This is an invitation to all potential newlyweds: Get Married while Kayaking at Wabasso Beach ( ,and maybe with a few dolphins as witnesses).
This event is FREE to all parties. We will have an ordained Minister and a Florida Notary on hand for those wishing to Take the Plunge and formalize their love. All marriage services are FREE for the betrothed as well. However, in order to be legal in any Church or venue by any officiant, Florida Law requires that each happy couple secure a Florida State Marriage License from the County Court House in advance of the Ceremony. The State will require a fee for that. This License is then notarized and submitted to the State for Certification upon conclusion of the nuptials.
There is no limit to the number of attendees. Non-wedding particpants are welcome too, BUT - IF YOU NEED A KAYAK & EQUIPMENT, CALL ME TO SAVE YOUR SPOT cel: 215-896-8902 ...Prioritization will be given to individuals within the Wedding Party/s.
We have a number of boats, but there's no telling how many people will want one... There is no charge. This isn't a business. We're all volunteers... No one makes money on this. We have fun, make friends, and sometimes marry them. However, please remember...Friends don't sue each other. :) That being said, we do encourage donations to help support our efforts. We support a 501(c)3 charity that feeds people and provides basic essentials for life...so you may receive a tax deduction if you wish to donate.., Regardless, it's your choice. (ENTONCES.ORG - check out the site if your interested about who we help.)
When you arrive, leave your vehicle in a designated parking spot close to the location GPS “Pindrop” we have designated.
Parking is at your own risk, but if you follow reasonable precautions and don’t leave any gold or jewelry on your seat, your car will likely be there upon your return. The other cars in the lot will all be there for the same reason as you ,and some may leave their trailers or boats behind as well.
We’ll all gather at the shore and go through a brief orientation on what’s in each boat and on “how to paddle”. The boats are all easy to sit in, and one of our volunteers will make sure that you are snuggled safely in your seat before pushing you out on the water. We’ll let you glide a little and get the hang of things in the shallow water while the rest of the group assembles.
Once we are all gathered on the water, one of our volunteers will lead the way while another follows in the rear. That’s it. You should plan to be on the water for about two hours. All are welcome to participate, but we only have a limited number of boats. Please let us know when you sign up if you need one.
We’ll launch from the beach on the South West side of 510. There is a grassy area past the circular turnaround where we will set up with refreshments and festivities. Nuptials may be conducted on land or in on the water as the lovebirds request. There is a cement wall for spectators to sit above the water and watch as well.
Upon launch, we'll circle under the 510 roadway, where we’ll spend about an hour in the area to the North East side of the bridge. We’ll have a good chance of seeing dolphins and manatees there. The dolphins tend to push fish…so look for the fish jumping and the birds following above.
We’ll circle back under and through the shade of the bridge pylons and return to the area of our departure beach. Anyone needing restrooms can stop for a quick break at this point. After that, we’ll head across the open water on the South side of the bridge and explore the waterways under the shade of the mangrove trees.
We’ll spend about an hour exploring the mangroves and then return to our launch site and parking area.
WHAT TO BRING:
• For those wishing to be married - A Marriage License from the County Clerk. You will need to petition this at least 3 days in advance of the Ceremony.
• A clean towel. Not necessary, but helpful.
• Water shoes. It’s simple enough not to get your feet wet, but it sure makes it easier when you don’t care if you do.
• Sunscreen, bug spray. We’ll have some, but more is always better. We don’t really go where there are mosquitoes, but the sun is apt to shine everywhere in Florida.
• Watertight bag for your phone. Note: Each of our boats have a luggage area with netting (you can tie a T-Shirt or small item) and a center console compartment (like an armrest in a car). Your boat console will already include a few snacks, and a pair of binoculars for you to use while admiring the wildlife…There’s not much room left. A Ziplock sandwich bag will work for essentials.
• Hat, Sunglasses.
• We'll have drinks and alternative consumables. If you want…
We encourage everyone to join. If you have your own boat even better! We love experienced and novice alike, but if you can’t swim, you’ll need to wear a life jacket or stay on shore.
We'll lend you a boat...BUT please remember...Nothing is safe... Here are some smart things we thought about.
• Each boat is manufactured by Pelican Marine according to US Coast Guard approved standards and fitted for our intended use.• These boats are customized “anglers” with a hard shell, designed for prolonged stationary fishing. This means that they provide increased stability and will not flood if capsized. Scupper holes will drain any accumulated water. Plugs are not necessary but are available at launch.• A common misconception regarding “kayaks” is that a person is “strapped-in” to a kayak and that the boat will trap the occupant inside if capsized. This is FALSE. You will sit on top of our kayaks. There is no way for you to be “strapped in” or to be trapped. If your boat tips over, you will fall in the water and most likely just stand up a little embarrassed. The boat will not sink.
• Maximum weight capacity of each boat is 275 lbs. The boat won't sink, but paddles better above the water. • Each boat includes 1 US Coast Guard Certified Type II Life Jacket (bright orange Gilligan’s Island type) along with an emergency whistle. Additional life vests (for fit, style, and comfort) are also available at launch. • Note: In the majority of places we go, the water is no more than 4ft in depth. HOWEVER, we still need to know if you can or can’t swim. If you can’t swim, you will need to wear the life jacket, or you we won’t let you come. • Each boat is equipped with an individual GPS locater. You won’t be out of sight, and you likely won’t need it, but if some natural disaster does spring up, we’ll find you. • Each boat is equipped with one (1) Abahub 90.5” Kayak Paddle with aluminum alloy shaft, Paddle Leash, and soft Yak Paddle Grips. Shorter size paddles are available. All paddles float.
• All boats contain bow and stern couplings with an on-board tow line if an occasion arises where you need a bit of a pull or even a full-on tow. • Running lights are provided during night-time moonlight excursions. • Lead and Rear boats contain simple First Aid trauma kits for cuts and scrapes. • Our Host and many of our volunteers have over 50 years of boating experience along with certification from Florida’s Safe Boating Program.
We look forward to meeting you there!
