2016 Year End

Attention,

We at the paddle are getting ready to shut down for winter break…it has been a crazy year, our goals of growth doubling production…as we expanded in the number of donations, number of places donated to and states donated in…it was more than we could have hoped for…

The Holiday Challenge was a raging success…the world found out a Girly Pirates Sleigh is pulled by Dolphins…we made large donations to the Angel Trees at Sunrise of Pasco, The Helping Hands Food Bank and Weightman Middle School…we also played Santa to 3 different families in 2 states (1 in Florida/ 2 in Massachusetts)…it is the general consensus of those who work on the paddle that no child should go without over the Holidays and we worked hard for that goal…Thank you for all who pitched in to make this happen

We ended the year with 35 Donation Drops…this year we focused on upgrading the shelter with new beds, plumbing and cameras…schools got much needed supplies…food to the food bank…we also helped 6 families with baby equipment, clothes for kids and food…

This year we also answered the Angel’s request to paddle the wounded and handicapped…it was a challenge that I was blessed to have help with…it was one of the more amazing things I have been blessed to be a part of…

We have had to upgrade our equipment…The Shamrock’s Avenger is the new tandem kayak…the website has been revamped and updated…opened the satellite office in Massachusetts…Bri joined me for the Paddle and entered into the 2016 Florida Cup…We spread a message of non-violence in Massachusetts and Georgia…we even found a Pirates Treasure in Georgia…What a great Year…Thank you does not seem to say enough

 

Your Captain,

D. Cooper-Rooney

Endless Kayak Summer 2016

 

Ahoy,

            At the paddle it has been a HUGELY busy summer…donation drops, practice, appearances and helping others find their dreams…I have been a Girly Pirate on the move…grab a seat and some grog…I will fill you in

 

 In July, Deanna Cooper helped me to open the Northern office…we got a request from a young man who was paralyzed and had a stoke…he so wanted to get in the water…understanding the call of the water, I went…the inflatable kayak arrived before I did…it was roomy and stable – Tory Cooper had it constructed when I arrived…I arranged for Dana Watson to paddle beside us…at the Norton Reservoir, we got in…there was a group of swans who followed us all around…Bobby had a beautiful afternoon on the water…

 

    An appearance was made in Dunnellon at Rainbow River State Park…this is a 2 hour tubin experience…the water was crystal clear…this is a lazy winding river…we got to see otter, fish and some beautiful birds…this is well worth the adventure

 

            We are not up to 14 Donation Drops, with the next on scheduled for Friday…a few of the drops have been made to schools…when teachers have to worry less about tools, they can educate freely…we aided in supporting hockey and educational dreams of children who work hard on their goals…We have also helped the food bank, the baby shower for indigent new moms and the battered shelter…cardboard and cans have been sent to charities who recycle them to raise money…what a great blessing

 

 

            Seven years ago…we had the idea of helping people…when I look back at how far we have come…how blessed we have been to accomplish so much…my eyes are filled with wonder and amazement…to all of my crew (past and present) and all who have donated, THANK YOU…we will continue to do our best…

 

Carry On,

Captain D. Rooney

The Girly Pirate

 

 

Endless Kayak Summer 2016

 

Ahoy,

            At the paddle it has been a HUGELY busy summer…donation drops, practice, appearances and helping others find their dreams…I have been a Girly Pirate on the move…grab a seat and some grog…I will fill you in

 

 In July, Deanna Cooper helped me to open the Northern office…we got a request from a young man who was paralyzed and had a stoke…he so wanted to get in the water…understanding the call of the water, I went…the inflatable kayak arrived before I did…it was roomy and stable – Tory Cooper had it constructed when I arrived…I arranged for Dana Watson to paddle beside us…at the Norton Reservoir, we got in…there was a group of swans who followed us all around…Bobby had a beautiful afternoon on the water…

 

    An appearance was made in Dunnellon at Rainbow River State Park…this is a 2 hour tubin experience…the water was crystal clear…this is a lazy winding river…we got to see otter, fish and some beautiful birds…this is well worth the adventure

 

            We are not up to 14 Donation Drops, with the next on scheduled for Friday…a few of the drops have been made to schools…when teachers have to worry less about tools, they can educate freely…we aided in supporting hockey and educational dreams of children who work hard on their goals…We have also helped the food bank, the baby shower for indigent new moms and the battered shelter…cardboard and cans have been sent to charities who recycle them to raise money…what a great blessing

 

 

            Seven years ago…we had the idea of helping people…when I look back at how far we have come…how blessed we have been to accomplish so much…my eyes are filled with wonder and amazement…to all of my crew (past and present) and all who have donated, THANK YOU…we will continue to do our best…

 

Carry On,

Captain D. Rooney

The Girly Pirate

 

 

Whirlwind

 

Ahoy,

   Can you say life has been paddle crazy? There is so much to fill you in on. Did you see the new Sunshine Paddle T-shirt? The last few months have been so busy; it has been hard to keep up. Pop a squat and I will tell you all about it.

  

This year's Sunshine Paddle was a special paddle. We left Hudson in the dark, it was all blue and the horizon was hard to see. I we paddled past the first inlet the sun started to raise and gave us a beautiful purple break of day. The tide was high and we got to see fish, birds, turtles and a few dolphins who wanted to play hide and seek. When we got to Durney Key, we stopped to eat and relax for a few. In the shallows around the island could be found little stingrays who were flying underwater (check out the video). The last leg was more difficult this year and took a lot out of both of us. We were happy to land at Anclote.

