There are two kayak stores in Moss Landing at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, both primarily (exclusively?) renting closed deck kayaks. Monterey Bay Kayaks - http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/info/moss_landing.php Kayak Connection - http://www.kayakconnection.com/ Elkhorn Slough is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Hopefully the store will give you details on the marine mammal protection act, which basically means don't paddle too close to seals on the beach (having to get in the water stresses them out). Also, the Slough is tidal and there can be a strong onshore breeze in the afternoon. Assuming you head inland from one of the above stores, if the current and wind are against you, it can be a difficult slog back. Also, be careful about following any side streams if the tide is dropping - you may have to wait for the tide to lift you back out. The water is cold year-round, so you if you are a "dress for immersion" type, be sure to plan on renting a wetsuit (which will be offered at both stores) Finally, a word on the weather. You will be visiting during the start of the rainy season, which means you may encounter some days of gray, drizzly rain or a pacific storm. Or it might be warm and sunny. Even if it is warm and sunny, the local microclimates can cause significant temperature variations. Also, the aforementioned onshore breezes are typically weaker during the rainy season, although they will be strongest when the weather is sunniest. I hope you have a great time, Mark On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 8:04 AM, Boog O'Shea <apachedevil_at_gmail.com> wrote: > Hi, I'm looking for some advice from you Left coasters. I'll be on a > business trip to Santa Cruz November 5th. The following days I'll be > traveling some, but I'd really like to kayak the Elkhorn Slough. I'll need > to rent a kayak and equipment. Any tips on outfitters or where to kayak, > what to look for or expect would be greatly appreciated. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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