The kayak program will consist of a short water safety course, followed by a guided paddle around the Ventura Harbor, all under the supervision of California State Parks lifeguards. The tour will include an educational component as well, as the tour guides will share information about birds, mammals, and other aspects of the natural environment during the tour. All equipment will be provided.

When asked why FCCSP is starting this new program, its executive director, Melissa Baffa, answered, “I have heard a lot of people, especially parents, say that they would like to try new ways to get out and explore nature with their families. Kayaking is one of those sports that looks kind of scary and dangerous, but is actually really peaceful, and a good workout as well. The new tandem kayaks in our fleet will allow us to welcome children as young as six years old, along with a parent or responsible adult.”

The kayak tours will occur monthly, starting in June and running through September. There is limited availability for each tour; only ten single-person kayaks and four tandem (or two-person) kayaks are available per tour. Tours run for two hours and cost $40 per person. All proceeds from the program will help Friends of Channel Coast State Parks with its mission, which is to support educational programs and projects in the California State Parks of the Channel Coast district. Comprising the State Parks in Northern Ventura County and Santa Barbara County, this district stretches along the coast from McGrath State Beach in Oxnard past Goleta, to Gaviota State Park.

To register for the program, please visit here. There is more information about the program and an online registration form.

About Friends of Channel Coast State Parks

Founded in 1984, Friends of Channel Coast State Parks is the nonprofit partner of the Channel Coast State Parks district, which stretches along the California coast from McGrath State Beach in Oxnard through Gaviota State Park, north of Santa Barbara. A registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, its mission is to support the educational programs and projects of the California State Parks within the Channel Coast district. For more information please visit here or contact Melissa Baffa, the organization’s executive director, at mbaffa@friendsofccsp.org Friends of Channel Coast State Parks can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

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