I just completed one of TBSK's required trip leader continued training sessions. As always I learned a lot, sharpened some of my skills, but most of all I had a lot of fun working with other trip leaders. Trip leaders are the backbone of our organization. They our club active with regular kayak trips.  TBSK trip leaders are all volunteers who have completed an initial training program. This program includes training in proper equipment, trip planning, group management, and safety. It also includes on-water training in some basic skills, towing, and rescues. Trip leaders regularly practice and attend ongoing training in an effort to provide a safe and pleasant experience for our club members. All of this training is provided free of charge by our own experienced volunteer staff.

We have a need for more trip leaders. The more TL's we have, the more activities we can promote, with less work for everyone. If you posses confidence in basic kayaking skills, feel you could learn some basic rescue skills, and have a desire to lead fellow members on trips that you enjoy; please consider becoming a trip leader. If interested, please contact myself, John Marek, Training and Safety Coordinator, or Keith Fowler, Trip Leader Coordinator, to get started on a program that you will enjoy.

-- Jim

TBSK May Meeting Speaker - Dave Howard, Florida Master Naturalist

At our May meeting Dave Howard, microbiologist and Florida Master Naturalist, will be speaking to us about his experiences with the three National Wildlife Refuges in the Tampa Bay area, Chassahowitzka Refuge, Passage Key off Anna Maria Island, and Egmont Key. Join us on May 13 at 7 pm at Bill Jackson's.

Dave retired from his kidney and dialysis R&D work in Illinois to work outdoors here in Florida. He holds 13 patents. He is a volunteer with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and on the Board of the Friends of Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges. He teaches kids hands-on, organizes volunteers, and most of all is a prime mover in the maintenance of areas free of development for great diversity of wildlife along our crowded Gulf coast. Beach nesting and migratory birds, sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and fish all rely heavily on these refuges for survival. We have a chance to learn more about this important work.