Sea Conditions Rating System by Eric Soares... Caution this system is meant to enhance other types of judgment, not to be used in a cookbook fashion.
Trip Rating System from Roger Schumann and Jan Shriner's book: Guide To Sea Kayaking Central & Northern California
Ocean & Recreational Safety Brochures compliments of North Shore Paddlers Network
What to carry when out on the water
Members may send a request
to submit or pull an event.
Access to the lake is free if you have your own equipment. Even parking is free. This must be the best kept secret in L.A.
The courses are offered on each Sunday of the month as follows (equipment is included in the cost):
| 1st Sunday 9 - 11 a.m. or 11:30 - 1 p.m |
Kayak fitness orientation ($15) | It should be called "Introduction to kayaking" since it takes you through how to hold a paddle, paddle strokes and how to reenter your boat. You'll be comfortable in a kayak on flatwater after taking this course. After completing this course you will be eligible to rent equipment from the center and take other courses. |
| 2nd Sunday 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
Intro to Basic Paddling ($90) | An intensive course that will teach you strokes, wet exits and rolls. |
| 3rd Sunday 2-3 hours |
Ocean Kayaking ($25) | Place TBD The August trip will be out of Long Beach. Other trips go to the Channel Islands, Marina Del Rey, etc |
| 4th Sunday 9 - 11 a.m. |
Basic Kayak Review ($25) | An intermediate level course for people with some experience who would like to sharpen their skills. |
| 4th Sunday 11:30 - 1:30 |
Rolling Class and Gate paddling techniques ($25) | Refine your skills and get a good workout in the process. |
Wednesday Morning paddles - hosted by Aqua Adventures (San Diego)
Every Wednesday morning we host a social paddle at our shop. These paddles are
FREE if you provide your own kayak and gear, or just $10 if you use ours. See
Aqua
Adventures webpage for details.
Thursday Evening Paddles - hosted by Aqua Adventures (San Diego)
Every Thursday evening we host a social paddle at our shop. These paddles are
FREE if you provide your own kayak and gear, or just $10 if you use ours. This
is a great way to get out on the water on a regular basis and meet other paddlers.
Please meet at about 5:30pm so we can be on the water at 6:00 sharp! We'll paddle
for about 2 hours. Flashlights are a Coast Guard requirement after dark, so bring
one during the winter! You can purchase them here if you forget. See Aqua
Adventures webpage for details.
Southwind Kayak Center "Fun & Free" Try-Out Mornings
Every few weeks we host a fun morning when you, your friends and family are welcome
to demo lots of boats and paddles so you'll know which gear is right for you to
buy. We put out 20-40 touring and open-top, single and double kayaks and a variety
of paddles. Enjoy chatting with Southwind instructors and guides about the newest
and best in paddling gear! You can call a few days ahead to request particular
boats to try if youšve already narrowed your choice. No reservations or prior
experience necessary. Call Southwind Kayak Center first to confirm date, time
and location 949-261-0200 or 800-768-8494. At Newport Dunes 8:30 am - noon. See Southwinds
Webpage for details.
Evening Harbor Paddles - hosted by Southwind Kayak Center
Paddling at night is special! A great chance to meet other kayakers and try out
new kayaks. We gather at 6:00 pm to launch by 6:30 pm for a gentle but enthusiastic
paddle. First Strokes level skills required. Call Southwind Kayak Center first
to confirm date, time and location or to reserve your kayak 949-261-0200 or 800-768-8494.
FREE with your own boat. Age 11+. See Southwinds
Webpage for details. One bright flashlight and light stick required per boat!
Rentals available for $20 (includes light stick)
Southwind Kayak Center's Free Seminars Southwind periodically offers free seminars, Call Southwind for details 949-261-0200 or 800-768-8494 or visit their website.
Buying a Kayak Let us share with you all the technical information you need to make an easy decision about selecting a kayak.Whitewater Adventures Around the World Slide Show The world is indeed a big place, and there are big mountains and wild rivers waiting to be explored.
Fishing from Your Kayak Southwind's instructor Joe Pappano will show you everything that works (and some things guaranteed not to work) for ocean and lake fishing from your kayak.
Diving from Your Kayak Using a kayak can get you to some of the great dive spots along our coast that would be unreachable by swimming, and even some unreachable by bigger boats.
Paddling the Tropics in Folding Kayaks Join Southwind's co-owner Joanne Turner for her annual showing of Paddling the Tropics.
Boat Builder's Forum Bring your home-built kayak, in any stage of completion, and meet casually with other kayak builders and their boats on our front lawn.
Attention Senior Weekday Paddlers
If you are a week day paddler, or would like to be, why not call me so that we
can paddle together out of Dana Point or Newport Back Bay. Even enjoy practicing
a few rescues. Marvin
Steinbock, 949-829-8646
Santa Barbara, Monday Evenings, 7:00-10:00 PM Hosted by Paddle Sports
of Santa Barbara (805) 899-4925. Kayak rolling classes....the fine art of closed
deck recovery. Complete instructional course includes equipment (fee & preregistration
required). (Followup workshops free to CKF members. $5 for non-members). Everyone
helps out spotting for each other. Come on over to Anacapa Drive Center and spend
some quality time upside down.
Santa Barbara, CKF Many Wednesday evenings from 6-7 PM Ladies "One Hour
Vacation" Paddle Hosted by Gayle
Michel. Launch and return at the Santa Barbara Harbor Launch Ramp. Beginner
- experienced unwind from your busy week. Meet for exceptional paddle around the
harbor, pier and coast.
San Diego: Midweek Paddle, 6 PM most Wednesdays, hosted by Windsport, (619)
488-4642. Leave the day behind and enjoy the sparkling Mission Bay shoreline.
This evening paddle is an ideal time to see birds, seals and other marine life.
Beginners welcome, call for details.
Kayak Mother Ship Trip
Lee Lehman has connections to charter
the 75 foot schooner "Morning Star" based out of Ventura Harbor. It has very comfortable
accomodations, and those who wish can stay aboard on a Friday evening, BBQ and
fellowship, and leave early Saturday A.M. for Anacapa and spend the day kayaking,
sailing, and adventuring, returning Saturday evening. With 10 passengers, the
cost would be approx. $60.00 each including Saturday meals!
Please do not hesitate to call me and discuss any adventures you may have
in mind. My phone is (805) 653-6356. I often do not check my email for days
at a time.
Van Nuys, Lake Balboa "Fitness Kayaking" every day. Operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the park is open 365 days a year - no entrance fee and free parking. Rentals are available for $1 a session. For more details, see the Put Ins page or call (818) 756-9743. Ask for the green information brochure (general information about the park) or the blue Kayaking Fitness brochure.