 ft & 10 ft tandem sit-on-top kayaks made by Perception & Lifetime. These vessels are wide and very stable. Deluxe high-back seats with gel seat pads have been added to many of these vessels.

            Sit-On-Top Tandem Kayaks

            Kayak Paddle

            Kayak PFD

            Deluxe High-Back Seats

            Gel Seat Pads
             


            - CHECKLIST -
            What you should bring


            BE PREPARED TO GET WET: Wear a swimsuit or something lightweight that you don't mind getting wet. Whether it's from rain, accidentally capsizing, getting splashed by others, water running down your kayak paddle, falling off your paddleboard, or electing to go swimming there's a good chance you'll be getting wet on this adventure. You'll also want to keep a dry towel and change of clothes in your car... and a couple of plastic bags (for wet clothes and/or to protect your car seats).

            GENERAL CLOTHING: 
            Bring proper type of activity clothes based on the weather forecast. When possible wear clothing that is lightweight & quick drying.
            [  ]  Modest Swimsuit
            [  ]  Activity Shorts
            [  ]  Activity Shirt
            [  ]  Long sleeve fishing shirt (for bugs)
            [  ]  Footwear (sandals, watershoes, or old tennis shoes... flip flops are not recommended)
            [  ]  Towel
            [  ]  Change of Clothes (optional)

             PERSONAL GEAR: 
            [  ]  2 Water Bottles
            [  ]  2 Plastic Bags (for wet clothes and to protect car seats)
            [  ]  2 Zip-Lock Bags (very handy)
            [  ]  Eyeglasses / Contacts (if applicable)
            [  ]  Any Necessary Meds (if applicable)
            [  ]  GTD WAIVER (Filled out and SIGNED prior to participating if possible!)

             OPTIONAL GEAR: 
            [  ]  Waterproof Camera
            [  ]  Favorite Snacks / Energy Bars
            [  ]  Insect Repellent
            [  ]  Extra Money 
            [  ]  Head Lamp

            **DON'T BRING: Jewelry - or - Valuables**


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