COURAGE REQUIRED:
The Journey to Key West
Welcome to Captain Erik, LIVE, where we take kayaking to the extreme. I’m your host, Captain Erik, and I’m excited to take you on an epic journey from Tampa Bay to Key West – LIVE! As an integral part of our production, you get to experience the thrill and excitement of this adventure alongside me as I broadcast every single step of our 258-nautical mile journey in real time.
Warning: This journey is not for the faint of heart. We’ll be peddling through some of Florida’s most stunning and treacherous waters. We’ll face powerful currents, unpredictable weather, and all manner of sea creatures. But do not fear. Together we can meet the requirements and emerge triumphant. So what are you waiting for? LET’S GO!!!
Next Launch Date: November 19, 2023!
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TODAY’S WEATHER
TRIP TRACKER
CAPTAIN’S LOG
Day 1 - Englewood, FL
Launch: Manasota Boat Ramp
Pickup: Aingers Fishing Pier Park
Housing: We stayed at the Beach Shack in Manasota Key. We HIGHLY recommend this housing option. It was clean, comfortable, and fully stocked with every amenity including cold beer in the fridge upon arrival.
www.beachshackofmanasotakey.com
Food: Food stores.
Day 2 - Aingers Creek Park
Launch: Aingers Creek Park
Pickup: Placida Park
Housing: We enjoyed the Beach Shack so much we went back for a second night. If you are looking for a place to stay in Florida be sure to check this one out!
www.beachshackofmanasotakey.com
Dining: Food stores.
Day 3 - Placida, FL
Launch: Placida Park
Pickup: Carmen’s Kayaks, Bokeelia, FL
SUCH nice people with good hearts and a great business. We highly recomend kayaking this bay with a local dolphin, manatee, and tarpon running through!
Housing: We were charmed by the Tarpon Lodge. This historic site is a romantic blast from the past where you can watch the sunset from the anarondak chairs on the dock, poolside, or from a hammock.
Dining: The Tarpon Lodge restaurant is a local’s favorite fine-dining restaurant. Fresh local catch, homemade bread, and vegetarian options make this a memorable evening for everyone. They highly recommend making a reservation.
Day 4 - Bokeelia, FL
Launch: Carmen’s Kayaks, Bokeelia, FL
Pickup: D&D Bait Matlacha and Tackle This is a great local bait shop! Well stocked, very organized, and the owners/staff were a delight. We will definitely launch here again when we come through town!
Dining: We ate at a local Italian restaurant called Michele’s. Waterfront dining, music, a kids play area, and hot food made it an enjoyable experience.
Housing: We stayed in Ft. Meyers at a friend’s place.
Day 5 - Matlatcha, FL
Launch: D&D Bait Shop
Pickup: Sanibel Boat Ramp
Dining: Food stores.
Housing: We stayed in Ft. Meyers at a friend’s place.
Day 6 - Ft. Myers (Maintenance)
We lost one of our motors on Day 5. We spent this day finding and purchasing a new motor for Bob. We HIGHLY recommend Jeff at Estero River Outfitters. Cool location, great service, and everything you need including bait & tackle!
Day 7 - Sanibel, FL
Launch: Sanibel Boat Ramp
Pickup: Lovers Key State Park
Housing: Ft. Meyers (same location)
Dining: Food stores
Day 8 - Lovers Key, FL
Launch: Lovers Key State Park
Pickup: Collier County Public Boat Ramp
Housing: Ft. Meyers (same location)
Dining: Spanish Mackerel catch
Day 9 - Collier County, FL
Launch: Collier County Boat Ramp
Pickup: Coast Guard
Housing: Headed home to rebuild…
Dining: Food stores
Meet Our Sponsors
Ways to support the journey
Venmo
You’re not allowed to use the “V” word on TikTok, but we’ll let you use it here. It’s just like PayPal with a bit more personality.
NOTE: Venmo is only supported for those residing in the United States.
Cash App
Similar to Venmo, but newer. Either one is fine with us. Many fans prefer to send money directly which is why we have it. Just don’t use the “C” word on TikTok or they’ll block your ass in the chat.
Gofundme
We’ve shipwrecked and are in the process of rebuilding our vessels so we can get back on the water. Help us MEET THE REQUIREMENTS by donating here!
Cameo
Receive a personalized video for Mother’s Day, or any occasion. Perfect for a good laugh, or a pick-me-up. Video’s can also be gifted!
Amazon
If you’re not okay with sending money to some stranger online, we completely understand and you can still help! We have created a list of things we need for the journey on Amazon.
NOTE: Although we are affiliates, we won’t earn shit from these purchases.
YouTube
We know many of you prefer and trust YouTube. No fear, unfamiliar systems, or learning curves.
We get it. We have been on YouTube for a LONG time, so if you dig deep you’ll learn some stuff about us. In the meantime, we post on here as often as we can and will have more content soon!
NOTE: We won’t be live-streaming on YouTube until they allow better quality from a mobile device.
We use it, but they don’t pay us anything. If you’re a fan, help us build our following and get verified so we may make a few pennies putting in effort on this platform.
F-ck Facebook. But as a business, it’s a must. So…you can find us there too. We announce all live-streams if you want an additional notification.