Sand Dollar Beach Big Sur

Any one launch a kayak from sand dollar beach in Big Sur before? I want to launch yaks there and head south with dive gear to jade cove. I do not want to hike my gear down the jade cove trail any more and think paddling from sand would be the better option. Thanks

Wes

never tried launching there but pretty sure the wave action is not inviting.  Maybe look into launching at willow and paddling north?  Met up with a bunch of guys who scuba for jade and they were coming up at willow.

I have no idea about the launch, but when you decide to go, post a hook up for sure!  I'm down!

Im thinking a big group dive trip end of may beginning of june to Plaskett Creek camp ground Right across the street from sand dollar. Depending on how many people are interested they have camp sites for up to 8 ppl and big group sites for up to 40. Will post a hookup closer/fish n chill to the time.

Wes

Hi Wes,
From the parking area it's a couple of hundred yards of dirt trail to a long steep set of stairs down to the beach. The beach is kind of wide open, should be OK with small surf, maybe others with more beach launching experience will chime in. The biggest issue is hauling your kayak/gear down and back up.
Last time I was there (October), I witnessed 3 kayakers 'attempt' a beach landing in 3-6 foot waves. Big yard sale, one guy had 4 rods in the holders-no survivors, bet he was wishing he had a rod pod. The photo was taken about halfway down the stairs.
BTW, Jan/Feb is a great time to camp there, whale watching all the way there, the weather can be fantastic, and the perch fishing is awesome.

Sand Dollar pretty much sucks for beach launches.  Surf has to be very small to non-existent.  Best route is extreme south end of the beach, sneak out behind the giant rocks.

Plus, the trail down is horrible with a fishing kayak.  Or, rather the trail back up is horrible for a fishing kayak.

Allen

Having trouble adding the photo, hope this works

Just launch at Willow and paddle north. Launching from Sand Dollar beach is a huge hassle, just to get whomped in the surf. Maybe worthwhile if you're kayak surfing but not for fishing.

Nice Pic Jim.  You can see the 'channel' behind the rocks on the left I was talking about.  Ya so that's a small day...with 4-5 lines of whitewater.  when it's big there's a whole nother reef on the outside that booms.  Willow is not far away.