Rode Estero Bay today

sharkymoon · 04-12-2009, 07:33 PM

Hey People,

Took the couch out today at the little marina at the end of coconut road in Estero.
That place is cool to launch from you get straight to the bay then right out into the gulf.

There were a lot of people out today.

Got to see a dolphin.

Does anyone on here ride near there?

Eric

Spim · 04-16-2009, 03:19 PM

I've ridden there a couple of times but I didn't know there was a launch on that side, I've launched at Punta Rassa and gone around, and Launched at Lovers Key Ramp on the other side of the bay. Me and a bud ride two couches but we we're a little conservative and didn't explore Estero Bay at length, just shot east and west and made u turns at the two no wake zones but didn't go north towards the ramp u mention. After that we headed out the pass and into the Gulf. Once I can learn some of the Couch Safe Trails in Estero Bay i'd like to go back there...
Dolphins plenty !
This Sunday we're taking at least two if not 3 couches from either the Yacht Club in Cape Coral or Rosen Park (3 miles up river) up to the Franklin Locks.

sharkymoon · 04-16-2009, 03:31 PM

Cool, I take off work every Sunday. Let me know if you guys ride near Estero again.

Later

Spim · 04-16-2009, 04:10 PM

Sharkey...
Where exactly did you go when you launched there...
We're very open to Lovers Key again, but for the most part it was 20 minutes of riding up and down the channel inside the bay and then we stopped, looked at each other and hi-tailed it out the Pass and into the Gulf. I know there are some Estero Area regulars here that mentioned that there is more to see in the Bay, AND I know last year they had the ski fest 2008 right out of Lovers Key so I must be missing something... As mentioned earlier, when we checked it out, we were on couches and it was NOT high tide so we didn't get creative... Last thing we wanted to do was get stuck in da mud...
In addition, that particular day I was having a voltage problem on my Waverunner so I couldn't shut it off that day for fear of it not starting again, which made being creative a real bad idea if machine is not running 100%. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to explore some of these "trails" they mention.
Summers Coming ? nooo sir,,, summer is HERE !
Bottom Line, Bouncing around in the Gulf is Fun but I like to relax and cruise through the mangroves in calmer water too !

tmetz · 04-17-2009, 01:03 AM

Hey guys! I always drop in at the little kayak / jet ski launch on the bonita side. If your coming from bonita its on the right side just before the first little bridge (can't think of the name right now). But its alot of fun out there, if you go back in west bay (estero river) and there are a bunch of other mangrove trails... its alot of fun. You just have to go with someone that knows the area because sometimes finding new trails can be no fun, sandbars

I may be out in the next week or two... i'll post up if I am going out!

Spim · 04-19-2009, 01:38 AM

Metz,,,
i was pm'ing sharky about this sunday, but I'm doing a river run up the Caloosahatchee. Lets Shoot for April 26th or May 3rd, meetup at Estero Bay ... Perhaps the regulars can show us some couch friendly trails and then we can hit the Gulf for a little while if we want and Lunch at Flippers ...
If you build it.. they will come !
Pick one of those two next sunday's coming up we'll spread the word and i'll make time. I'm available for either.

TJ · 06-19-2009, 09:40 PM

there's also a nice ramp in the Koreshan state park, a lot cheaper than the marina at the end of Coconut rd. by the Hyatt. Except it has a slow zone for about 20 minutes to the top of the Estero River. Nice senic ride down the river. It's about 4 miles from my house. Ski fest this year is July 17th at lovers Key.

tmetz · 06-20-2009, 01:53 AM

Will be ther TJ! Was supposed to go out today, but instead I got to spend the day registering the ski's for the next couple years then went and picked out my new puppy (golden retriever) my dad's golden's had pup's