About finding a nice place to paddle in central California, there are several nice spots depending on how much time you have and your skill level. Most of the coast is fully exposed so I will emphasize areas that give at least partial shelter: 1. Around Half Moon Bay, near but not in the Mavericks wave, there are some beautiful beaches and cliffs and the bay itself provides day trip shelter. 2. The Monterrey Bay area is famous and the Elkhorn Slough is ecologically and aesthetically fascinating. Potentially big water of course but shelter can be found somewhere in this area. Paddling out from near the Monterrey Bay Aquarium is wonderful. Otters, Sea Lions, seals, and the occasional whale. Elkhorn Slough is tidal and well worth an entire day to explore. 3. My favorite place by far anywhere on the California coast is north of San Francisco just a bit at Tomales Bay/Pt. Reyes National Seashore. A paradise, virtually pristine, unbelievably interesting historically, ecologically and sheltered from all pacific swell. Colder a bit than down south but well worth it, camping available but be extremely leave not trace. There is a guidebook out now that I think discusses this area, though I don't remember the title and haven't read it. Bay Area paddling? Northern California paddling? By the way, famous for Great White Sharks, divers have been chomped, but after months of kayak camping in the area I never saw anything but sand sharks. 4. Finally, consider the Morro Bay area. I haven't paddled there but the Bay itself is sheltered and I suppose like anywhere on the California coast if the swell is calm and wind low there are places to enjoy outside the jetty. 5. Finally, Finally- The Channel Islands! The Channel Islands! The Channel Islands off Santa Barbara. Takes time to arrange the logistics but incredible paddling awaits you. Good luck, Brian Windrope _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free _at_yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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