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Meet new friends groups near Gulfport, MS

Fantasy and Fae Book Club

Gulfport, MS

Fantasy and Fae Book Club
🔸Are you a woman in your late 20s to late 40s? Do you love ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Crescent City, Throne of Glass, and other fun romantasy series? 🔸Did your heart break while reading Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles? Are you drawn to other retellings of Greek mythology? 🔸Do you love all types of fantasy (including subgenres) by the likes of Stephen King, Leigh Bardugo, V.E. Schwab, R.F. Khuang, and many others? 🔸DID YOU EVER FULLY RECOVER FROM READING MANACLED?! 🔸Are you constantly reading fun and exciting books that you feel like you can't share with your friends and family because they don't live in your fantasy world, or you think they won't understand why you're drawn to certain taboo fantasy tales? 🔸Let's be friends and enjoy a book club where we share all of these types of books with each other over wine and dinners and plan events around book releases and reread our favorites just because it's fun. 🔸Because we all want options, the Fantasy & Fae Book Club's name is referencing the entirety of the diverse fantasy genre with an emphasis on the modern romantasy subgenre that we all enjoy (i.e., Fae). I know you all like the High Lords and the Wingleaders. ;) **🔸I want to create a space for women** to be passionate about contemporary fiction and fantasy where we feel comfortable exploring topics and genres that intrigue and excite us — without judgment or expectations. Just to share the joy and escapism of it all. ♥️ ***🔸\*\*\*Please note that our meetings are held quarterly, depending on venue availability and members' schedules. This is because our meetings are themed events that take time to plan and because we want everyone to be able to attend on a regular basis without being overcommitted. Additionally, our home venue is The Parlour on Lorraine in Gulfport, MS. It's a stunning venue and we are grateful to have this space, but it is a paid space. As a result, there is a $20 member fee per meeting attended to help cover our venue expenses. All favors, printouts, gifts, and extras are covered by the host. The $20 member fee is waived for first-time guests. If you love the meeting (and we know you will!) and return to join us again, that's when your member fee will kick in.\*\*\**** Hope to meet you soon! Your host, Kelly
75 members · Public

Surviving Religion: Trauma and Abuse Zoom room 4205488610

Diberville, MS

Surviving Religion: Trauma and Abuse Zoom room 4205488610
Providing a safe space for individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse, struggles, doubts, or conflicts related to their religious beliefs. Members share their stories, offer encouragement, and provide emotional support to one another. The group may discuss topics such as coping strategies, managing relationships with family and friends, finding a sense of community outside of religion, and exploring personal beliefs and values. The goal is to provide mutual understanding, validation, and empowerment for those navigating their journey beyond religion. Support Group Guidelines 1. We will be discussing one topic during each meeting. 2. We will be using a timer to do three minute shares. You can share as many times as you would like. 3. If possible and if there is time I would like to do introductions for new participants. 4. Participants may come and go as needed in order to take care of themselves during the meetings. 5. Please make sure that you take care of yourself during triggers. Have grounding tools or a drink with you at all times. 6. Please remember that anything said during group is the opinion of the speaker and it is not directed at any one participant. 7. Please know that anytime someone will say something that is triggering to your own system. Please use your tools to take care of yourself. 8. Please turn your camera on at least once or twice during the meeting or when you're speaking, if possible. 9. We also do not require anyone to share during the meeting. You can share as much or as little as you would like. Thank you for attending our meeting. We hope you find community within our group. Join zoom group 420 548 8610 Kathi Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Surviving Religion Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4205488610?omn=89732632983 Meeting ID: 420 548 8610 \-\-\- One tap mobile +16465588656,,4205488610# US (New York) +16469313860,,4205488610# US \-\-\- Dial by your location • +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US Meeting ID: 420 548 8610 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kPsp3teYp
29 members · Public

