Van Damme SP

My wife and I are headed to Van Damme SP for the 1st time this week. We are taking the kayaks but just for pleasure (no fishing). If we go out in the bay should we have wet suits? Are there any other concerns I should know about? We hear there are caves to explore but are unsure of the location. Thank you for any advice in advance.

My wife and I are headed to Van Damme SP for the 1st time this week. We are taking the kayaks but just for pleasure (no fishing). If we go out in the bay should we have wet suits? Are there any other concerns I should know about? We hear there are caves to explore but are unsure of the location. Thank you for any advice in advance.

Yes, wear wetsuits.

My wife and I are headed to Van Damme SP for the 1st time this week. We are taking the kayaks but just for pleasure (no fishing). If we go out in the bay should we have wet suits? Are there any other concerns I should know about? We hear there are caves to explore but are unsure of the location. Thank you for any advice in advance.

Yes, wear wetsuits.

+1  on the wetsuit.  Hang to the right after launch and go North.

We will have to check out rental suits. Any recommendations on directions from Sac. We are pulling a trailer.

There is a really cool paddle thru cave on the north side of the cove.

+2 on the wet suits, never go out in the ocean without being prepared fro submersion.
Caves are on the right hand side of the cove, but I'm not sure if the tide makes a difference on being able to go through them or not.
101 North to 128 West (towards the coast), then North on Hwy 1. When you exit 101, there is a awesome BBQ place on the corner: http://www.hamburgerranchandbbq.com/

You should always keep an eye on the wind up there...paddling north is always a good call in Mendo...usually by 10:30am the wind picks up and if you head south it can be a real struggle to get back...

If you're inexperienced, it would probably be a good idea to stay out of the caves, or go with the guide who is usually in the parking lot.  Hiway 20 might look inviting but it's steeper and has allot more sharp turns, 128 is definetly better with a trailer.

If you go outside and to the North watchout for the washrocks just outside the cove on the northside.  Depending on the tide there can be some crazy wave action in that area.

Van Damme is awesome!!

I agree that with a trailer he route of 101 to 128 is gentler/easier. After you drop your trailer at VDCG, head north to Fort Bragg (10 min?) to Sub-Surface Progression Dive Shop for the wetsuit rental. - http://subsurfaceprogression.com/

Nice, well-equipped, family run facility.

Also, if you have not yet checked the swell - http://www.swellinfo.com/surf-forecast/fort-bragg-california

Thank you everyone for the replies. I may try the guide first and then go out on our own.

80-37-lakeville road-101-128-1...done
Hamburger Ranch-Sub Surface Progression-Caves at the north end of cove.
'nuf said. 

The "guy" in the parking lot. The business changed it's name, it used to be LostCoastKayak, now its

http://www.kayakmendocino.com/

I agree Hamburger ranch is a must at 101/128. 

I usually take 128, but just came up Saturday with my 38' 5th wheel and tried hwy 20.

With larger trailers I will now take hwy 20.  The week prior I took 128 with small trailer, and all was well.  128 doesn't have as many larger turnouts.  They have some smaller ones that are gravel and not even but 20 has more longer paved turnouts so I don't lose momentum to let people pass.

Hope you have a great time in the area.

Is there room to park a trailer at Hamburger Ranch?

Yes, at least usually. I have never not been able to park my 5th wheel; its 25'.