First trip to the ocean

I wanna make my first trip to the ocean any idea of a good first place ?

Half moon bay. If you don't feel comfortable you can haul ass back inside the harbor.

what about muir beach or baker beach?

MBK (Monterey Bay Kayak ) in Monterey is an easy launch site, though a pretty long drive for you. I would look to join a group planning in the Hookups section. This group is pretty good about helping out newbies. There's a lot of experience here, which helps shorten the learning curve and adds to the safety factor.

Good luck!

I like the HMB spot, but I'm not for if there is anything closer to you. There is usually someone around going out of HMB on the weekends. As long as there isn't a south wind/swell, it has a protected bay. Before you go in the salt be sure you can self rescue; get in/out of yak with the gear you plan to where in the ocean. As stated earlier, check the Hook Up section, its the best way to get out and comfortable in big blue.

Ok thanks guys ill check the hook up section appreciate the advice.

My first time in the salt was HMB, I remember because I stayed in the Harbor and felt safe, then after a while I decided to go out, but that's because the weather was flat calm. Definitely check the weather, have your pfd and radio . And yea I still need to practice self rescue. So if you want someone to practice with hit me up, always could use more help learning this stuff.

I would go to MBK and take the introduction to sea kayaking class for $60. Bring a rod and reel and when the class is over at 1 pm you can fish. I can't tell you how valuable taking a class is. You will enjoy the sport more and catch more fish with good paddling, bracing and self rescue skills. The fishing out of MBK was pretty good last week. HMB is not open for rock fishing right now.

MBK (Monterey Bay Kayak ) in Monterey is an easy launch site, though a pretty long drive for you. I would look to join a group planning in the Hookups section. This group is pretty good about helping out newbies. There's a lot of experience here, which helps shorten the learning curve and adds to the safety factor.

Definitely go with a group during a hookup if it is your first time.  I went out for the first time with a group of guys here and have been fishing with them since!  They definitely helped shorten the learning curve and looked out for me otw and during launch/landings...I really couldn't have ask for more...gotta love the NCKA community.

Good luck and be safe!

Hello, S-A, and welcome.   

Remember that your kayak is not a cruise ship!  Always dress for immersion - that means you should expect to be in the water at some point, and it could be an extended soaking.  You need to have gear on that will keep you alive in the event that you do end up in the water.  Steph's advice about radio and PFD are spot on, and so is Bill's info about self-rescue.  Also true:  get with a group or, even better, get in a class to shorten the learning curve and learn things that will save your life and provide more enjoyment.  Have fun, be safe, and good luck!

I always wear my pfd I doesn't bother me to wear it atall, I also always wear a wetsuit and have my VHF always. My dad and I would love to go out with a group pls let me kno if you do go out would really appreciate it ill be looking in the hook up section thanks.

a formal instruction as mentioned is the ONLY way to learn how to paddle the ocean safely. Then seeking/joining a hookup afterwards, so you wouldn't be putting others in jeopardy.

I would go to MBK and take the introduction to sea kayaking class for $60. Bring a rod and reel and when the class is over at 1 pm you can fish. I can't tell you how valuable taking a class is. You will enjoy the sport more and catch more fish with good paddling, bracing and self rescue skills. The fishing out of MBK was pretty good last week. HMB is not open for rock fishing right now.

this^

There were 40mph gusts last weekend in some areas, and I experienced clear skies to whiteout fog within 20 minutes while navigating swell & chop on an exposed coastline.
Glad to hear you have the basic safety gear, but if you have not had any kayaking classes, taking one is money well spent.

Not to thread jack,

Does any one know of any classes in which the kayak would be provided?

Not to thread jack,

Does any one know of any classes in which the kayak would be provided?

you can rent one,,,,but why would you not want to "learn in your own kayak"?