What you need to know about Eco-Tours

Lake Griffin State Park provides

• Kayak or canoe
  
• Paddle
  
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Whistle (required by Coast Guard)
• Florida certified paddle guides

Customer Requirements

• If you bring your own kayak, it must be longer than 11 feet. Also, bring your PFD, paddle and whistle.
  
• There can only be one person in a single kayak, 2 persons in a tandem kayak, and 2 adults with 1 or 2 children in a canoe.
  
• Customers need to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the time of the tour.
  
• Tours will be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in duration.
  
• Customer reservations must be made no later than 12 noon of the day prior to the scheduled tour.
  

Customers MUST

• Sign park liability waiver; as well as indicate approval of the release of potential public photo shoot (see column on right).
  
• Be 18 years old or older.  Children must be at least 6 years old and have the consent and on-the-water presence of a parent or guardian who is 18 years old or older. Children   6-10 years old are to be in a canoe or tandem kayak with a parent or guardian.  Children 10 years or older may paddle in a single kayak.
• Possess basic paddling skills, meaning the ability to paddle in a straight line, make turns and stop their boats.
  
• Be physically and medically capable of entering and exiting their kayaks without assistance and be able to sit in their boats for the duration of the tour.
  
• Be less than 275 pounds, which is the weight limit of our kayaks.
• Accept the presence of area wildlife, including alligators.
  
• Be willing and able to assist the guides in the unloading, setup and storage of boats and equipment.
  
• Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Be prepared to get your feet and lower legs wet getting into and out of the kayak. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear such as water shoes, as well as quick-dry clothing. 
  
• Follow instructions given by guides.
  
• Correctly wear the park-provided Personal Flotation Device (PFD), or their own PFD. It must be snug but not tight, and completely fastened at all times. Waistband type-PFDs are not allowed.
  

Suggested items to bring are

• Sunglasses
• Sun protection
• Bug repellant
• Water bottle
• A waterproof pouch for keys, phone, camera, and ID.

Participant Release of Liability

This is a copy of what you will need to accept when you register for the tour




• ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• The ability to enter and exit the vessel independently or with the assistance of a companion.
• The ability to remain seated and balanced using adaptive support if necessary.
• At lease one person in the vessel must have the ability to move it through the water in a stable, controlled manner and return it back to the launching area.

• In consideration of being allowed to participate in The Friends of Lake Griffin State Park’s (CSO) paddle tour I acknowledge, understand and agree that:

• 1)    The risk of injury from any activity involved in this program is minor, however the potential of serious injury or death does exist.
• 2)    I knowingly and freely assume all such risks regardless of if they arise from a natural event or from any person or equipment. 
• 3)    I agree to comply with the stated terms and conditions for participation as outlined to me during the safety briefing. If, however, I observe any unusual or significant hazard during my participation I will bring that hazard to the attention of the tour guides. 
• 4)    I hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless the state and any agent, employee or volunteer of the state with respect to any and all injury, disability, death or loss to person or property during my participation. 

Photo Release

We may occasionally take pictures during our tours and these photos may be posted to the state’s official social media page or The Friends of Lake Griffin State Park’s social media page. They may also be used in print capacity. If you do not consent to having your photo taken and used in this manner, please let one of your guides know. Your failure to do so will be taken as consent to have your photograph taken. Please note, this also applies to any minor children under your guardianship during the tour.

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