What you need to know about Eco-Tours

Lake Griffin State Park provides

• Sit on top kayak
  
• Paddle
  
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Whistle (required by Coast Guard)
• Florida State Parks certified paddle tour guides

Customer Requirements

• Our kayaks support a weight of 230 pounds. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, please do not register for our tour. You will not be safe, and you may endanger others. 
• If you bring your own kayak, it must be longer than 11 feet. Also, bring your own PFD, paddle and whistle.
  
• There can only be one person in a single kayak.
  
• Pets are not allowed on our kayak tours, including service animals. Our  kayaks are small and do not have room for an animal to ride safely. A commercial pontoon tour is available for those with service animals.
• 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.

Each customer 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, OR must be at least 13 and have the consent and on-the-water presence of a parent or guardian who is 18 years old or older. 
• Be physically and medically able to paddle a stable, sit-on- top kayak without assistance. 
• 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 our sit on top kayak with only minimal assistance and be able to sit in the kayak for the duration of the tour.
• 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 walk in water up to mid-calf as you get into and out of the kayak. 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 inflatable 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

• Your guide will have a copy of the following liability wavier

   which you will sign at the park before your tour.

  
  

• The Friends of Lake Griffin State Park participant release of liability.

  Please read before going to the park.

  ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  Ø The ability to enter and exit the vessel independently or with the assistance of a companion.

  Ø The ability to remain seated and balanced for the duration of the tour.

  Ø The ability to move the kayak through the water in a stable, controlled manner and return it back to the launching area, following minimal instruction.

  Ø  The ability to put on and wear a lifejacket independently or with the assistance of a companion.

  Ø The ability to follow directions.

  Ø The ability to signal / call for help independently or with the assistance of a companion

  • Assumption of Risk

    In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Citizens Support Organization (CSO) Friends of Lake Griffin State Park’s 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, CSO or any agent, employee, or volunteer of the state or CSO 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, the Friends of Lake Griffin State Park’s website, or Facebook. 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.

  I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

Click here for a Liability Wavier pertaining to a participant who is a MINOR.

Return to Tours