Best first trip ideas?

I have been looking around a bit at where a good place might be for a first trip in a new kayak.  Goal would be to spend a few hours getting used to the boat,  practice a bit of self rescue and then, hopefully get a line wet. 

I was thinking it would be nice to hit a lake but looking around it seems that most lakes are either closed to boating, or have some sort of gnarly algae bloom happening right now. 

So, I was thinking perhaps Oneill Forebay, or Monterey area by cannery row (weather/swell permitting).  Or perhaps the SF bay,  launch over by redwood city?  Are those good or shitty ideas?  Anyone have any better ideas?

I do have a buddy who also got a new boat same time I did, so I will have the buddy system working.  I will also have all my safety gear,  pfd, radio, dressed for immersion, etc.

Any ideas for a good first place to get used to the new boat?

I would recommend hitting a lake or two before you head to the ocean, or even the bay.  When I first started, I put my kayak in a pool early on and practiced falling out and getting back in.  I also flipped the kayak over and practiced climbing on and then flipping it over, etc. 

Before my fellow fishing friends started kayak fishing, I took them to a small lake to get them situated, etc.  Didn't take long before everybody wanted to hit the ocean.  Then we had to deal w/ sea sickness and find the meds (or shock watch) that worked. 

Take your time and be safe!

I would recommend hitting a lake or two before you head to the ocean, or even the bay.  When I first started, I put my kayak in a pool early on and practiced falling out and getting back in.  I also flipped the kayak over and practiced climbing on and then flipping it over, etc. 

Before my fellow fishing friends started kayak fishing, I took them to a small lake to get them situated, etc.  Didn't take long before everybody wanted to hit the ocean.  Then we had to deal w/ sea sickness and find the meds (or shock watch) that worked. 

Take your time and be safe!

Any ideas on which lake?  The ones I have looked at in Santa Clara county have all been closed to all boating, or have an algae bloom right now that I wouldnt want to practice self rescue in. 

I would recommend hitting a lake or two before you head to the ocean, or even the bay.  When I first started, I put my kayak in a pool early on and practiced falling out and getting back in.  I also flipped the kayak over and practiced climbing on and then flipping it over, etc. 

Before my fellow fishing friends started kayak fishing, I took them to a small lake to get them situated, etc.  Didn't take long before everybody wanted to hit the ocean.  Then we had to deal w/ sea sickness and find the meds (or shock watch) that worked. 

Take your time and be safe!

Any ideas on which lake?  The ones I have looked at in Santa Clara county have all been closed to all boating, or have an algae bloom right now that I wouldnt want to practice self rescue in.

Take it to break water in Monterey. That's where most of the newb scuba divers in the area get certified.

You live in santa cruz.  Santa cruz has a harbor.  The santa cruz harbor has a kayak dock.  Should be self explanatory

Seriously, just go cruise in the harbor, if youre feelin sporty you venture outside the jetty and  cruise the beach all the way to the pier.  Just dont play self rescue in the channel. 

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When are you going? I can show you around Monterey.

When are you going? I can show you around Monterey.

Awesome!  I am not sure yet as a few things still need to come together.  I would love to take you up on that though. Even if not this time!

Drop me a line when your ready.

I don't think he brews Coors lite 

Is Lexington still open? If so, that’s a good place to practice self-rescue.

Edit: Stopped by Lexington on my way home, and it's open year-around. IMHO, that would be a much better place to practice self-rescue than the SC harbor.

You live in santa cruz.  Santa cruz has a harbor.  The santa cruz harbor has a kayak dock.  Should be self explanatory

Seriously, just go cruise in the harbor, if youre feelin sporty you venture outside the jetty and  cruise the beach all the way to the pier.  Just dont play self rescue in the channel. 

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This is what I did years ago.
Just practicing getting the boat and gear loaded and unloaded is important and educational.

My next goals were paddling to the end of the wharf ( watch out for flying lead ) to eat lunch,
And then later, paddle around the Mile buoy

Don’t forget to be safe and have fun!

Is Lexington still open? If so, that’s a good place to practice self-rescue.

Edit: Stopped by Lexington on my way home, and it's open year-around. IMHO, that would be a much better place to practice self-rescue than the SC harbor.

Lake prohibits swimming, i dont know how well they police lexington but ive been told by rangers at other santa clara county lakes that they're no contact and they'll fine you for intentionally going in.  And appatently water skiiers dont count lol. 

What exactly would be the issue in practicing there in front of the kayak launch? 

What exactly would be the issue in practicing there in front of the kayak launch?

No issue at all.  That will actually be the most likely scenario.  I was just trying to get some additional ideas.  Maybe something a bit more scenic.   

Lake prohibits swimming, i dont know how well they police lexington but ive been told by rangers at other santa clara county lakes that they're no contact and they'll fine you for intentionally going in.  And appatently water skiiers dont count lol. 

What exactly would be the issue in practicing there in front of the kayak launch?

Yes, swimming is prohibited at Lexington. I have seen the "no contact" rules at east bay lakes, but not at any Santa Clara County lakes---you'd have to convince me of that. As far as intentionally getting in the water, you have to wade in to launch (the ramp is invariably on dry land), so can't believe that's an issue either.

Anyways, I 'spose no problem practicing self-rescue at the harbor. I just wouldn't wear anything that you don't want coated with petroleum products...

Anyways, I 'spose no problem practicing self-rescue at the harbor. I just wouldn't wear anything that you don't want coated with petroleum products...

Damnit,  I hadn't thought of that.