Category Archives: Paddle

New Year’s Day Paddle & Festivities – OC Edition

Meet at the Coast Guard Beach in Newport Beach at 9 AM. Be prepared to launch at 9:30 sharp. We will paddle close to the surf line and the rocks down past Big Arch Rock at an exploratory pace (slow) with an optional landing through the surf at Toxic Beach if conditions permit. Please wear a helmet if you intend to land in the surf and or do a little rock gardening. If conditions are not suitable we’ll keep a safe distance from the rocks and surf.

This paddle is for paddlers comfortable paddling on the open ocean, close to rocks and capable of performing self-rescue. We look out for each other but none of us are paddling as instructors or guides.

 
Lunch and musical festivities afterward (noonish) at ‘Fireside’ (Bison and MacArthur outdoor food court by Chipotle). If you are unable to make the paddle you are more than welcome to join us for food, song and laughter. Featured tunes for the day, “Scream Like A Littler girl”, “Linked By Water” “Deep trouble”, “Roll Up or Drown (Out of OC)” 
 

San Diego River Clean Up

Once a year, the San Diego River Park Foundation gets special permission to enter the San Diego River Estuary on kayaks and pull trash out of the water in this sensitive habitat. This is a unique opportunity to see the San Diego River from a new angle while helping out!

The San Diego River Estuary is a critically important 330-acre wildlife area with habitat for many sensitive species, including endangered birds that nest in the estuary, like the Ridgway’s Rail and the California Least Tern. Over 100 different species of birds use this area as a rest area along the Pacific Flyway during their yearly migrations between Alaska and Mexico.

Thanks to the support from Aqua Adventures, we will have kayaks available for volunteers to borrow, but you are welcome to bring your own. Kayaks will be sent out in two shifts: 9a-10:30a and 10:30a-12p.

While boats are in the water, shore volunteers will remove trash along the banks of the estuary and the adjacent San Diego River Trail.

Limited volunteer spots available. To sign-up for the interest list and receive full details, please email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org

Tall Ships Club Paddle and Picnic

Kayaking affords a special view

The Third Annual SDKC Tall Ships Paddle and Picnic will coincide with the Tall Ships event on the “Big Bay” this year. The Liberty Station launch ramp is the ideal place for us to gather, launch our boats, and have a picnic afterwards. There is plenty of parking, and restrooms are close by, just to the south in the park. The “Tall Ships” will be tied up at the embarcadero area of downtown, and there may be “Gun Fights” on the bay in the morning for us to view as we paddle.

Date: Saturday, September 2nd

Launch Time: 9:00 am

Launch Location: Liberty Station launch ramp (see map below)

Who is Invited: SDKC members, CKF members, Night Herons, Valley-Wide Kayak Club, TRR people, Thursday Night and Meet-Up Paddle Groups, and any guests you want to invite. SOT’s & SUP’s are encouraged to join in on the fun (life jackets must be worn by all paddlers). Youth 15 and older are welcome if they are experienced paddlers and able to paddle 7 miles on flat water. They must paddle with, and close to their parents at all times.

Rentals of Boats & Stand-Up Paddle Boards Available:  Aqua Adventures has special “overnight rental rates” for boats, paddle boards, and foam car top carriers. You must pick yours up at AA on Sept 1st. Give them a call to reserve yours at (619) 523-9577. 

Picnic Following the Paddle: Around 1 pm…or when we return from the paddle.  If you can’t make the paddle, come join us at the picnic!

Duration of the Paddle:  We will be on the water for about 3 hours, checking out the Tall Ships and gun battles out on the bay.

SAFETY NOTICE: This is aintermediate-level paddle of at least 7 miles, not intended for beginners (those with little experience). Please read the “Disclaimer” at the end of this announcement.

There will be a lot of power boats, personal watercraft, and sail boats on the bay during this event, so we need to stay close to shore at all times. When we cross the open water between Harbor Island and the B Street Pier, we need to stay in large groups, in order to be more visible to other boaters.

CAUTION: The ramp at our Liberty Station launch site can be very slippery, so be careful when you walk down that concrete ramp.

Our Plotted Course is in Yellow

What to Bring: All safety gear (life jackets must be worn by all paddlers), VHF radio, camera, zinc sunscreen for skin and lips, sun glasses, water and snacks for the paddle, hat (a few of our new club hats will be available to purchase for $15), food and drinks for the picnic (everyone brings their own, andno glass bottles please), and a blanket to sit on. There is a grassy area next to the ramp for cleaning off your boat, so bring water for that.

Directions to Liberty Station Launch Ramp: From I-5 south and I-8 west, take the Rosecrans exit (which is Hwy 209 on the map). Take Rosecrans to Lytton Street (at the Sail Ho golf course) and turn left. Take the first right, into Liberty Station. Follow the one way street to Sims Road and turn left. Turn left on Historic Decatur, a one-way street which takes you back toward the entrance. You will immediately see another street named Perry on your left. Turn into the parking lot on your right at that juncture. The ramp is at the east end of that lot (LS Launch on the map). There are restrooms just south in the park (follow the sidewalk along the canal/park).

