Sunset~Moon Rise Paddle, Picnic & Tidepooling in Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay area)
Join us on a guided Naturalist kayak trip on December 2nd from 1:30pm-6:30pm for a great day on the water. Launching from Pillar Point Harbor, we'll have a leisurely paddle through the protected and scenic harbor. Cormorants, pelicans, terns and harbor seals join us for our afternoon paddle. Across the harbor we can explore the exceptionally rich intertidal world at a low tide and have a picnic before paddling back. Fall sunsets and moon rises can really be spectacular when experienced from a kayak! Great trip for beginners and those interested in coastal ecology.
Pillar Point Harbor offers a protected bay for kayaking and easy access to the superb tide pools adjacent to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
On your kayaking trip, our coast will experience an afternoon low tide so please join our naturalists as we explore this remarkable inter-tidal zone. Tandem style closed deck sea kayaks are used which are very stable and easy to paddle. We will be stopping on shore for a picnic and tide pooling so bring something to snack on. This trip is appropriate for beginners and/or people intrigued by the natural history of our coast.
Plan on meeting at the Pillar Point Public Launch Ramp in El Granada, just a few miles north of Half Moon Bay at (time varies with tides; our naturalist-led program runs about 4 1/2 hours from beginning to end).
As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
* Dress in layers -- medium-rated fleece, capilene, or wool are good insulators; bring a warm top that can be put on as evening approaches; a thin layer of capilene or silk long sleeve underwear are a nice addition, but any longsleeve undershirt will do. * Long pants -- quick drying nylon or fleece work well; you will be in a closed deck boats and will stay pretty dry ; sweat pants are ok too. * Wind breaker or paddling jacket * Footgear - tennis shoes, Teva type sandals or wet suit booties -- any style is fine; they will get wet or sandy as we launch * Pair of gloves--paddling gloves or pair of fleece gloves (optional) * Fleece or wool cap * Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash * Binoculars and camera in waterproof bag (use at your own risk) * Water bottle * Snacks or " dinner" for our picnic on shore
* Flashlight or headlamp * Change of clothes for ride home
Don't forget to bring cash to tip our guides!