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Support Group Online

Diberville, MS

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Support Group Online
Welcome!!!!! This is a support group. It's open to anyone with dissociative identity disorder. Dissociative Identity Disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. previously called multiple personality disorder, is usually a reaction to trauma as a way to help a person avoid bad memories. Dissociative Identity Disorder Support Group Guidelines 1. Dissociative Identity Disorder Support Group is for any one that has DID or that has a Dissociative Disorder. 2. We will be discussing one topic during each meeting. 3. We will be using a timer to do three minute shares. You can share as many times as you would like. 4. If possible and if there is time I would like to do introductions for new participants. 5. Participants may come and go as needed in order to take care of themselves during the meetings. 6. Please make sure that you take care of yourself during triggers. Have grounding tools or a drink with you at all times. 7. Please remember that anything said during group is the opinion of the speaker and it is not directed at any one participant. 8. Please know that anytime someone will say something that is triggering to your own system. Please use your tools to take care of yourself. 9. There is a surviving religion group available on the first Sunday of each month at 6 PM central so please do not speak about religion or politics within this group. 10. Please turn your camera on at least once or twice during the meeting or when you're speaking, if possible. 11. We also do not require anyone to share during the meeting. You can share as much or as little as you would like. Thank you for attending our meeting. We hope you find community within our group. 12. We do not share intimate details of our trauma 13. Please do not give advice, speak from the I perspective 14. Thank you for attending our meeting. We hope you find community within our group. Kathi Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Wednesdays DID CHAT Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4205488610?omn=81990676061 Meeting ID: 420 548 8610 \-\-\- One tap mobile +16465588656,,4205488610# US (New York) +16469313860,,4205488610# US \-\-\- Dial by your location • +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US Meeting ID: 420 548 8610 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kPsp3teYp
230 members · Public

Mississippi Gulf Coast Spiritual Experiences

Gulfport, MS

Mississippi Gulf Coast Spiritual Experiences
Whether you sing along with it or just listen, HU can elevate your consciousness instantly. Anyone can sing HU regardless of age, background, or religion. Are you a spiritual adventurer? New to Eckankar? Be our guest with complimentary registration. *Register today at* **[ECKseminars.org](https://www.eckankar.org/engage/eck-soul-adventure-seminars/)*[.](https://www.eckankar.org/engage/eck-soul-adventure-seminars/)*** Meet with people of all different backgrounds who share a passion for spirituality—who seek to have actual spiritual experiences, such as lucid or significant dreams, out-of-body travel, past-life recall, and encounters with spiritual guides—and to grow from these experiences to bring more meaning, purpose and joy to daily life. Have you had a vivid dream that helped you understand a difficult problem? Have you had a dream with a loved one who has passed away and wondered if that was real? Have you had an out-of-body experience or experience with light or sound? Come share your spiritual experiences—or your desire to have them—in an open, friendly setting where no one is pushing their beliefs on anyone else. We'll discuss what these experiences mean to us and share techniques we use to explore our inner worlds. Join us to connect with other like-hearted Souls and learn new techniques for expanding your spiritual horizons. We offer informal spiritual discussions, gathering to sing HU, workshops and other events that will help you to find community and enhance your spiritual side. Our goals are to help our members gain validation for their spiritual experiences, attain a deeper understanding of these experiences, and find new and advanced ways of exploring their inner worlds. Our topics have included: * \- Meditation and Contemplation\, * \- Astral Projection and Soul Travel\, * \- Finding Your Purpose\, * \- Letting Go of Fears\, * \- Creating Your Reality with the Spiritual Laws of Life\, * \- Accessing Your Own Inner Wisdom\, * \- Spiritual Growth and Transformation\, * \- Angels\, Masters\, and Inner Guides\, * \- How Past Lives Affect Us Today\, * \- Spiritual Wisdom on Relationships\, * \- Beyond the Law of Attraction\, and many more, depending on the interests of the group. There is no cost for coming to and participating in our group meetups-just come and enjoy! FREE - Spiritual Experiences Guidebook ([http://www.spiritualexperience.org/](http://www.spiritualexperience.org/)) Learn more about HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Visit: [www.hearHU.org](http://www.hearhu.org/) ([http://www.eckankar.org/hu.html](http://www.eckankar.org/hu.html)) Sponsored by members of Eckankar as a community service. Eckankar is an ancient spiritual teaching that helps people to make spiritual experiences an everyday reality in their life. Learn more about the Path of ECK by viewing a short video: " [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY8gO-n0Bwg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY8gO-n0Bwg) " To view or get a free subscription to the ECK Soul Adventure eMagazine now, go to [https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine/](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine/) To learn more about Eckankar, go to[ www.eckankar.org](http://www.eckankar.org/) **ECKANKAR Official Blog** [https://eckankarblog.org/author/eckankar/](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY8gO-n0Bwg)
510 members · Public

Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse Support Group

Biloxi, MS

Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse Support Group
This group is for anyone who has gone through any sort of sexual trauma. Whether as an adult or as a child who is looking for support in your journey to healing and recovery. To form a community where survivors have a safe place to share with others the struggles and challenges that have stemmed from their abuse and share ideas and experiences that have helped in each persons personal journey of recovery. Creating awareness & stopping the shame around the abuse. Join us to share and get support. Let's heal together. Support Group Guidelines 1. We will be discussing one topic during each meeting. 2. We will be using a timer to do three minute shares. You can share as many times as you would like. 3. If possible and if there is time I would like to do introductions for new participants. 4. Participants may come and go as needed in order to take care of themselves during the meetings. 5. Please make sure that you take care of yourself during triggers. Have grounding tools or a drink with you at all times. 6. Please remember that anything said during group is the opinion of the speaker and it is not directed at any one participant. 7. Please do not give advice. Speak from the I perspective. 8. Please know that anytime someone will say something that is triggering to your own system. Please use your tools to take care of yourself. 9. Please do not share intimate details of the trauma 10. There is a surviving religion group available on the first Sunday of each month at 6 PM central so please do not speak about religion or politics within this group. 11. Please turn your camera on at least once or twice during the meeting or when you're speaking, if possible. 12. Thank you for attending our meeting. We hope you find community within our group. Join us on zoom! Kathi Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Breaking Free Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4205488610 Meeting ID: 420 548 8610 \-\-\- One tap mobile +16465588656,,4205488610# US (New York) +16469313860,,4205488610# US \-\-\- Dial by your location • +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US Meeting ID: 420 548 8610 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kPsp3teYp
118 members · Public

