fng launching in santa cruz

anyone know any good spots to launch in santa cruz.how much to launch outta the harbor. i havent made wheels for the kayak yet so somewhere closer to the water would be sweet.i dont know if i can launch off of the wharf pier . i was wondering where a good starting point is fishing wise. not asking for exacts but ive only fished the beaches and im fairly new to the area. . dont have any electronics either.any help is greatly appreciated.

Welcome Fishhard 

There is a kayak launching dock right below Aldo's restaurant on the opposite side of the harbor from the boat ramp. It's free, and free street parking is available if you show up early. 

It'll be a little bit of a schlep without wheels, but not too bad. Just carry your gear and boat down separately and rig up on the launching platform.

There is a kayak launching dock right below Aldo's restaurant on the opposite side of the harbor from the boat ramp. It's free, and free street parking is available if you show up early. 

It'll be a little bit of a schlep without wheels, but not too bad. Just carry your gear and boat down separately and rig up on the launching platform.

actually this is slightly outdated Alex. I believe the launch is now technically $5 (if they catch you) and does not include parking. You can buy a parking and launching pass for the day for I think it is $10 now. I think they did away with the kiosk and just have little ATM machines like at MBK. Of course this may have changed since I was last there for the Kayak Connection event last September.

Santa Cruz isn't particularly friendly to kayaks if you don't have wheels. Most of the city beaches are no-launch except for Cowell's and Mitchell's, and both have their own parking or launching issues.

I'd say pay for the harbor launch, there are floating docks close to parking both below Aldos next to the Hoist, and farther in across from the Coast Guard building. The second launch dock is easiest if you lack wheels. Paddle out to the Mile buoy and drift towards Capitola just a little. There is rubbly bottom there and the chance for lings or halis.
Allen Bushnell (Bushy) is really the guru for that area

Yikes! Sounds like a lot has changed since I was out there last. Thanks for the update.

Sign of the times, I guess... Nothing is free these days.

Yeah, it's S.C. Harbor .... NOTHING IS FREE.

You could launch off Capitola Pier.  I have never done that so I cannot comment on the details but heard its ok.  You might be better off looking at Monterey direction.

Yeah, it's S.C. Harbor .... NOTHING IS FREE.

You could launch off Capitola Pier.  I have never done that so I cannot comment on the details but heard its ok.  You might be better off looking at Monterey direction.

I almost suggested this as well. You can beach launch on the Santa Cruz side of Capitola wharf and it is usually not a problem in regards to surf (though it can be).
Half Moon Bay might not be a bad option either.

Just to confirm, it's $5 to launch a kayak at the SC harbor and $10 to launch and park. You can park for free along the street (space is always available, if you get there early), but you still have to pay to launch. Lacking wheels, it would not be an easy launch, IMHO.

Straight out from the harbor (more or less) is the mile/whistle buoy. If instead, you head to the left out of the harbor, there are some kelpy places, and to the right is lighthouse point (past the wharf). All of those are fishy...

Goodness, what ever happened to just launching of the beach? Dang Santa Cruz and dang the state of California!!!!

Made these cart the other day

I really appreciate everyone's help that was way more than expected thanks a lot you guys are very helpful and welcoming
:

I usually just show up early and park right next to the boat launch because I'm lazy and don't mind paying $10 for my laziness. 

 i have never been to Santa Cruz and would love to try it out one of these weekends if any group wouldn't mind.

I'd also recommend the sc harbor. I'll be heading out next Sunday for Father's Day with my girl if you wanna tag along.

-FF

Bigmarv1 can you tell me the specs of your cart? I have the same kayak and want to make one but I am not quite sure how to make it.