Improving River Access: RAM Docking Facility Opens

[peestandingup]

If you had the bike why would you need to ride the taxi?

No reason really (unless I just didnt feel like going over the bridge). Was really just curious.

[fieldafm]

Cool, thanks. Although those prices. OUCH! Charging $3 and $5 for a one way trip to just cross the rover is pretty pricey.

I use the Water Taxi for Jags games(far cheaper than paying for parking at the stadium, plus pre-partying at the Landing and post-victory celebrations at Dos Gatos is more fun-and not as hot- than tailgating).  A lot of hotel guests use the water taxi as well. 

A cool idea would be to have a MOSH promotion for RAM attendees using the Water Taxi once the service is up and running on the dock.

[peestandingup]

Seems like the water taxi is privately owned: http://www.jaxwatertaxi.com/about.html Good on them I guess, but some competition would be nice.

I wonder why JTA doesn't do this? It's a transportation issue. I mean, I know the bridge entrance is up the street, but its not exactly convenient to pedestrians who are on the Riverwalk or hanging around the Landing.

[north miami]

The boat pictured at the dock,"Whales Tale" is a well preserved and loved 1970's vintage 43 Hatteras Flush Deck Motor Yacht that berths just around the corner from the RAM dock,on the Ortega River at Jacksonville Marina Mile's Lamb's Yacht Center.

Also pictured are two kayaks on the dock- Noone & lucky company no doubt??

Ouch!- Advil moment getting up and out of a sit inside 'yak-or even on topper- and ending up on the dock.
Is there a trick to this Noone??
The key to future hand launch craft enjoyment,use and promotion of such facility may well depend on kayak friendly embark/disembark docking structures.

Understood dock use to be limited due to the presence of the facility within a core Manatee high use,concentrated funnel-the question is could non motorized small craft be reasonably accommodated outside of present restriction ??

[urbaknight]

Seems like the water taxi is privately owned: http://www.jaxwatertaxi.com/about.html Good on them I guess, but some competition would be nice.

I wonder why JTA doesn't do this? It's a transportation issue. I mean, I know the bridge entrance is up the street, but its not exactly convenient to pedestrians who are on the Riverwalk or hanging around the Landing.

t is privately owned, My grandfatherworked for them for about 15 years. Had the most experience of all the other captains. He was a tugboat captain for over 30 tears. My uncle works the football games sometimes as a deckhand. Had some good times on the water taxi.

[fieldafm]

Good on them I guess, but some competition would be nice.

There used to be two or three services downtown, the city has a bid and only one water taxi is allowed now.  There were some issues with having too many carriers at one point. 

The current SS Water Taxi service is good... they operate efficiently and pretty cheaply for what it is. 

You should check out one of the upcoming St Johns Riverkeeper boat rides coming up.  SS hosts those and they are fantastic!

Whales Tale" is a well preserved and loved 1970's vintage 43 Hatteras Flush Deck Motor Yacht that berths just around the corner from the RAM dock,on the Ortega River at Jacksonville Marina Mile's Lamb's Yacht Center.

That is indeed a pristine vessel.  The folks were real nice too!

Also pictured are two kayaks on the dock- Noone & lucky company no doubt??

No, we paddled Hogans in the morning with JaxNative.  I tried getting Noone to make the trip to RAM but we were short on time.

Ouch!- Advil moment getting up and out of a sit inside 'yak-or even on topper- and ending up on the dock.
Is there a trick to this Noone??
The key to future hand launch craft enjoyment,use and promotion of such facility may well depend on kayak friendly embark/disembark docking structures

I've launched several times at the dock @ Stinson Park and it's not so bad.  If you want to paddle up to the RAM dock on say the 26th, let me know... I'm sure the burgeoning urban kayaking group will be happy to make a morning of it.

the question is could non motorized small craft be reasonably accommodated outside of present restriction

At present, the gate will remain locked during the week.  I totally agree that hand launched vessels should be given access during any daylight hours... but its going to be an uphill climb.  We need a few good people such as yourself to show up at Waterways to let their feelings be known... b/c it is my understanding that the State of Florida DEP, Parks Dept and LPS all need to modify the permitting if that would be the case.

[Noone]

The Gate will remain locked during the week. This decision came completely out of left field. Just reinforces why moving forward everyone should be concerned about Bay St. Pier Park and the access issue. Nobody is stepping up to the plate.

