CLUB MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH (Excluding December, January and February) AT THE

5 RIVERS DELTA RESOURCE CENTER (map) AT 7PM. SEE THE POSTS BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!

To post information to this website or for further information about this website, just ask Tracy at tracy@thelannies.us
Current Club Coordinator: Tracy Lannie
MBCKC would like to express our appreciation to 5 Rivers and it's staff for all they do.

Disclaimer: This site provides general information & links on topics of paddling. Paddlesports can pose serious risks of damage to personal property & serious bodily injury including permanent disability & death. Anyone participanting in any MBCKC event or participating in any event mentioned on this website does so at their own risk and agrees to hold MBCKC harmless from any liability as a result of such participation or use of information contained herein.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

December Meeing
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 7pm in the Longleaf Room / Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  We are having our annual end of the year/Christmas Pot Luck dinner,  so bring a dish to share.  Also, Jenny Manders will be presenting the mini-slideshow presentation on the overnight Delta trip that she, Tom Meyers, and Ellen Broach just did.  They met at the Stagecoach for breakfast on the morning of November 21 and, after eating, headed to the Rice Creek launch to set off for their weekend adventure.

Sunday, November 01, 2015

November Meeting


The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 3rd, 7 p.m. in the Longleaf Room of Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  Carol Furman, MBCKC member will present on Edible Wetland Plants.  Carol became interested in edible wetland plants back when she worked leading boat tours out of Five Rivers.  She had to learn the “usual spiel” that was traditionally presented.  However, Carol quickly became bored with that and yearned to learn more.  She began studying on her own, thus, adding extensively to that original knowledge base.  She was then able to expand the “usual spiel” by talking about the plants the participants saw along the way, including anecdotes and the history behind them.  Come join us as Carol shares her knowledge of the edible wetland plants that are right here in our Delta!

Friday, September 11, 2015

October Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct 6th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Longleaf Room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  Juli Day, MBCKC member, will present on the five week road trip adventure she had this summer in celebration of her retirement. She traveled from North Carolina to Pennsylvania into New England, then Canada and down through Wisconsin paddling different bodies of water along the way.

Notes from September's meeting:
Thank you to Dr. Ruth Carmichael for her time and fantastic presentation on the Northern Gulf of Mexico Manatees. We learned fascinating facts about Manatees this evening; one surprise is that they often travel in ship channels! and although they usual cruise 3-5 mph, can reach speeds of 35 mph! and their migration from Mobile Bay to Crystal River can take as little as one week (imagine that), or 2 months, depending on their mood and their motivation!

Also, thanks to Harriet for leading the meeting.

Paddles and Events

Events

Saturday, Sept 19th - 28th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup
 http://www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com/ 

Saturday, Sept 19th - Kayak Safety Classes
Time:   8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Fairhope Pier, north beach area
Cost: $55 + $5 ACA insurance fee (ACA members waive the $5 fee)
Instructor: Hank Baltar, ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor, Level III, Retired Navy
Register: MUST register for this class, minimum of five for the class to be held. Please register by September 7th.
Call or email Hank to register, 904-610-9287 or kayakhank@gmail.com

Thursday, Sept 24th - Archaeology Kayak Tour
 http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/gulf-breeze/2015/08/16/archeology-kayak-tour-launch-gulf-breeze/31821839/

Saturday, October 10th - Paddle Bayou La Batre
Paddle Bayou La Batre is the only event like this in our area!  Don't miss it!  To register:
www.paddlebayoulabatre.org

Sunday, October 11th - Alabama Scenic River Trail's Fall Delta Paddle
Alabama Scenic River Trail Delta Paddle, led by Bob Andrews - 251.367.4144 - Rice Creek to Indian Mounds and back
http://alabamascenicrivertrail.com/

