NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Kayaking through local waterways has its challenges: oyster bars, a labyrinth of islands, unexpected tidal changes and even curious manatees.

Knowing where some of these obstacles are located and being prepared for them might save paddlers from a night in the wild or maybe even an unplanned dip in the water.

That's why Susanne Inman , Volusia County's facilities and trails planner, is seeking input from local paddlers for the East Volusia Paddling Trails Project. Anyone interested is invited to attend the 6 p.m. Wednesday meeting at the Brannon Center, 105 S. Riverside Dr.

Armed with a $9,151 grant from the Ponce De Leon Inlet and Port District, Inman will welcome suggestions for display signs that will highlight paddling trails, points of interest, safety measures and a bit of local history.

"It will be something that people can use to orient themselves," she said.

The grant money will help fund the construction and design of four large signs to be placed in Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach, the Wilbur Boat House in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, and at the Gamble Place in Port Orange.

Another location along the Mosquito Lagoon has yet to be identified, Inman said, but she is open to suggestions.

Ann Arnold, president of the Mosquito Lagoon Paddlers Club, plans to attend Wednesday's meeting with club members to talk about safety measures, such as carrying a cell phone and telling someone where you are going.

"Going out alone is dangerous," she said. "You have to watch the sky and you have to be aware of the weather. It's a very safe hobby but you will be safer if you pay attention."

After spending about 10 years paddling and watching the local waterways change, she also wants to remind canoeists and kayakers to be aware of the tides.

For example, Spruce Creek is tidal and when the tide is out, Arnold said, areas once deep enough for a vessel can turn into a long and muddy walk.

Actually wearing a lifejacket, rather than just keeping it in the boat, also is important, said Arnold, who said she once watched a man get flipped out of his kayak when a manatee surfaced underneath him.

Mapping trails should be easy for Paddlers Club members, said Ken Knapton, who recently undertook a 70-mile kayak trip through the Everglades.

"We know every inch of the trails," he said.

Although he is not sure he will attend the meeting, Knapton said the county needs to construct more launch sites so kayakers do not have to compete for ramp space with boaters.

While Inman said there is not enough funding to purchase more land for launch sites, she will take suggestions for future grant proposals.

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