Liberty Station Launch Site

Valley Wide Kayak Club Fundraiser Kayak Paddle at Lake Hemet


On Saturday, October 21st, 2017 the Valley Wide Kayak Club will hold its “14th Annual Charity Paddle and Barbecue to benefit Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times” – our non-profit neighbor that provides cost-free programs and services to children with cancer and their families. Sign up details at: https://www.classy.org/events/-/e135113

The Campsite is located just across the road from Lake Hemet where the Charity Paddle event is held. We cherish organizing this fun, active event each year in honor of Camp Good Times which serves over 1,600 campers in need each year. 

Come camp with the Valley Wide Kayak Group from Friday through Sunday at Lake Hemet Campground! Call Lake Hemet Campground at (951) 659-2680 to register your space in campground 2A. Upon calling, please mention you’re with the Valley Wide Kayak Club for the event Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. Register ASAP as these spaces will fill up quickly!

Skills Practice Session

Paddlers!  Come play with us.

Let’s take advantage of the warm water with a skills practice. 

We’ll use the usual format – buddy up and work on whatever suits you.

Generally, the veterans join in to help coach, so novice paddlers are welcome to get wet with us, and be prepared for plenty of laughs.

DATE:                            Saturday, July 15

RALLY TIME:                  8:30 am

LAUNCH TIME:              9 am

DURATION:                   1 – 2 hours

LAUNCH SITE:               Aqua Adventures Dock

VENUE:                          Mariner’s Cove, where there’s a nice beach and bathrooms

OPTIONAL:                    Getting wet, or not

RECOMMENDED:            Warm paddling clothes with a splash jacket or a dry top/dry suit

 

PLEASE NOTE:

These paddles are not sanctioned San Diego Kayak Club or Aqua Adventures events. The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator.”  

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-rescue and assist in the rescue of others. They should be able to launch and/or land in small surf

La Jolla Sea Caves Paddle

Jen’s shop at the shores is providing tandem sit-on-top kayaks for this special guided paddle for the club. If you have never seen those caves, this is a great way to view them. SOT kayaks are a great and easy way to go through the surf and allow for sliding off the boat to swim inside the caves. Dominick Lemarie will be guiding us, and providing information about the caves in both English and French! The cost is $25 per person, which includes all equipment (or wear your own life vest). Kids 6 and older are welcomed (6-14-year-olds must be on a boat with an adult). We will meet at 8:30 at the LJ Sea Caves shop, located at 2164 Avenida De La Playa, above the Shore Rider Bar and Grill, and launch at 9 am for a 1-hour 40-minute paddle. You must call the shop and pay in advance, and there is a 20 person limit, so call soon. 858 454-0111. Also, email Jay Murdock for the waiver to sign and bring with you.

11th Annual Kayak Batiquitos Lagoon Cleanup

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) is pleased to announce it’s 11th Annual Kayak Batiquitos Lagoon Clean-up event, the only time of the year when kayaks are allowed on the lagoon! This annual event is sponsored by REI Outdoor School and their Encinitas store, 1590 Leucadia Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024 ((760) 944-9020). We also thank California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for being a partner with us in this very important clean-up event of Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve and helping to maintain its health.

You can sign up here:  www.batiquitosfoundation.org

Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, 2016

Kayak launch times from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm

Meet at La Costa Park and Ride (I-5 and LaCosta Avenue)

$60 per person for two hours which includes registration, water safety instruction and time on the lagoon (tax-deductible!)

You can bring your own kayak or use one provided by REI. (Please note the minimum age for participating in kayaking on the lagoon is 12). Bring your appetite because the Dos Bandidos Baja food truck will be on site from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
Plan to spend a few hours at this great family event!

You will find important information about the event, including a registration link to eventbrite.com, at www.batiquitosfoundation.org

Skills Practice

Let’s tune up our skills while we have such warm water temperatures.

We’ll use the usual format – buddy up and work on whatever suits you.
Generally, the veterans join in to help coach, so novice paddlers are welcome to get wet with us, and be prepared for plenty of laughs.

DATE: Saturday, August 27
RALLY TIME: 8:30 am
LAUNCH TIME: 9 am
DURATION: 1 – 2 hours
LAUNCH SITE: Aqua Adventures Dock
VENUE: Mariner’s Cove, where there is a nice beach and bathrooms
OPTIONAL: Getting wet, or not
RECOMMENDED: Warm paddling clothes with a splash jacket or a dry top/dry suit

PLEASE NOTE:
These paddles are not sanctioned San Diego Kayak Club or Aqua Adventures events. The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator.”

