The operational playbook behind the reports — checklists, float plans, launch ramps, and 38 years of Capt. Ron's water wisdom. All free while we're in beta.
Run it every launch — no exceptions. 0/10 checked.
A float plan is the cheapest life insurance on the water. Leave it with a person, not a note on the counter. If plans change, text them — an unneeded search is embarrassing, a needed one that never launches is fatal.
WHO — names + cell numbers of every rider
CRAFT — make, model, color, registration number of each ski
LAUNCH — ramp name and time you’re splashing
ROUTE — zones you’ll ride (use the zone names from this app)
RETURN — expected time back at the ramp
TRIGGER — when to call for help (standard: 1 hour overdue, no contact)
CONTACTS — US Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg: 727-824-7506 · Emergencies: 911 / VHF Ch 16
The staging points for the 15 operating zones. Fees and hours vary — verify status before you roll, especially post-storm.
Best staging for Rookery Bay, Isles of Capri and Johnson Bay runs. Busy on weekends — arrive early.
Direct shot to Caxambas Pass and Cape Romano. VERIFY CURRENT STATUS — hurricane repairs have affected operations.
Gateway to Goodland Bay, Buzzard Bay and the north 10,000 Islands. Good parking, fee applies.
Straight run down the canal to Pumpkin Bay and the backcountry. Watch the manatee zones — idle speed in the canal.
Southern gateway — Chokoloskee Bay and the deep 10,000 Islands. Long fetch areas nearby, check wind first.
Local knowledge that doesn't show up on any chart.
The rules with zero flex. Read these before the season, not during the storm.
Any strike inside 15 miles = OFF the water. No exceptions. Wait 30 minutes after the LAST strike before you relaunch. Zero flex on this one. Lightning on open water kills.
Head for the nearest protected shoreline — do not try to outrun a cell across open water. Get low, spread riders out (one strike shouldn’t take the whole group), and wait it out on the lee shore.
If rain gets so heavy you can’t see, STOP. Don’t run blind — idle to the nearest shoreline and hold. Running blind in the islands means oyster bars, crab pots, and other boats.
A sudden cool gust ahead of a dark cloud line is a downburst — the storm’s advance warning. That’s not a nice breeze, it’s the front edge. You have minutes, not an hour.
Plan to be OFF the water at least an hour before the earliest storm window on your WXRR. Cells build faster than the forecast timeline in summer.
Always verify against the official picture before you launch.