Gulf Coast Faery / Fantasy Cosplay Meetup Group

Biloxi, MS

Gulf Coast Faery / Fantasy Cosplay Meetup Group
Welcome faery and fantasy costume lovers! Meet up and mingle with local MS Gulf Coast enthusiasts to talk about what new dream garb you are planning. We will inspire each other over good food and drink! We might have some craft nights to work on accessories or parts of our costumes. Get help with your costume if you need ideas. Feel free to post a casual gathering at a local restaurant or coffee shop. We have not had enough participation to continue the monthly meetups but I will continue to post special events. Here are the upcoming planned Faery Ball events. * **9/28/2024 5th Annual Faery Court Ball: Court of the Djinn.** [https://faery-ball.com](https://faery-ball.com/experience?fbclid=IwAR0VFD1PHm6KQw_0Q3Wv-mj9nMrGhJXxjK-Rzm8apdHQvVCJeKqtIioJ29Q) Exhausted by Adulting? Escape from the mundane to our fantasy ball. Recharge by immersing into the Magic of Costume. Fundraiser for local non-profits. Adults 18+ (PG13). Costume or Formal Attire required. Voted 2024 & 2023 Silver Best Annual Event / Festival of Coastal Mississippi. VIP Ticket sales end 9/12/2024. * **8/24-25/2024 Fall Formals Costumes & Holiday Treasures Market in D'Iberville** Shop the ultimate Pop-Up, eco-friendly, party / dress-up / costume source on the MS Gulf Coast! New, Pre-loved, Vintage, Custom items. Be uniquely you and ready for your next event! Amazing deals on formals, costumes & holiday treasures. [https://www.faery-ball.com/treasures-market ](https://www.faery-ball.com/treasures-market) * **8/23/24 Learn to UpCycle a Costume or Formal Class with a Personal Stylist** Calling all fabulous fashionistas and creative spirits! Have you wanted to create a costume or formal but you didn't know how or where to start? Join us for a one-of-a-kind hands-on upcycling workshop with guidance from a personal stylist. Journey into the realms of upcycling, slow fashion, & the art of creating costumes that'll render everyone breathless. Sewing and no-sew tips. [Click for tickets](https://www.faery-ball.com/event-details/learn-to-upcycle-a-costume-or-formal-class-with-a-personal-stylist) * **8/23/24 VIP Pre-sale benefits Diamondhead School of Fine Arts** 7:30 pm – 9 pm**.** Shopping tickets drop on August 9 at 8 am. VIP early access to shop the Fall Formals Costumes & Holiday Treasures Sale before it opens to the public. $10 VIP ticket proceeds benefit the Diamondhead School of Fine Arts. Shop the ultimate Pop-Up, eco-friendly, party / dress-up / costume source on the MS Gulf Coast before it opens to the public! New, Pre-loved, Vintage, Custom items. [Get your VIP Pass.](https://www.faery-ball.com/event-details/vip-pre-sale-fall-treasures-market) * Save the Date: Spring Mardi Gras / Prom Formals Costumes & Holiday Treasures Market January 18-19, 2025. * Be sure to follow our social pages for updates. Don't miss out. Sign up for email Faery Court Herald https://faery-ball.com/ Text FAERYBALL to 888-553-0461 for SMS text updates.
103 members · Public

RfR - Biloxi, MS (Need local host)

Biloxi, MS

RfR - Biloxi, MS (Need local host)
NOTE: *This local group is currently inactive, but don't despair! We are searching for a local host. You are welcome at any of the meetings listed. All the events listed here are active RfR virtual events (identified as "Network event") or are meetings cross-posted from other local groups.* *We strive to serve as many areas as possible, but we do not have enough volunteers to handle them all. If you are interested in helping to host a meeting in your area, feel free to post a comment here in Meetup, or go to [recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer](http://recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer) to apply.* **What Recovering from Religion is about:** Doubt your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and we are here to help. Learning how to live after questions, doubts, and changing beliefs is a journey. We at Recovering from Religion are intimately familiar with this path and are here to help you to cross that bridge. Our passion is connecting others with support, resources, community, and most of all, hope. The primary focus of a Recovering From Religion support group is to provide ongoing and personal support to individuals as they let go of their religious beliefs. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual’s life. As such the support meetings are safe and anonymous places to express these doubts, fears and experiences without biased feedback or proselytizing. We are here to help each other through this journey. If you find you need to talk with someone before the meeting date, RfR has a hotline and online chat for that express purpose. Call (844) 368-2848 to speak with someone. Go to [www.recoveringfromreligion.org](http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org) to chat online. If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at [www.seculartherapy.org](https://www.seculartherapy.org).
131 members · Public

CEO (Coastal Entrepreneurs Organization)

Biloxi, MS

CEO (Coastal Entrepreneurs Organization)

The CEO mission is to create an environment for entrepreneurs of all levels to connect with fellow business owners, discuss common ground, learn concepts and strategies vital to business ownership. When possible, we try to meet weekly to swap business cards, build relationships, discuss mutual associations, and learn financial and tax strategies which are vital to the success of our businesses. Big business, small business, or simply searching for a new business opportunity; our goal is to provide you TEAM support and resources necessary to help you create and take your business to the next level.

As Entrepreneurs, the daily struggles and isolation we often face as business owners seems daunting. As such, the road less traveled that we have chosen truly sets us apart from the typical W-2 employee. The purpose of CEO is to provide the support and assurance in knowing that we are all in business for ourselves, but not by ourselves. It only takes a one chance meeting with the right person to change the direction of our lives forever.