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-rescue and assist in the rescue of others. They should be able to launch and/or land in small surf.

Tall Ships Club Paddle and Picnic

Kayaking affords a special view

Kayaking affords a special view

The “Second Annual SDKC Tall Ships Paddle and Picnic” will coincide with the “Tall Ships” event on the “Big Bay” this year. The Liberty Station launch ramp is the ideal place for us to gather, launch our boats, and have a  picnic afterwards. There is plenty of parking, and restrooms are close by, just to the south in the park. The “Tall Ships” will be tied up at the embarcadero area of downtown, and there may be “Gun Fights” on the bay in the morning for us to view as we paddle.

Date: Saturday, September 3rd

Launch Time: 9:00 am

Launch Location: Liberty Station launch ramp (see map below)

Who is Invited: SDKC members, CKF members, Night Herons, Valley-Wide Kayak Club, TRR people, Thursday Night and Meet-Up Paddle Groups, and any guests you want to invite. SOT’s & SUP’s are encouraged to join in on the fun (life jackets must be worn by all paddlers). Youth 15 and older are welcome if they are experienced paddlers and able to paddle 7 miles on flat water. They must paddle with, and close to their parents at all times.

Rentals of Boats & Stand-Up Paddle Boards Available:  Aqua Adventures has special “overnight rental rates” for boats, paddle boards, and foam car top carriers. You must pick yours up at AA on Sept 4th. Give them a call to reserve yours at (619) 523-9577. 

Picnic Following the Paddle: Around 1 pm…or when we return from the paddle.  If you can’t make the paddle, come join us at the picnic!

Duration of the Paddle:  We will be on the water for about 3 hours, checking out the Tall Ships and gun battles out on the bay.

SAFETY NOTICE: This is a intermediate-level paddle of at least 7 miles, not intended for beginners (those with little experience). Please read the “Disclaimer” at the end of this announcement.

There will be a lot of power boats, personal watercraft, and sail boats on the bay during this event, so we need to stay close to shore at all times. When we cross the open water between Harbor Island and the B Street Pier, we need to stay in large groups, in order to be more visible to other boaters.

CAUTION: The ramp at our Liberty Station launch site can be very slippery, so be careful when you walk down that concrete ramp.

Our Plotted Course is in Yellow

Our Plotted Course is in Yellow

What to Bring: All safety gear (life jackets must be worn by all paddlers), VHF radio, camera, zinc sunscreen for skin and lips, sun glasses, water and snacks for the paddle, hat (a few of our new club hats will be available to purchase for $15), food and drinks for the picnic (everyone brings their own, and no glass bottles please), and a blanket to sit on. There is a grassy area next to the ramp for cleaning off your boat, so bring water for that.

IMGP0711 IMGP0735

Click on these photos from last year to enlarge

Directions to Liberty Station Launch Ramp: From I-5 south and I-8 west, take the Rosecrans exit (which is Hwy 209 on the map). Take Rosecrans to Lytton Street (at the Sail Ho golf course) and turn left. Take the first right, into Liberty Station. Follow the one way street to Sims Road and turn left. Turn left on Historic Decatur, a one-way street which takes you back toward the entrance. You will immediately see another street named Perry on your left. Turn into the parking lot on your right at that juncture. The ramp is at the east end of that lot (LS Launch on the map). There are restrooms just south in the park (follow the sidewalk along the canal/park).

Liberty Station Launch Site

Liberty Station Launch Site

PLEASE NOTE: The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator”.

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-rescue and assist in the rescue of others. They should be able to launch and/or land along the rocky bay front.

Batiquitos Lagoon Annual Kayak Cleanup Event

The Batiquitos Annual Kayak Cleanup Event is the only time of year when kayaks are allowed on Batiquitos Lagoon, which is an ecological preserve bordering Carlsbad, Ca and Encinitas, Ca. It is one of the few remaining wetlands in the U.S. and is home to many species of birds, fish and animals, many of whom are endangered. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation is a non profit 501(c)(3) run entirely by volunteers. This is our major fundraising event of the year.

Bring your own kayak or use one provided by REI, minimum age is 12 years. It is a two hour event fundraiser priced at $60 per person. Kayaks will launch every 2 hours in groups of six with a water safety instructor. Participants will go around the lagoon and collect trash, plastic, debris etc. The cost is $60.

There will be scheduled family events all day on site such as: live animal demonstrations, bird viewing, and arts & crafts for kids. REI will sponsor a Go Pro master class and a My First Cleanup event for ages 4+. Dos Bandidos Baja food truck will be on site both days. Have fun and help the environment. Help keep Batiquitos beautiful!

Sign up at www.batiquitosfoundation.org

The location is the Park & Ride on La Costa Ave Carlsbad, Ca It is a two day event held Saturday and Sunday 11/14/15 & 11/15/15