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

September Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept 1st at 7:00 p.m.   The title of this month's presentation is "Shallow Water Phantoms:  Understanding Northern Gulf of Mexico Manatees" which will be presented by Dr. Ruth Carmichael.
Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael is a Senior Marine Scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and an Associate Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama. She came to Alabama from Maine, where she was Assistant Professor of Marine Science at the University of Maine-Machias. Carmichael holds an MA (1998) and PhD (2004) from Boston University at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. She is Director of DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network and operates the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network. She is an Editor for four scientific journals, Past President of the Gulf Estuarine Research Society, Co-chair of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program’s Science Advisory Committee, and newly elected Member-At-Large for the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation.
DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network
Founded in 2007, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network is the only formal manatee sighting network in the U.S. The Network receives and maps sightings from all along the Gulf of Mexico coast. The program is committed to sharing data with other researchers, managers, and the public. The Network provides valuable information regarding where manatees live and what they do while in Alabama and Mississippi waters.
 The Network is housed at DISL on Dauphin Island, AL.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

August Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 7pm in the Long Leaf Room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  Maggie Pyle, MBCKC member, is this month's speaker.  The title of Maggie's presentation is "Four Dogs, Two Canoes, & a Kayak - River Tripping the Missouri Ozark National Scenic Riverways on the Jack’s Fork and Current River” 
Seventy-five river miles, five nights, and six days on July 12 - 17, 2015. Maggie Pyle & Family

 Notes
*If you would like to present a "mini-slide show paddle report" during one of the monthly meetings, please contact Tracy Lannie. Members are encouraged to share their paddle trip in this style. Time allotted for these presentations are 5-7 minutes

Events and Paddles

Events
August 1st - Weeks Bay Pelican Paddle Canoe and Kayak Race
 http://www.weeksbay.org/calendar.htm

August 1st - Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic Fishing Tourament 
http://bayoulabatrekayakclassic.org/ 

October 10th - 4th Annual Paddle Bayou La Batre
http://paddlebayoulabatre.org/

Paddles
Currently, there are no scheduled club paddles for August; check back frequently.
 

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

July Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 7th, at 7pm in the Longleaf Room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  Nancy Ward, MBCKC member, will lead this month's meeting.

Paddles and Events

Events

July 25th - Battle of the Bay Canoe  & Kayak Race
 http://vlp.publishpath.com/fundraisers

August 1st - Weeks Bay Pelican Paddle Canoe and Kayak Race   
https://www.facebook.com/events/592036544272584/


The third annual Pelican Paddle Canoe and Kayak Race will be held on August 1st at 9 am at the Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center. It is sure to be a great day on the water. Participants receive lunch, water/soft drinks, and a ticket to enter our drawing for the chance to win a kayak and other door prizes. Due to popular demand, this year we are bringing back the Pelican Paddle T-shirt, which is included with registration.

Advance registration will end July 31st. Even if you do register now, be sure to arrive at the Resource Center between 7:30 and 8:45 on race day to check-in, pick up your race bib, and grab a t-shirt.

Advance Registration: $30/paddler, $60/family
Day-of Registration: $35/paddler, $75/famil...y
*Family = Up to two adults and up to four minors under 18*

The race course is 3.5 miles and we will crown 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the following groups:

-Men's Solo Kayak
-Women's Solo Kayak
-Junior Solo Kayak (Age 13 and under)
-Canoe (2 paddlers)
-Stand Up Paddle Board
-Non-Traditional (Any type of non-motorized boats not in the other divisions, excluding sailboats)
-Pro Solo Kayak (A 7.0 mile race, any age and gender.)

Eco-tour: If you're not interested in racing, but would like to be on the water, there will be a non-competitive Eco-tour paddle of the Weeks Bay area.

Loaner Gear: If you would like to participate in the race or the Eco-tour but do not have your own paddling gear (PFD, Paddle, Kayak or Canoe) we may be able to help. The Fairhope Boat Company and 17 Turtles Outfitters have generously donated some canoes and kayaks, with paddles and PFDs, for the day of the race. They are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in borrowing gear, please call the Weeks Bay Foundation at 251-990-5004 to reserve your boat. Please do this BEFORE you register to ensure that we still have boats available.
 
