HMB Launching

Hello everyone,

Hope everyone had a great opener! I had a quick question for everyone. Normally I launch from the launch ramp with most of the other boats ( on the opener I was in an inflatable raft with a little motor on it) but use the closed off ramp since I can just carry my raft to the water, but seeing that the wait is so long, I wanted to see where the other launch area is? I see a lot of kayakers coming from a different area instead of the launch ramp, where is that spot? do you keep going straight instead of turning left towards the launch? Also is there a spot i'd be able to launch my raft or would i have to wade out to launch it? Thanks all, I should've done more exploring but man it was a bit of a madhouse on the opener. Thanks all!

Either next to HMB kayak co or by the old pier towards the end of the road on the opposite direction.

Thanks Herb!

do we just launch right off the beach? I should've done more scouting last time I was there.

becuase there is more foot traffic by HMB kayak, you vehicle and it contents would be safer if you launch there; however, it slightly a longer paddle/peddle since you have to go around the inside rockwall....

Thanks G !

I've launched off the boat launch a few times and park next to the trailers, haven't had any issues yet, are there theft problems there? If the walk is closer and parking is more secure I definitely wouldnt mind trying the kayak launch next time. Not too worried about the paddle out since i'll probably be on the raft with the small motor, as long as I can get off the beach with it.

I think he is talking about the old pier launch. I believe if not mistaken, there might have been an issue of break-in in the past. Easy target since not a lot of people around that place compare to the kayak co area.

ive been launching at the old pier for years and I have never seen or heard of a break in. The old pier is my preferred launch spot for ease and distance to the mouth.

i'll have to go a little earlier and check things out, i've briefly seen the kayak launch but i'll double check the old pier as well , might be easier with a motor and not having to wade out too far to get going.

i'll have to go a little earlier and check things out, i've briefly seen the kayak launch but i'll double check the old pier as well , might be easier with a motor and not having to wade out too far to get going.

Since this will be your first time launching from Pillar Point Harbor, I strongly recommend you go with a fellow NCKAer who has. The location at which you launch is not at important as paddling/peddling out amongst all the powerboaters and knowing what hazards may be involved; ie: the reef just outside the harbor can magnify swells as you exit the harbor.

At least if you launch from the HMB Kayak location, you have a better opportunity launch with other yakers. Once you gain experience, than you can look to launching at areas that may reduce you paddling/peddling time to the fishing grounds.

Just my 2 cents on the Safety factor....

I've launched from Pillar point quite a few times, it'll just be my first time launching from the old pier or possibly the kayak launch, this weekend i'll be in a small zodiak since i'm going with another. I know the fishing grounds and harbor fairly well but it definitely doesnt hurt to learn some more 

I've launched from Pillar point quite a few times, it'll just be my first time launching from the old pier or possibly the kayak launch, this weekend i'll be in a small zodiak since i'm going with another. I know the fishing grounds and harbor fairly well but it definitely doesnt hurt to learn some more 

Cool.... just be safe in the zodiac! Weather is not the best to be out there:

PZZ545-091800-
POINT REYES TO PIGEON POINT TO 10 NM-
232 AM PST FRI NOV 9 2012

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR HAZARDOUS SEAS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM
PST THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

TODAY
NW WINDS 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING E 5 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.
WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT. W SWELL 9 TO 12 FT AT 12 SECONDS.
CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS.

TONIGHT
NW WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT.
NW SWELL 7 TO 9 FT AT 12 SECONDS. SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS
IN THE EVENING. CHANCE OF SHOWERS THROUGH THE NIGHT.

SAT
NW WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT.
NW SWELL 6 TO 8 FT AT 11 SECONDS. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

eek, yeah i've been watching the weather out there, Sunday is looking good so far and i'm hoping that it stays that way, who knows how the weather will turn out there, be safe everyone! last weekend before commercial season starts.