Northern California Science Writers Association

NCSWA Point Reyes Kayak Camping

  • Saturday, August 21, 2010
  • Sunday, August 22, 2010
  • Tomales Bay
Thanks to the outstanding success of last year's Arrowhead Marsh NCSWA sea kayak trip, we are going to try something newundefinedan overnight kayak trip to Tamales Point on Point Reyes!

This will be a relaxed 3.5-mile paddle to one of the secluded beach campgrounds on the west side of Tamales Bay, near the north end of the bay. These campsites can only be reached by boat, and so it will be a unique experience!

The area is home to a rich assortment of wildlife, both in an out of the water, including harbor seals which haul out at Hog Island (which we'll pass on our way to the campsite), and reintroduced tule elk on Point Reyes itself.

Once at the campsite you can hang out, read a book, take in the scenery, and maybe even watch some tule elk visible from the campsite (it'll be elk rutting season, so we'll stay close to camp). After dinner, those still feeling energetic can come out for a short full moon paddle on the bay.

No kayaking experience is required, but you should should have a good level of fitness, an interest in trying new things, and (importantly!) be able to swim. We will ride in stable, two-person kayaks. Our paddling to and from the campsite (which involves crossing Tamales Bay) will be timed for the morning hours, when winds and waters are generally at their calmest.

Participants will bring their own camping gear (including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, etc), which we'll transport to the campsite inside our kayaks. Dinner will be a potluck; each participant will plan his or her own breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

The trip will be led by Erik Vanceundefineda NCSWA member, sea kayak instructor, former naturalist with Save the Bay, and former wildlife biologist.

Our per person price ($92/$99) represents a substantial, approximately 50% discount compared to most commercial-run overnight tripsundefinedour guide, Erik Vance, is donating his time for the event!

WHEN:
Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22
(1-night camping trip)

WHERE:
Blue Waters Sea Kayaking
19225 Shoreline Hwy (Highway 1)
(Just south of Marshall, CA)
http://www.bwkayak.com

SCHEDULE: :

8:30am (Saturday): Arrive at Blue Waters to sign forms and gather kayak equipment.

9:30am (Sat): With kayaks in tow, we'll relocate to another location (Nick's Cove Boat Launch) several miles north on Hwy 1. Once there, we'll do some brief instruction on paddling technique, and then launch the kayaks.

~2:00pm (Sat): Arrive at camp site on other side of Tamales Bay.

~8:00pm (Sat): Brief moonlight paddle (conditions permitting)

9:30am (Sunday): Launch kayaks for return paddle across Tamales Bay.

~2:00pm (Sunday): Arrive back at the kayak takeout site on Hwy 1.

Optional: ~3:00pm (Sunday): Drinks and oysters at one of the area's many oyster farms!

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME:
Paddling launch and return times are determined by the tides and daily wind patterns, and so it’s extremely important that participants arrive on time. In order to avoid compromising the paddle experiences of the whole group, late arrivals may be left behind!

Space is limited to a maximum of 10 or 12 sign-upsundefinedso register early!

Members are allowed to bring 1 non-member guest.

PAYMENT:
To Register pay via PayPal: (No PayPal account required.)
To reserve your spot, please select your membership type and click on the Add to Cart Button.

Member Pricing: $92.00

Non-Member Pricing: $99.00

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