 

  The Atlantic called to the blood in my veins and I went to Ft. Lauderdale. A rented Yak and a surf launch. I have found I prefer sit on tops. The waves worked me hard but, it was a work out that would build me for the next adventure. On a solo venture gave me time to focus on my paddle technique. I do love open water paddles.

  One of our trainers, Gunny, will soon leave us for Japan. He asked us to join the Florida Cup in Medria Beach.  We got there early and though it was clear on the beach, a storm off shore was kicking up the surf. The Shamrock’s Avenger got a real test as 2 – 4 foot waves crashed over the boat, it would bog us down and the boat would pop right back to the top of the wave. It was really cool. We had a really great time.

 We are happy to announce that have dispersed the money from the paddle and have completed 5 other donation drops. The many donations are what keeps us going and what gives us the ability to do so much for so many. In this, I am very blessed and grateful.

            The last trip was off Hudson Beach. It was so quiet, we had the whole are to ourselves and really enjoyed it. The water was so clear; it was easy to watch the fish play below us. The birds were hanging out watching us. I really enjoyed watching a sailboat leave the marina, head to open water and tack to the wind- really majestic.

            In a week, I will be headed north to paddle a friend in Norton, Massachusetts. A donor sent a kayak to our office there. This will be my first experience with a Blow Up Yak. I am so excited to have a group going with us. The more the merrier, message me if you want to paddle the Norton Reservoir with us.

 At Ease,

Captain D

 

And So It Begins

Ahoy,

My husband took me and the new Yak to Hudson Beach…I was so excited…he prefers river paddling but, knew I wanted to see 2 Notch…it was a beautiful day…2 Notch found us, she seemed to want to check out the new yak by banging on the bottom…my husband pointed out the personality of the Yak and came up with the name ‘Shamrock’s Avenger’…as we got close to shore the dolphins came out to play

Bri Indo joined the paddle…young, smart and willing to learn…I let her take the lead seat for a open-water 3 mile paddle around Anclote River Inlet…the day was overcast with a low chop on the water…it gave me a chance to see how she would fare when conditions were not great…she did very well- honestly I was impressed…

It was Bri’s second practice session at Weeki Wachee 5 Mile Paddle…this is a great place to teach paddle technique and build control…it was a lovely day and the water was really clear…it was cool to watch Bri really connect with the kayak…there were lots of fish but, no manatee

The ‘Shamrock’s Avenger’ was brought to Atonement Lutheran Church for her blessing…I am ever so thankful to this congregation for their love and support…such amazing energy keeps me safe and brings us home in one piece…

The last practice session before the paddle was a 12 Mile open-water paddle…the day was overcast with light rain off and on…the chop was at a medium height…this was Bri’s first time being over a mile off shore…it was so cute to see her a little nervous…she was really doing wonderful and I was glad she was with me…a very talented young lady...glad she join on

Here we are less than 48 hours until launch of the paddle…all shore bound paperwork is caught up…I have done the shopping…all equipment is here- just need to put it together…I have collected all pledge sheets…a few weeks ago I sat with Karen at the SBDC and she suggested I reach out to C.A.S.A. of St Pete and Hands Acrossthe Bay- finally got that done…my brain is running over lists of lists…Yes, I am that type A :)

If you have the ability to donate you can do so through PayPal (email: dee@sunshinepaddle.com), it should give you a tax deductible receipt...all donations will be split between Helping Hands Food Bank and Sunrise of Pasco...if you want to cheer us on we will leave Hudson Beach at 6 am on April the 20^th…well time to go through my lists again…

Carry On,

Captain D

 

Blow Me Down

 

Ahoy Mates,

     It has been a busy start to 2016, we started January with our first donation drop to Sunrise of Pasco Abuse Shelter…2 Notch went to my friend’s dock and let her know to call me…so off we went to see her at Crystal River…she was happy and wanting to play when we arrived…her daughter brought the new baby to show me…I feel very blessed to be included…

 

    In February, we were able to complete a donation drop…the first was to Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center of Lee County…practice took place on a windy day off of the islands of Sanibel and Captiva…the dolphins were beautiful and wanted to play…the diversity and population of birds and seashells was amazing…the lighthouse was an interesting structure…

 

    March has proven to be a busy month…a donation drop was taken to the Sunrise of Pasco Abuse Shelter…practice has been busy…Fort De Soto, Homosassa Springs and the Weeki Wachee River…I saw 2 Notch at the mouth of the Weeki Wachee and expect to see her at Hudson on Friday…pledge forms have been made and e-mails have gone out, we are getting ready for this year’s paddle and it is getting exciting…we have made appearances at the Tampa Outlet Mall in Wesley Chapel and Clearwater Beach…Go daddy called us early in the month to break the news we had to update to a new site and the old site would be wiped out...it was a good deal of work but, the new site is up and running…before I clicked the button, I took one last look at the old site…how far we have come over the last six years and how much work we have done…

    A very nice woman who believes in the work we have been doing was so wonderful as to buy us a new kayak…she knew what I had been going through in attempt to get a new one…she got me a tandem as she doesn’t want me on the water alone (lots of laughs)…it is beautiful but, we have not named her yet…I am ever so thankful and feel very blessed

Carry On,

Captain D

 

The Girly Pirate