ABOUT THE ELKHORN SLOUGH TRIP:

Meeting time: 9:00AM; AUGUST 22 IS A SUNSET/MOONRISE TRIP, FROM 2PM TO 7:30PM!
Duration: About 6 hours

All trips launch from the Kirby Park boat ramp.

Trip prerequisite: No previous experience is required for double kayaks; Beginning Sea Kayaking class or equivalent for single kayak. (Please let us know your boat preference when you sign up - double or single kayak.)

Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest remaining coastal wetlands. This salt marsh is home to thousands of birds and numerous harbor seals, leopard sharks and sea otters. We will spend the day exploring quiet waterways and enjoying the inhabitants of this preserve from a unique perspective. Depending on the tide, we typically pull ashore for a lunch break; or, we could have a relaxing snack in our boats. This is a great trip for novices or students who have recently completed our Beginning Sea Kayaking class. Double sea kayaks are used for our Elkhorn tours; a limited number of single kayaks are available for paddlers that have completed the class.

Photos by our guide, Greg Meyer

About our guide:

Greg Meyer has worked as a professional naturalist since 1985. He has lead expeditions to the fjords of Alaska, the rainforests of Central America and the glaciers of Antarctica. His special interests are the biology of birds, mammals and the natural history of California. Greg is also a nationally certified sea kayak instructor and teaches in the Outdoor Education Program at California State University Monterey Bay.

Photos gallery, and newsletter from Elkhorn Slough Foundation

EQUIPMENT:
CCK provides all kayak equipment, including paddle jacket, wetsuit, and Personal Floatation Device (PFD), paddle and kayak. Wetsuits are optional for this trp, as we are not planning to practice capsizes! You will need to provide some personal clothing; you can purchase the recommended items from our on-line store, www.Purepaddlesports.com. For assistance with on-line purchases, call us toll-free: (888) 452-9257.

You will need to bring:
* IMPORTANT! One or two long sleeve shirts of "polar fleece", or other polyester fabric; wool is OK. No cotton, please!
Purchase a Thermal Top now!

* A swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit (Wetsuits are optional, and typically not necessary for this trip!)
Purchase Paddlers Pants or Shorts now!

*Fleece or polyester/nylon pants to wear instead of wetsuit; shorts OK for warm days.
Purchase Thermal Bottoms now!

* Footwear that can get wet, e.g., wet suit booties, lightweight sneakers (not too bulky).
Purchase Wet Suit Booties now!

* Billed cap or hat for shade or warmth; wool hat for winter class.
Purchase a Paddling hat or hood now!

* Eye/sunglasses and a retention device.
* 1 qt. water bottle(s)- bring water, there is none on-site!
* Snacks and lunch (in a zip-loc bag, preferably; we will transport in kayaks.
* Waterproof sunscreen for lips & face.
* Dry, warm clothes and a towel for the end of class.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE:
All trips launch from the Kirby Park boat ramp.
Regular trip start time is 9AM and finish at 3PM.

NOTE: All programs are subject to last minute (on the day of the event) cancellation due to weather, hazardous conditions, or other safety considerations.

DIRECTIONS:

Map of Slough Area
To get to Kirby Park Boat Ramp, take Highway 1 south from Santa Cruz past Watsonville and the Pajaro River. Before you reach Moss Landing (there is a big power plant with tall smoke stacks), watch for the flashing yellow light at Salinas Rd. Turn left on Salinas Rd and drive approximately 1.2 miles, bearing right on Werner Rd. (there will be a sign for "Los Lomas, Elkhorn"). Turn right at the stop sign and proceed .75 mile, turning right again on Elkhorn Rd. Take Elkhorn Rd. 2.2 miles to Kirby Park.

Alternate route: From the Bay Area you can also reach the Kirby Park launch site by taking Highway 101 south. About 18 miles south of Gilroy, turn right on to San Miguel Canyon Road (G12, near the town of Prunedale). Go north for approximately 1/2 mile to Castroville Blvd and turn left. Go 4 miles to Elkhorn Rd, turn right and drive 4.5 miles to Kirby Park.

LIABILITY RELEASE FORM:
You will be required to sign a Liability Release, Express Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement at the start of your class or trip. The entire text of this legal form may be viewed here for your perusal: Liability Release. It also can be provided to you by fax or mail upon request by calling our reservation office @ 800-366-9804.