YouTube tutorials, message boards, self-help books, online courses…There are lots of ways to get information on your own. But nothing compares to the knowledge and experiences you get face-to-face. Together, we’ll share expertise, provide motivation & hold each other accountable to personal & professional goals.

We invite you to join CEO and enjoy the benefits of locking arms with like-minded individuals…Together Everyone Achieves More!

Our Motto: The more you Net-WORK, the more you grow Net-WORTH!

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487 members · Public

BetterInvesting LA/MS — Stock Education and Investment Clubs

Gulfport, MS

BetterInvesting LA/MS — Stock Education and Investment Clubs
**Unlock the Secrets of Successful Stock Investing with the Stock Selection Guide** Are you interested in learning the fundamentals of thousands of stocks, including giants like Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla? The **Stock Selection Guide** is your ultimate **online tool** to determine if a stock is selling at a reasonable price so you can make informed investment decisions. Watch our quick [three-minute video](https://youtu.be/-_aT34Ou-AU?si=QvLsKkpb-00dRWJk) or [read this article](https://www.betterinvesting.org/find-great-stocks/online-tools) to learn more about the Stock Selection Guide. **More About The LA/MS Chapter** **Join the BetterInvesting® LA/MS (Louisiana/Mississippi) Meetup Group & Learn About Stock Market Investing** The BetterInvesting LA/MS Meetup Group offers education on stock market investing using **online tools** for fundamental analysis. Our volunteer-based group covers Louisiana and most of Mississippi and is dedicated to helping you become a successful investor. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit, investment education organization serving Louisiana and most of Mississippi with over 450 members and 42 investment clubs in our area. As a BetterInvesting Chapter we are here to help empower you to become a successful, long-term investor through the use of BetterInvesting’s time-tested investing principles, methods, and tools. **RSVP Yes!** * **Comprehensive Education**: Attend online and in-person classes, workshops, and special events on topics ranging from investment basics to club accounting. Our education programs are available to the public at no or low cost. * **Investment Clubs**: Learn from local investment clubs. These clubs serve as models for how investment clubs should operate. * **Annual Events**: Join us for a full day of investing education held annually. We welcome investors of all levels to learn and grow with us. * **Expert Guidance**: Benefit from the experience and knowledge of our volunteers, who provide education on stocks and mutual funds. * **Community Support**: Engage with a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about investing. * **Trusted Resources**: Access a wealth of free articles and resources on our [BetterInvesting website](https://www.betterinvesting.org). Investing workshops and seminars are scheduled throughout the year and at various locations within the chapter’s area. These are listed in the Local Events section of this website. We want to help you make sound investment decisions. **Join Our Exciting Events on Meetup!** Our events offered on Meetup are open to the public, providing you with valuable insights and education on stock investing. These sessions are hosted by our dedicated volunteers, who are proud members of the BetterInvesting LA/MS Chapter. **Why Become a Member?** * **Exclusive Access**: Membership is on a yearly basis, granting you full access to our powerful **online tools** and a wealth of other resources. * **Community Engagement**: By joining BetterInvesting, you become part of a vibrant community dedicated to investment education and success. * **Investment Clubs**: Have the opportunity to join or start an investment club within our chapter, learning from and collaborating with like-minded investors. **Join us in Building Your Financial Future** Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, BetterInvesting LA/MS Chapter welcomes you to a community driven by a passion for financial success. Let's explore the world of investing together and pave the way to a brighter financial future! Directors are available to make club visits, answer questions, help with new club start-ups or club accounting questions, to conduct investment education classes at your club or help you establish your own educational program. We can bring classes to your club and forums to your area. Consider joining BetterInvesting today to fully benefit from the LA/MS Chapter's offerings and elevate your investment journey. For more information, visit [betterinvesting.org](https://www.betterinvesting.org) and learn about the local offerings available to you at [https://www.betterinvesting.org/chapters/lams](https://www.betterinvesting.org/chapters/lams). **About BetterInvesting** BetterInvesting is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals to become successful long-term investors. We offer education, resources, and **online tools** to make informed decisions about stocks. *BetterInvesting® is a registered trademark and also owns the following trademarks and registered trademarks: Better Investing®, NAIC®, National Association of Investors Corporation®, and National Association of Investors™.*
16 members · Public

