Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Paddle with Optional Lunch Afterwards

Sea otters, check! Sea lions or harbor seals, check! Pelicans, cormorants and terns, check, check!

Join us for a relaxed paddle at Elkhorn Slough. The easiest spot in California to watch sea otters frolicking, snoozing and chowing down.

We'll launch from the beach next to Monterey Bay Kayaks (MBK) in Moss Landing, and then paddle under Highway 1 bridge towards the east end of slough, in direction of Kirby Park. Safety briefing is at 9:45 with goal of being on-the-water at 10:00am.

If you're renting, plan on being there when they open at 9am, as it takes a bit to pay, do their paperwork, and get geared up. Lots of good info on MBK website, including what to bring/wear (you should expect to get a little wet): https://www.montereybaykayaks.com/elkhorn-slough1.html

VERY IMPORTANT: TO GET ON THE "GOING" LIST...

(1) Please complete the Western Sea Kayakers (WSK) waiver here (every person needs their own WSK waiver, you can sign it using a smart phone, tablet, or desktop using a mouse):

https://form.jotform.com/JLAagency/western-sea-kayakers-waiver

(2) Please fill in your name, boat info (if renting, list 'Rental'), and whether you'll join us for a no-host lunch at a local restaurant. Complete a row on the Google Sheet here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/184domgrHr1LEy_4wEokGudPST6iGUlvOpeW3GfeBmM8/edit?usp=sharing

IF NO WAIVER OR NO TRIP SELECTION ON THE GOOGLE SHEET, YOUR RSVP WILL BE MOVED TO THE "NOT GOING" LIST.

Though MBK's website indicates that reservations aren't currently required; pre-paying (online or by phone) will speed things up: https://reservations.montereybaykayaks.com/reserve/tt58-rentals-in-the-elkhorn

Elkhorn Slough is a tidal slough and estuary on Monterey Bay in Monterey County, California. It is California's second largest estuary, and an ecological treasure at the heart of Monterey Bay. It provides much-needed habitat for hundreds of species of plants, animals and birds.

In addition to the sea otters and other wildlife, you’ll have a chance to paddle with the Western Sea Kayakers, a Bay Area paddling club.

We’ll make plans to have lunch afterwards at a local eatery.

Please be thoughtful about signing up and attending - we often have to turn people away because too many people sign up and then no-show.

PLEASE READ ALL THIS VERY CAREFULLY SO WE CAN GET EVERYONE ON THE WATER, ON TIME, HAVE AN ENJOYABLE PADDLE, AND RETURN SAFELY.

***** TRIP SUMMARY *****

ELKHORN SLOUGH PADDLE: On-the-water: 10:00 (Led by Steve S. with Jim M. assisting.)

Timeline
9:30AM - ELKHORN SLOUGH safety briefing
10:00 AM - ELKHORN SLOUGH: on-the-water (OTW)
12:30 PM - all groups off the water (approximate)
1:15 - 1:45 - Lunch (probably at Lemongrass Thai Restaurant in large room at back)

***** TRIP DETAILS *****
There are no places to landing, so plan to be in your boat for up to 3 hours. With boats rafted together, people can stand up and stretch a bit if needed.

***** GETTING THERE AND PARKING *****
Boat launch area here, close to parking lot and kayak rental shops:
https://goo.gl/maps/NQmNxaRvEcfzmJRW8

Parking is $11.00 per car, $17.00 with a boat trailer. The credit card machine is not always working, so bring exact cash change to put in an envelope and put a paper ticket receipt on your car dashboard.

Allow yourself enough time to park, unload, get dressed, get your boat packed, and be ready to launch per the timeline. Most people need about an hour for this, so leave extra time.

If you’re renting a boat from MBK, also leave yourself enough time to fill out the shop paperwork, pay, get changed, and get yourself down to the launch area.

“on the water” time means you have attended the on-shore safety briefing, are in your boat, floating, and ready to go

***** WHAT TO BRING *****
BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) or arrange a rental (in advance) at either Monterey Bay Kayaks at Moss Landing.

Also bring water, a snack, hat, sun coverage, a dry bag or double Ziploc bag for your electronics and valuables.

PFDs (“life jackets”) are mandatory. Sit-inside, sit-on-top and foldable kayaks will work. Given likelihood of a head wind when returning, no SUPs please.

Dress for sun coverage using synthetic fabrics and bring a windbreaker just in case. Wear clothes and shoes that are OK getting wet. Dry clothes for afterwards are recommended.

***** PLEASE READ THIS *****
The organizers of this trip are not experts, not professional paddlers and do not necessarily have safety training or carry any safety equipment. Each paddler must have the training, experience and equipment required to complete this paddle safely, and must assume all personal risks. A Coast Guard approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device must be worn by everyone while on the water.

Some more experienced paddlers that are efficient at performing assisted rescues in 2' waves, and paddling in wind up to 12 knots, may leave earlier and head out into Monterey Bay. This requires that you have your own sit-inside (closed-deck) boat, and have had wet-exit training with a spray skirt. If you think you have the appropriate experience and training, when signing up on the Googlesheet indicate your interest and send Mark an email to his email that's listed on the Googlesheet sign-up sheet.