August 1st - Bayou Kayak Classic Fishing Tournament
 http://bayoulabatrekayakclassic.org/page/About
 
 

Friday, May 01, 2015

June Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 2nd, 7pm in the Longleaf Room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  Charlene and Michelle Vaz  (mother and daughter) will present on their recent 63 mile, 4 day trip "May to the Bay" from Brewton to Pensacola that they did a month ago. 

Upcoming Paddles

Wednesday, June 3rd - Full Moon Paddle   Weather permitting, we will launch from Buzbee's on Hwy 225 at 6:15pm.  MUST bring/wear PFD, Whistle and a light.  MUST contact Tracy if you plan to attend so that she can notify you of any changes/cancelations.   Tracy:  463-4233 or tracy@thelannies.us

Sunday, June 14th - Fish River Paddle  -  
Fish RIver Paddle this Sunday:
Meet at Big Daddy's at 2 pm on Sunday, June 14. We'll go up Fish River (and avoid power boats) for a couple hours and turn around when we feel like it. Bring pfd, water, sunscreen, and (if you want) a snack. Optional dinner at Big Daddy's after the paddle. They usually have a musical group on the deck that we listen to. Non-paddlers can join us for food, drinks, and music. If you'd like to know any change of plans call me at 990-5575 or e-mail me that you hope to come. It doesn't obligate you. Give me your phone number. Otherwise you may not know of changes. NEAR TIME OF THE PADDLE ONLY, I'LL HAVE MY DUMB CELL PHONE ON. 251-454-6084. Nancy Ward

Sunday, June 28  - Easy Magnolia River Paddle 2pm
If it's hot outside it's cool by and in the water.  An easy, relaxing paddle with places to play in the water.  On Sunday, June 28, meet at 2 pm in the city of Magnolia Springs at the Shell station on Highway 98 and city road 49.  (Careful, city rd 49 comes out in two places---go to the Shell station.)  We'll drive the short distance to the Rock Street put-in.  We'll help each other carry our boats 50 yards or so to the river's edge.  We'll paddle up the Magnolia River past the cold hole and soon be in narrow, shallow water the power boaters cannot even access.  There are places to get out and play in the water.  We'll reverse our route and paddle down stream past our put in spot.  Folks with other commitments can leave the group easily there.  We'll go down stream until we decide we want to turn around.  Much of the down stream is a no wake zone which folks on the Magnolia are good to honor.  Bring pfd, sunscreen, water, probably a snack, and maybe bug spray.  Call or e-mail Nancy (990-5575) and give me your phone number if you want to be notified of any changes in plans.  It doesn't commit you.  Near the time of the paddle only I'll have my dumb cell phone on (251-454-6084)
 

May Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 5th, 7pm in the Longleaf room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.

INTERNATIONAL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL
COMING TO THE 5 RIVERS

Mobile Bay Canoe & Kayak Club members and Fairhope Boat Company are excited to present the 10th Annual Reel Paddling Film Festival at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Rd, Spanish Fort, AL on May 2, 2015 at 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm pm).
...
The Reel Paddling Film Festival is an international film tour presenting the world’s best whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP and kayak fishing action and paddling lifestyle films of the year on screens in 100-plus cities across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.
With 23 inspiring paddling films short-listed for the World Tour, including the ten festival category winners, audiences can expect to see stand-up paddle surfing, hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, headwaters canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life.
With your $12 ticket to our Reel Paddling Film Festival screening you’ll receive free digital subscriptions to Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots and Kayak Angler magazines, a $39 value.
For more information contact Tracy Lannie, Mobile Bay Canoe & Kayak Club Coordinator at tracy@thelannies.us
Get your tickets online today at: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/14990
Paddles and Events
Paddles
Sunday, May 3rd:  Full Moon Paddle to Whiskey Ditch - launch from the Old River Docks at 6pm.
Place: Meet at old Riverdoc's parking lot on the Causeway just east of Ed's Seafood Shed on the North side of the causeway.
Contact: Tracy Lannie, 463-4233
MUST BRING:  PFD, Whistle and Light (headlamp or flashlight will suffice)
Events
GREAT DRIFT PART DEUX!!
Halls Mill Creek Paddle
Sunday, May 3, 2015 THIS WEEKEND
Halls Mill Creek Launch, 1pm
@ Schwarz Park
...
The Great Drift was cancelled several weekends back, but, due to an outpouring of interest, we are going to put on an abbreviated version. The route will be a loop on Halls Mill Creek in some of the most beautiful Delta/Bayou scenery you can imagine.
Beau at the River Shack Restaurant and Bar will give 10% discounts on food and drink for registered paddlers and there is no cost to participate. If you need a cane or kayak, call Bob Andrews at Sunshine Canoe 367-4144. Registration starts at 11:30 AM.
Questions or want to volunteer to help? Email bruce@brucecoldsmith.com
Directions to Park
https://www.google.com/…/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x889a4b80ba2f4d27…

