February 2012 by Ashlee

Grande Tours keeps the holiday spirit going !!!

Grande Tours was pleased to be able to offer our grounds and business for several fundraisers this month, each for a very good cause.

PADDLE TO BATTLE

(a fundraiser for Rick Storsburg)

Rick is center, flanked by Captain Marian and Dick.

“Paddle to Battle” was on January 22nd with the whole day’s proceeds going toward raising money to help a fellow kayaker, Rick Storsburg, a former employee of Grande Tours, who needs a lung transplant. Rick, (A.K.A. “Ranger Rick”) has given to folks for years with his time and vast knowledge of kayaking and ecology. He was diagnosed with a rare lung disease, incurable and will need a transplant in the future.

The proceeds for the day went to a fund, HELPHOPELIVE, in Rick’s name, and will help him and his family with medical expenses. Anyone who could not be there can send donations to

Grande Tours, Inc.

12575 Placida Rd.

Placida, Fl 33946;

Make checks out to

HELPHOPELIVE in Rick’s name.

Some tears of joy were seen that day. A couple from New Jersey had gone out with Rick some 17 years ago on a boating Sea Life trip with Grande Tours showed up to make a donation . . .

. . .many folks that had worked with Rick from Lee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties came to help and attend. It took a village of helpers to execute this event and made it so successful. Thanks to all their hands and all of you that came and gave, we were able to raise around $5000.00 that day.

Congratulations to the Raffle winners, Dave and Patty, seen here with the Greenland paddler carved and donated by Ed Engle .

SUNCOAST CATHEDRAL FUNDRAISER

On January 14th, Grande Tours opened their kayak revenue for two hours to The SunCoast Cathedral Church of Venice. This was the coldest day in January and yet we had some brave soles come out and we were able to send to the church around $300.00 for that morning.

Congratulations to the kayakers that made this donation possible…

PADDLE FOR PAWS

On January 8th we hosted the “Paddle for Paws” benefit with the proceeds going to E.A.R.S., the only “no kill” animal shelter in Englewood. Along with the volunteers and our staff together we raised close to $800.00.

RAFFLE BRINGS FUNDS FOR DONATION

Along with the busy month of fundraisers Grande Tours Kayak Center also donated over $500.00 in raffle tickets and prizes to several organizations.

100% of all revenue collected in the above events went to the benefactors. We are proud and happy to be able to do this for our friends and community.

WHO SAYS YOU'RE TOO OLD???

We have a dozen or so paddlers who paddle with us fairly often that are in their 80's. This lady came last week for a spin and she is the "Winner in Years" at 94 years old. She promised next time she comes she will try the Standup PaddleBoards!

Never say you’re too old to have a good time kayaking....

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WHY MAKE A FLOAT PLAN?

Please read below as Captain Marian shares a story about an event that took place this past month.

We are sharing this in hopes of conveying the importance of the small things that can be done to insure a “100” on safety records for us all.

In over 20 years of operation I have had to notify the U.S. Coast Guard only once of a “late arrival” and put into action a rescue situation.

If you’ve ever kayaked from Grande Tours you know that we require, along with a signature, a land and cell number, name, time leaving and estimated time to return and a “FLOAT PLAN” . . . meaning your destination area. Most important as well, is we require that you leave your drivers license with us to hold and ask you to return to the office to obtain your license. This check and balance assures us you have returned safely. This is a part of our routine record keeping.

Last week a kayaker was 1 hour overdue and thanks to the quick thinking of Terri and Bill, they put our office policy in gear. First try and contact that person by cell and send a guide out to the designated area to look for them. If unable to locate the overdue kayaker in 1 ½ hours past due we notify authorities. Doing this twice in my kayaking business it is for sure a serious matter. In this case we were able to locate her and return to our ramp before dark unassisted by the authorities. All went well and she was safe at home that night with her family. Had we not found her, the local sheriff’ officers would have arrived and the U.S. Coast Guard would have been close behind. In a matter of less than an hour a full search, air and sea, would have been under way to locate an “over due” kayaker.

Both of the 2 events here have ended with a good out come. Why? Because we have a float plan, identification, phone numbers, destination area and a procedure for action.

On your next visit with us for an outing on the water when we ask for your drivers license and other info, please do not feel inconvenienced…. we are doing our job.

If you leave home on your own for a day on the water, leave a plan at home or with a friend. It saves a lot of time and worry if needed….

Thanks, Captain Marian

KID's KAMP

It's not that far away so start planning!

Summer 2012

dates are:

June 4-8

June 11-15

June 25-29

July 9-13

July 23-27

Go to our website for more information.

GRANDE TOURS HOURS

7 days a week, 8:30 a m. til 4:30 p. m.

FREE In-Water Kayak and Standup PaddleBoard Demos /Sampler

Every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

We have a good selection of Kayaks and Standup PaddleBoards to try with a short wait time.

FREE Frequent Floaters program - Every 5th launch or rental is FREE.

“Lets break some water!!!”

Captain Marian ……………

email us at info@grandetours.com