Mississippi Sea Kayak and Kayaking Group

Ocean Springs, MS

Mississippi Sea Kayak and Kayaking Group
**Calling all paddlers** of sea kayaks, recreation kayaks, sit-on-tops (SOTs), fishing kayaks, and racers!   (Canoeists/paddle-boarders too.)     Our mission is to form a community of people who ***enjoy paddling safely*** , *meeting other kayakers*, and *discovering new places* to paddle in the South Mississippi area. There are **many waterways to explore along the Gulf Coast** of Mississippi, and for **hearty adventurers** even the barrier islands for those who complete specialized sea kayak training and develop rescue skills.    Plus, we are 4 hours or less drive to outstanding paddling and **kayak surfing** in  Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. It is **FREE to join** our paddling group.  You will get emails and email updates on kayak trips we plan.  Some paddling things you can choose to do: • **Group paddles**.   An event organizer coordinates each group paddle.  Meet up paddles may be conducted at various levels of required paddling skill necessary to safely enjoy the event.    ***Each paddler is responsible for his/her own safety*.**  *These are not guided paddles - the event organizer is not a paddling guide, merely a paddling enthusiast just as each of us !!*   The paddle trips may range from easy to very challenging (and only for trained & experienced paddlers).    Almost all kayak trips sound interesting for one reason or another regardless of the difficulty, however *if you do not have the skill, paddling experience, and/or equipment required for a particular paddle, the event organizer may ask you to sit out that specific scheduled paddle.*  Please be understanding and recognize the event organizer is doing this for your safety and the safety of the group based on their personal experience. > • **Safe paddling!**    This covers many areas of concern, some we cannot control, however the two most important items we can control are: 1) **wear a properly fitting life jacket (PFD)** that is buckled/zipped up at all times when on the water in your kayak, and 2) **abstain from alcohol and/or drugs** before and while paddling on kayak trips.  Another lesson learned about safe paddling is to **never wear cotton clothing** when paddling - when it gets wet,  it stays wet and promotes the onset of hypothermia even in our disgustingly HOT summers. > > • **Paddling friends.**  Kayaking is a team sport.  It is much safer to paddle with others rather than paddling solo. > > • **Kayak skill development.**  A few meetup members are **certified instructors** who **offer** American Canoe Association (ACA) sanctioned **kayaking lessons** which are ideal for our coastal area.  Learning to paddle efficiently and being introduced to and/or practicing with kayaking safety equipment will give you the **confidence to paddle more** and in more challenging conditions.  Completing some classes followed by additional individual practice should make you a safer paddler.  NOTE:  Instructors usually charge a fee for these highly recommended ACA classes.     > ***NOTE as of 7/12/2020:  Lessons are still on hold*** *for this season due to Covid-19/Chinese virus/Wuhan flu or whatever you prefer to call it.   Lessons will be scheduled again at the earliest opportunity it is deemed safe to conduct instruction which includes close personal contact during assisted rescues.* > > **• Paddling advocacy**.  Though we have no political agenda, many of us enjoy nature and would like to see wild areas remain friendly for people to enjoy the outdoors and viewing wildlife.  Sometimes we choose individually to make our voices heard. > There is also no obligation to be a part of our paddling community.  We ask that you simply have a **love for the outdoors** and a desire for ***safe paddling*** adventure. > > As our group grows we hope to create group discounts at other events, races, kayak instruction, and with local outfitters. *Basic paddling safety:   1) **wear a properly fitting PFD** when on the water, and  2) **no alcohol** prior to or **while paddling a kayak**.  Save any alcohol for a post-paddling celebration on land!*
746 members · Public