Live Ballast

All hands on Deck,

The paddle approaches…I leave in the morning…it has been a wild ride this year…the training time was burnt up by a young woman who did not take the water seriously…it was sad that she refused to listen – thinking she knew it all, she got hurt…she thought that an open water paddle would be like being in the Weeki Wachee River, just fun and playtime…I do use the Weeki Wachee for paddle training but, it is not open water…she flipped the kayak several times and canceled training several times without a care for the effort or money that was being put forth to get her trained…I felt sorry for her, she missed something really amazing

Being flipped so many times really messed with my head, I became afraid…thankfully my husband continued training with me…he has always had a hard time with open water but, got me back in the kayak and back in open water…he would not let me falter dues to someone’s carelessness…though he is still not big on open water paddling, he can do it and I no longer fear flipping - mission accomplished…

Now I sit here praying for live ballast…I have a tandem kayak and can put a cooler in the front seat for ballast, it is however far better to have a live person…I can paddle the distance without issue, I just need someone in the front seat to sit there, take pictures or video and enjoy the time on the water…this being the last minute, I can only pray

I feel strong this year…working out more and more along with training time on the water, has me in the best shape in years…Day 15 with NO soda…my endurance is really high…I am up to an 80 second plank…I have come so far in the last six years – from an out of shape, 325 pound smoker to an athletic 185 pound non-smoker (5 ½ years)…the journey here has not been easy and the biggest fight is usually against myself – I am worth it…

I was blessed with some of the best trainers in the world (Gunny, RJ, Greg, Kilroy)…my first two years were all about training to be a kayaker…though they were all polite when they met me, I think they never thought I would go this far…I put the time and energy in…driving all over the state to paddle lakes, rivers, the Atlantic, the gulf, the islands…because I did the work, they were willing to help – train me, give me advice and be supportive of me…I gained confidence and have become a strong paddler…the Atlantic coast (Maine to Florida) is no joke – I have paddled in every state with many different people…I always wear a PFD, even when told I do not need to…watching videos and reading books…training time and safety is a must…this means respect for yourself and the water…it is a great sport and has created some great and life changing experiences…

See you when I return…

Carry On,

The Girly Pirate

Jumping into the New Year

 

Ahoy,

It has been a busy new year…Fort Desoto was a great way to start the year…we laughed when we thought about the hard time that I had climbing to the top just 6 years ago…hard work and dedication have made it so, I no longer even breathe heavy…

Off to Anclote River…this was a great time…we saw dolphins and many beautiful birds…this was Walter’s first time out to the inlet – open water makes him very nervous…the day was overcast but, warm with a nice breeze…

The Weeki Wachee River was loaded with manatee this year…Walter was having fun with the turtles…the Great Egrets did not seem to mind us paddling by…baby gator gars’ were everywhere and it was fun to see fish jumping…

February’s start was a trip to Hudson Beach…the dolphins were putting on a show…we got to test the new camera and equipment…there was so much wildlife it was almost overwhelming…the park is redoing the crow’s nest…this is really a great place to paddle

Siesta Key was disappointing and exciting…I went to paddle and the storm off shore was coming on shore – conditions were horrid for paddling…the exciting news was we were able to skype with Chris Bilton so, he was able to walk the beach with us all the way from England…we brought back so many shells

It was time for a donation drop at Sunrise of Pasco…keeping the shelter up is not easy…our first drop were things to help maintain it…our second drop was ½ a dumpster of cardboard to Atonement Church to help with the children’s group…sometimes helping does not require money, just effort…in the end one feels blessed

March brought us to the Myakka State Park…even with my fear of heights (I have late onset vertigo), I was able to walk the tree canopy…we then went and hung out with the Alligators…on our way back we stopped at Sarasota National Cemetery…All gave some and some gave all – they should be respected and remembered…

Amanda Corkum has stepped up to be my second on this year’s paddle…her first practice was at Anclote…she has much to learn and 30 days to learn it…her first outing she flipped the yak…both Shamrock’s Avenger and I are fine…the dolphins came over to giggle at us

Out to Hudson Beach I went with a one-person inflatable…this was a new kayak that I was given to test…I took it to see how it would handle Hudson’s rocky bottom…it comes with a rudder and I was really surprised how easy it was to use…it was light and took up less than ½ my trunk, this would be great for a person with limited space or transportation…

The Sunshine Paddle is coming up on 4/20/17…we will leave Hudson Beach at 6 am and paddle thru to Anclote River Park…I ask if you cannot join me, please pledge to me per mile paddled…I keep pledge sheets on me or you can message me with: your name, phone number, pledge per mile paddled (max is 25-miles), and address…ALL proceeds are split between Helping Hands Food Bank in Wesley Chapel and Sunrise of Pasco Abuse Shelter in Dade City…Bad weather will only cause us to launch later in the day or a day later – it is just how we roll…we will bring back pics and video…if you are interested please let me know...

Carry On,

Captain D

The Girly Pirate

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