Saturday, May 9th - CreekFest
http://www.creekfest.org/

Monday, April 06, 2015

April Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 7th at 7pm in the Longleaf Room of 5 River's Delta Resource Center.

We will be selling tickets for the Reel Paddling Film Festival - $12 per ticket.

INTERNATIONAL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL
COMING TO THE 5 RIVERS
Mobile Bay Canoe & Kayak Club members and Fairhope Boat Company are excited to present the 10th Annual Reel Paddling Film Festival at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Rd, Spanish Fort, AL on May 2, 2015 at 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm pm).
...
The Reel Paddling Film Festival is an international film tour presenting the world’s best whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP and kayak fishing action and paddling lifestyle films of the year on screens in 100-plus cities across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.
With 23 inspiring paddling films short-listed for the World Tour, including the ten festival category winners, audiences can expect to see stand-up paddle surfing, hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, headwaters canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life.
With your $12 ticket to our Reel Paddling Film Festival screening you’ll receive free digital subscriptions to Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots and Kayak Angler magazines, a $39 value.
For more information contact Tracy Lannie, Mobile Bay Canoe & Kayak Club Coordinator at tracy@thelannies.us
Get your tickets online today at: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/14990

Thursday, February 19, 2015

March Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd in the Longleaf Room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.   We will discuss an exciting opportunity for MBCKC and the paddling area which could also possibly draw in new club members / new paddlers.  Come prepared to share your February Paddle Tales!

Events and Paddles

Paddles
Saturday, February 21st - Styx River President's Day Paddle -   Contact Bob Strader for more info at (269) 365-6866 or rcstrader41@gmail.com

Saturday, March 14 - Merritt's Mill Pond Paddle. Marianna, FL  (weather permitting) - organized by Tracy Lannie - details to be announced

Events
Saturday, March  28 - Battle on the Bayou      - Registration is open!
http://battleonthebayou.com/

April 11  -  BluzCruz Canoe & Kayak Race
http://bluzcruz.com/

April 9-12 - Paddle Bayou La Fourche    -registration opens Feb 9th
http://www.btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehome.aspx

April 18 - Dog River's Scenic Blueway Great Drift
Come out and paddle the beautiful Dog River Scenic Blueway and support Dog River. 4 mile fun paddle from the Schwarz Park Scenic Blueway launch site. There is no cost to participate (donations welcome).
Drop your boat with the volunteers at the launch by 12:20pm, drive your car to the River Shack Restaurant and get a free ride back to the launch site. Last boat leaves at 12:40pm. Bring your own boat (nothing motorized) or, if you need a boat, call Sunshine Canoes at 251-367-4144. Reserve early. Remember your life vests!!
Launch meeting at 1pm, launch to follow. Paddlers will leave from the Halls Mill Creek Launch at Schwarz Park.The DRIFT will end at the River Shack at 3pm with live music and discounted food for registered paddlers. Questions? Email bruce@brucecoldsmith.com 

