new brighton launch and parking

launched capitola , santa cruz, but not new Brighton. any help on parking near the houses and wheeling my yak down there? pros cons? thanks Alex  (  Bulldog  )

launched capitola , santa cruz, but not new Brighton. any help on parking near the houses and wheeling my yak down there? pros cons? thanks Alex  (  Bulldog  )

I've done that a couple of times before---wheeling my kayak across the railroad tracks and down the path to the beach parking lot. It's not easy and I wouldn't recommend it, unless you have a helper. Getting the kayak back up the hill to your car after you're done fishing would be 1000 times worse.

I haven't tried it, but I think you could drive in and unload by the gate to the beach parking lot, then park your car on the street. However, you'd still have the issue of getting your kayak up the hill to the street afterwards. Realistically, at that point you'd have to pay and park in the lot (that's what I've done). But, at least you could get on the water before the lot opens at 8:00am.

Btw, I don't understand why they can't open that beach parking lot at, say, 6:00am...

if you want in early, I recommend teaming up with someone.  You unload your kayaks at the locked gate, then one guy wheels them to the beach.  The other parks the car up in the housing area and walks back.  We have a state park pass, so just drive back in to retrieve the yaks.  HOnestly it is a pain though.

thanks for the replies. guess i will stick to capitola launch until i camp out at new brighton. gonna try for tomorow. heard there were a few ghosts and stripers lurking around.

thanks for the replies. guess i will stick to capitola launch until i camp out at new brighton. gonna try for tomorow. heard there were a few ghosts and stripers lurking around.

watch out for the south swell, can make for frisky conditions

just read the reports.. may not be a go. capitola's web site repoted no boat rentals due to the swell. looks like i may be playing golf. fourrrrrrrrrrrrrrr  !!!!!