The Naples Coalition and Aquasports are combining forces to offer a once-in-a-lifetime guided kayak paddle along the wild Gaviota Coast from Haskell’s Beach, to Naples, and back. The tour will skirt the Naples Reef in the newly designated Marine Protected Area and promises a variety of marine wildlife sightings. The event will be guided by the experienced professionals at Aquasports and will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2012 leaving at 10:30AM and returning about 3PM. Please be there by 9:00 at the latest for parking, check in, and preparation to leave at 10:30AM.
The public is encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to paddle with others in a guided group setting along the untamed and scenic Gaviota Coast. The tour guides will be Mike Lunsford, president of Gaviota Coast Conservancy and Eric Little, adventurer and owner of Aquasports. Other Aquasports guides will assist along the way.
You will:
- Learn about the history and ecology of this area between Haskell’s & Naples
- Glide peacefully over the newly protected Naples Reef and all the marine treasures it holds
- Have lunch with the Brown Pelicans, White-tailed Kites and other feathered friends, not to mention the occasional Dolphin or curious Seals
- Feel the solitude of one of our very own undeveloped coastlines
This unique paddle excursion is open to both beginners and experienced kayakers alike. The trip is professionally and safely guided by the experts at Aquasports of Santa Barbara, who regularly lead similar trips and know this local area well. The ability to swim well is required and kayakers should be able to paddle their kayak intermittently for an hour or longer upwind to reach our destination (the trip is approximately 2 miles each way, 4 miles round trip).
The public should bring their own hearty lunch, a gallon of water, swim suit, sunscreen, and layered non-cotton clothing, sport sandals or surf booties plus a change of clothes. Aquasports will provide kayaking equipment, life jackets, paddling jackets and kayak-ready waterproof bags to keep the lunches (and jackets) dry. Lunch will be enjoyed while everyone “takes-out” at Naples beach for a rest and nature talk by Mike Lunsford of the Naples Coalition.
WHAT: Guided kayak adventure from Haskell’s Beach (at the Bacara Public access beach) to Naples & back (about 4 miles round trip). Kayaks will be provided by Aquasports and delivered to Haskell’s Beach) for $100 donation per seat/person. Advance reservations required to ensure a rental kayak. Thanks to Aquasports’ generosity, 100% of all donations go to the Naples Coalition to continue the battle preserving the Naples property and Keeping the Gaviota Coast Clear. Participants should bring your own hearty lunch, one gallon of water, sunscreen, lip balm and appropriate clothes for changes in weather (e.g. swim suit, several non-cotton base layers, windbreaker, sunhat, sunglasses, and warm clothes to change into, etc.). Waterproof paddling jackets and life vests will be given to those renting kayaks.
WHEN: Sunday, October 7th leaving at 10:30am and returning about 3:00pm
WHERE: Leaving from Haskell’s Beach. Parking and meet-up is at the Bacara Resort public access parking lot. Directions: from Santa Barbara, take Highway 101 North and exit at Winchester Canyon. Cross over Highway 101 on the overpass (left turn), which then becomes Hollister Avenue. At Hollister, take an immediate right at the Sandpiper Golf course and continue west towards the Bacara Resort. Before reaching the Bacara Resort, at the bottom of a small hill, turn left into the signed Public Access parking lot.
WHO: Anyone who always wanted to kayak up the Gaviota Coast with others, learn more about the history and significance of Naples, and get close to the Naples Reef Marine Protected Area. Beginners and experienced kayakers are welcome in rented Aquasports kayaks. Children are also welcome if they are comfortable in the ocean water and all persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must sign liability waivers.
WHY: This is a fundraiser for Naples Coalition with kayaks and expertise donated by Aquasports. It is an excellent opportunity to SEE and FEEL first hand the incredible beauty of our local Gaviota Coast. For anyone interested in raising funds by being “sponsored” for your kayaking or participation, the Naples Coalition has a sponsorship letter to help you raise your $100 fee (or more), but you must act quickly as time is limited. We encourage attendees to gather pledges of support for the Naples Coalition’s work.
HOW MUCH and HOW TO REGISTER: $100 (or greater if desired) donation per person/seat for kayak rental & guides provided by Aquasports. To ensure your spot you MUST pre-register by the end of Friday, 10/5. To pre-register, please call Janet Koed at (805) 683-6631 with a credit card or you may pay online through PayPal here. Be sure to note the KAYAK PADDLE if donating online.
If you choose to pay online with PayPal, you must specify that your payment is for the KAYAK EVENT. Fee includes a free Save Naples T-shirt. All funds received go directly to the Naples Coalition.
SPONSORS:
Naples Coalition & Aquasports