Kayaking Channel Islands National Park is a unique and rewarding way to experience this pristine marine environment. You will find solitude and splendor while paddling along the routes used by the first visitors to the islands. Here also you will face new challenges and adventures and you may encounter unexpected dangers.
Kayaking on Your OwnVisitors with their own kayaks who would like to explore Channel Islands National Park may contact the park boat concessionaires, who will transport kayaks to the islands on their public trips for an extra fee. The concessionaires offer year-round transportation to the islands for day visits and camping trips.
Kayakers may also paddle from the mainland across the channel to the islands (due to conditions, most of these cross-channel trips are limited to Anacapa Island). However, even this shortest 12-mile paddle is not for the novice or anyone who is not properly trained, conditioned and equipped.
Currents, shifting swells and strong winds can stretch a normal 3 to 4-hour trip to Anacapa Island into a 6-hour struggle. The strongest currents are often encountered near the island. The paddle from Oxnard or Ventura also takes the kayaker across some of the busiest shipping lanes in California. Potentially dense fog and ship speeds of 25 to 35 knots present a special hazard to kayakers while crossing the channel.Local Kayak Outfitters
Visitors may kayak with one of several outfitters that offer a variety of different kayak trips to the Channel Islands. The trips are moderate to strenuous in nature, but some do not require previous kayaking experience. Most kayak excursions are offered from May-October. Some of the outfitters also offer kayaks for rent.
General Safety
Safety requires good planning and common sense. Sea kayaking is potentially hazardous, even for experienced kayakers.
- Before embarking on your Channel Islands sea kayaking adventure, be sure to obtain current weather and sea condition information. The NOAA Real Time Local Weather Site provides up to the minute weather for the local area.
- Carefully selecting and equipping your paddlecraft is essential. Craft should be of a sea kayak design.
Paddlers will help insure a safe and rewarding trip for themselves if they possess the following:
- A seasoned veteran sea kayaker as a group leader.
- Equipment familiarity and the ability to use it in an emergency.
- Ability to right the craft or to assist others who have capsized.
- Ability to brace the vessel in breaking seas and to deal with high winds.
- Ability to prevent, recognize and treat hypothermia and other medical emergencies in wilderness conditions.
- Ability to read nautical charts and to plot a course.
- A filed "Float Plan" with the harbor master''s office or with a responsible mainland contact. Kayakers are encouraged to contact island rangers at the beginning and end of a paddle.
Float Plan
The National Park Service recommends that a float plan be filed with a responsible party before beginning your trip. Before paddling across the Santa Barbara Channel, float plans may also be filed with a local harbor master''s office. This information can be invaluable for a search operation if something goes wrong.
- Names and addresses for the kayakers, as well as emergency phone numbers, should be listed.
- Plans should also include the number of kayaks and kayakers on the trip as well as the color, size and type of craft used.
- Any survival and special emergency equipment should be listed (EPIRB, VHF, food rations, flares, etc.).
- The place, date and time of departure and return should be logged as well as destination(s).
- At the end of your trip it is recommended that you close your float plan.
Weather
Conditions are most ideal for kayaking from August-October, with relatively calm wind and sea conditions. Kayaking is possible during other monthly, but with much greater chance for adverse wind and seas along with unexpected changes.
- High winds may occur regardless of the forecast. 40 knot winds are not unusual for Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands generally have more moderate winds. Winds are often calm in the early morning and increase during the afternoon. Generally the wind comes from the northwest, but kayakers must also be prepared for strong east or Santa Ana winds.
- Dense fog is common during the summer months, but may occur at any time, making chart and compass navigation mandatory. Ocean currents of considerable strength may be encountered both neat and offshore from the islands. Ocean water temperatures range from the lower 50s(F) in the winter to the upper 60s(F) in the fall.
Sea Caves
Sea Caves can be very dangerous - large waves or swells can fill a cave unexpectedly. Be extremely careful and wear a helmet at all times when exploring sea caves.
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Adapted from 