SC open invite 12/1

Diagram shows the docks, note that A and F are close to access roads

Map shows only the vicinity and not the actual kayak launch.

 

Thanks for confirming that. Guess I get used to pay nothing at HMB for decade now. 

Not that I recommend it, but a lot of kayakers launch on the west side (A dock or F dock), park along the street, and don’t pay anything. There is little enforcement so the chance of getting caught is remote.

Curious mind wants to know. Where is A and F dock ?

Hope this helps:



Full map here: https://www.santacruzharbor.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SantaCruzHarborMap_SouthHarbor.pdf

Thanks guys.
I might go there to load up some juicy baits.

Thanks guys.
I might go there to load up some juicy baits.

Chet,
   The A dock is roughly about 100 yards from free parking outside the parking lot (end of Atlantic Ave or E Cliff Dr).  The road in is downhill (uphill going up).  For your setup, I would say that's a lot of work/effort.  Best way to describe this is probably about half of Muir launch distance from parking lot to beach (with hills and all).  Here is another look at Dock A at 0:27.  Dock A is at the end of the 2nd row of boats from the front.  That rectangle structure you see right next to it is covered kayak storage.  You will also see the road coming down to the parking lot is steep.  By the way, the parking lots there are well attended around the clock.



If you decide to go to the F dock, the kayak launch is short, probably 10 yards from the parking lot, but you need to park and pay.  The problem is that parking lot is typically filled up as the day goes (which I dont think its a problem if you get there early).  I would recommend either the F dock or the boat launch.  I launch from the boat dock when i trailer my AI (and pay the fee). 




Nowhereman is right on and tedski's map is best.  I would say google map it and you tube it (here is one from Jimmy, check out the beginning



 BTW, wind typically blows starting about 12pm from W or WNW. Some days, especially when the fan turns on and the swell are large, it could be hard getting out or back in.    Here is another vid:   youtu.be/43HB0owa9tY

Nice video Jimmy.   Thanks for sharing.

Diagram shows the docks, note that A and F are close to access roads

There's temporary parking at the bottom of the hill (between B and C docks) where you can unload if you're launching at the A dock. For the F dock, you can park a lot closer, but then it's a longer paddle/pedal. So pick your poison...

Whatever you do, don't drag your yak down those ramps.  They are like cheese graters 

Whatever you do, don't drag your yak down those ramps.  They are like cheese graters 

I shaved another mm or two off my keel today on the ramp... 

Thanks guys.
I might go there to load up some juicy baits.

Chet,
   The A dock is roughly about 100 yards from free parking outside the parking lot (end of Atlantic Ave or E Cliff Dr).  The road in is downhill (uphill going up).  For your setup, I would say that's a lot of work/effort.  Best way to describe this is probably about half of Muir launch distance from parking lot to beach (with hills and all).  Here is another look at Dock A at 0:27.  Dock A is at the end of the 2nd row of boats from the front.  That rectangle structure you see right next to it is covered kayak storage.  You will also see the road coming down to the parking lot is steep.  By the way, the parking lots there are well attended around the clock.



If you decide to go to the F dock, the kayak launch is short, probably 10 yards from the parking lot, but you need to park and pay.  The problem is that parking lot is typically filled up as the day goes (which I dont think its a problem if you get there early).  I would recommend either the F dock or the boat launch.  I launch from the boat dock when i trailer my AI (and pay the fee). 




Nowhereman is right on and tedski's map is best.  I would say google map it and you tube it (here is one from Jimmy, check out the beginning



 BTW, wind typically blows starting about 12pm from W or WNW. Some days, especially when the fan turns on and the swell are large, it could be hard getting out or back in.    Here is another vid:   youtu.be/43HB0owa9tY

Not really free because you still need to pay for launching. Also the meter maid might also give you a ticket on the street if they decide to.

Not really free because you still need to pay for launching. Also the meter maid might also give you a ticket on the street if they decide to.

You are supposed to pay to launch, but whether you need to or not is debatable.

There is lots of free parking along the street, so there is no meter maid issue if you park there.