Personally until a kayak launch is attached to the pier I might try and get out on the rocks. We may know the answer on the 26Th.

Field can you post the other pictures from our Hogans Creek trip under the Exposing Hogans Creek thread. I do plan on going to Waterways on Wend.

[tayana42]

I believe the locked gate at the top of the gangway is there due to the permit restrictions on the dock.  My interpretation is that you can climb over the gate and no one is going to be upset.  So, on Sundays, when the RAM site is pretty much vacant and you can drive right in with your kayak, give it a try.

[fieldafm]

Field can you post the other pictures from our Hogans Creek trip under the Exposing Hogans Creek thread. I do plan on going to Waterways on Wend.

I'll have them up this week... where are yours buddy?  If you want I can copy over what you have and post them up too.

I won't be at Waterways Wed, can't get out of work.  They need to hold those meetings after 5!

[north miami]

quote]the question is could non motorized small craft be reasonably accommodated outside of present restriction

At present, the gate will remain locked during the week.  I totally agree that hand launched vessels should be given access during any daylight hours... but its going to be an uphill climb.  We need a few good people such as yourself to show up at Waterways to let their feelings be known... b/c it is my understanding that the State of Florida DEP, Parks Dept and LPS all need to modify the permitting if that would be the case.

In my experience I suggest one not rely solely on the Jacksonville Waterways Commission .
(For instance,during Jacksonville Marine Association J.T.Lowe's prime era I learned to check in with the Governor's environmental staff person Estes Whitfield for a balanced assessment of an issue)
Individuals should contact the agencies and research themselves.In this case contacts could also include The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission office of Boating and Waterways and our own Dr.Quinton White.(And I bet conversations with our current Governor's office could well spurn endless MJ threads LOL!....)
Individual action does not preclude 'organized',but is rather a potential effective firewall and empowerment of the "somebody".
                   "Things don't turn up in this world until somebody turns them up"- James A. Garfield

[billy]

This may be wrong forum, but is a final version of HDR Hogans Creek study available?

[InnerCityPressure]

I am just hearing about the possibility of canoeing or kayaking around the city (i.e. Hogan's, McCoy's)  Is it legal to canoe in the St. John's right in the city?  I keep saying canoe, because I would likely have to do that with the family as opposed to kayak... Are there any places to launch around Riverside?

[Noone]

In my opinion canoeing in the river could be dangerous especially with the tides and currents. Creeks are safer.

As for Riverside that is District 14 and what a great question to ask the candidates that are running for that council district.

Please share with us what they tell you.

[fieldafm]

Innercity... come out with us next time we do Hogans or McCoys!

The current gets VERY swift downtown, especially b/w the Acosta and Main Street bridges.

As for Dist 14(my district), my man is Jim Love.  He does in fact 'get' river stewardship and river access.

That being said, a great spot to launch in Riverside/Avondale area is the former Yacht Club basin... it is now parkspace bordering Beu Rivage condos.  Depending on the tidal conditions, its a neat spot to launch from.

[north miami]

InnerCity-I concur that caution is in order regarding downtown waters.

Night time vessel use is allowed.For Boating Laws (such as night operation/lighting etc.) and responsibilities see for instance    www.Boat-Ed.com/fl

Night time on the river is special any time.Floating out on the river in front of the RAM area between I-95 and the railroad bridge,looking east,one feels like they are floating in a giant bowl of blue jello thanks to the light reflection.And then of course the full moon events.......

Another near by hand lauch alternative is the park at Ortega River bridge.South side with parking and short haul to the pier and pocket beach.This puts you right around the corner from the big river,and also handy to Ortega/McGirts and
(*** ***).

Regarding the "River" vote in District 14......... know that positive events with one tributary are far ahead of any of the great District 14 candidates anyway.
Thanks to the RAP District 14 Candidate Forum question regarding the imperiled waterway that defines the southwestern boundary of RAP,to which ALL of the candidates stumbled,(*** ***) is a matter of expanded general knowledge and conversation.
In my assesement,based on over a decade of study and involvement,the candidate who caught up the quickest,with transparent depth,is JILL DAME.
In any instance where an office holder proves inadequate on any "River resource" matter we need simply only look in the mirror.

 *** ***(Fishweir Creek) Big and Little......