April 25th - 2nd Annual Chickasha Bogue Paddle from Brooks Park
http://cityofchickasaw.org/chickasha-bogue-paddle/

May 2nd - 4th Annual Battle of the Bay Date has changed to July 25
BLUEGILL Restaurant      BATTLE OF THE BAY is the fourth annual Canoe and Kayak Race benefiting the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program. It is a canoe, kayak and SUP paddle in beautiful Mobile Bay along with a shrimp and grits brunch at the BLUEGILL, live music, great prizes, kids activities and MORE. See www.facebook.com/BattleoftheBayCanoeandKayak for more details as they come available.       
     
Notes
*If you would like to present a "mini-slide show paddle report" during one of the monthly meetings, please contact Tracy Lannie. Members are encouraged to share their paddle trip in this style. Time allotted for these presentations are 5-7 minutes

Thursday, January 01, 2015

February Meeeting
The next meeting is Tuesday, February 3rd at 7pm in the Longleaf room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  There will be a short presentation on Merritt's Mill Pond (Jackson County, FL) in hopes of generating interest on a future Spring paddle. 

Events and Paddles

Paddles
February 16th - Styx River President's Day Paddle -Rescheduled to Saturday Feb 21st   Contact Bob Strader for more info at (269) 365-6866 or rcstrader41@gmail.com

Events
Saturday, March  28 - Battle on the Bayou      - Registration is open!
http://battleonthebayou.com/

April 11  -  BluzCruz Canoe & Kayak Race
http://bluzcruz.com/

April 9-12 - Paddle Bayou La Fourche    -registration opens Feb 9th
http://www.btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehome.aspx

April 18 - Dog River's Scenic Blueway Great Drift
Come out and paddle the beautiful Dog River Scenic Blueway and support Dog River. 4 mile fun paddle from the Schwarz Park Scenic Blueway launch site. There is no cost to participate (donations welcome).
Drop your boat with the volunteers at the launch by 12:20pm, drive your car to the River Shack Restaurant and get a free ride back to the launch site. Last boat leaves at 12:40pm. Bring your own boat (nothing motorized) or, if you need a boat, call Sunshine Canoes at 251-367-4144. Reserve early. Remember your life vests!!
Launch meeting at 1pm, launch to follow. Paddlers will leave from the Halls Mill Creek Launch at Schwarz Park.The DRIFT will end at the River Shack at 3pm with live music and discounted food for registered paddlers. Questions? Email bruce@brucecoldsmith.com 

April 25th - 2nd Annual Chickasha Bogue Paddle from Brooks Park


Notes
*If you would like to present a "mini-slide show paddle report" during one of the monthly meetings, please contact Tracy Lannie. Members are encouraged to share their paddle trip in this style. Time allotted for these presentations are 5-7 minutes



January Meeting
Happy New Year!  Our next meeting which is Tuesday, January 6th at 7pm.  We will have our annual pot luck dinner (bring a dish to share) as we make plans for paddles and meetings for 2015.  We will have a sign-up sheet available for those that want to sign up to host/present a meeting this year, to make suggestions for guest speakers and/or topics, and for paddle ideas.  We will also have the swap/sale that was canceled in December.  If you have items that you would like to sell, bring them with you.

Events and Paddles

Paddles
January 24th -Paul Taylor's "4th Saturday Paddle" 10am from Brooks Park

Events
Saturday, March  28 - Battle on the Bayou      - Registration is open!
http://battleonthebayou.com/

April 11  -  BluzCruz Canoe & Kayak Race
http://bluzcruz.com/

April 9-12 - Paddle Bayou La Fourche    -registration opens Feb 9th
http://www.btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehome.aspx

April 25th - 2nd Annual Chickasha Bogue Paddle from Brooks Park


Notes
*If you would like to present a "mini-slide show paddle report" during one of the monthly meetings, please contact Tracy Lannie. Members are encouraged to share their paddle trip in this style. Time allotted for these presentations are 5-7 minutes