Something New - BAJA Lite
April 28 - May 4
What is Baja Lite? We are adding a new trip or those who may be interested in Baja but are a bit intimidated. While not a beginner trip, this trip will focus on smaller conditions and more focused instruction in the surf zone and rocks than the regular Baja Trips.
The area where we paddle has adjustable launch locations and water with comfortable conditions. The choice can be made to get close to rocky play spots or keep some distance. While surf is always conditions dependent, we also have access to a nearby beach where we can generally find small surf to enjoy and learn.
Our location is La Bufadora, a rocky peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean and provides the perfect playground for kayakers! We will offer fun instructional daily trips that will improve your ocean paddling with a focus on rock gardening. Increase comfort in conditions and learn the skills needed to paddle in these dynamic areas. Whether you feel like pushing yourself, gradually testing your skills, or sitting back and watching, this is a great opportunity for ocean play.
Skill Level: While you don't have to be a super star, you should be comfortable paddling 10-15 miles in a day (though most days are shorter millage) with wind and whitecaps and some practice in the surf zone. A roll is helpful, not required, but having well-practiced deep water rescues is. (Feel free to contact me with questions about skill level required)
The Trip Includes: 6 Nights accommodations & 5 days of paddling, round trip transportation from San Diego, kayak rental (you will need to bring your own paddling kit, dry/wet suit, spray skirt, pfd, paddle…check with us as there are spares if this is not possible) & meals are included once reaching La Bufadora (Lunch stops while traveling, alcohol and sodas not included) Cost $1350 - Maximum 12 participants for this trip
Accommodations
YOUR CHOICE: TENT OR BUNKHOUSE
The main house/bunkhouse
The main house overlooks the ocean and has a full kitchen and living room with plenty of space to comfortably hang out. The back of the house features two shared bunk rooms that sleep apx 6ea and two bathrooms with showers.
OUR PRIMARY LAUNCH SITE IS JUST BELOW THIS BLUFF, WITH OTHER PADDLING OPTIONS A SHORT DRIVE AWAY.
Tent option: Set your tent on a large flat bluff (room for 20 tents) adjacent to the house overlooking the Pacific, making this more a private room than a roughing type of experience. There are a few tents available for rental, please contact us if one is needed.
BASIC SCHEDULE:
Sunday
9-10am: Pick up at hotel then drive from San Diego to Baja, stopping for tacos in Ensenada (taco stop not included in price of trip), and continuing on to La Bufadora.
We will pick you up from a hotel near the airport (see below for hotel options) or if you are driving to San Diego you can park your car near Jen’s house.
Monday - Friday
After our breakfast and pack-your-own-lunch buffet (included with registration) We will gear up and go play in the ocean. After paddling you can wander up to town and check out one of the largest blowholes in North America or relax in a comfy chair by the ocean.
Saturday: 9am Depart to San Diego, it's reasonable to expect to arrive at the airport by 3:30pm, if we are ahead of schedule we may do a lunch stop. However, the most unpredictable part is the border wait back into the US, probably an hour, but you can never be sure.....It's best to schedule flights out of San Diego with LOTS of spare time, we can not be responsible for missed flights due to unexpected delays. We will do a drop off at the airport where you can catch a hotel shuttle to your hotel if you decide to extend your stay in San Diego, or may be able to drop at nearby hotels.
Coaches:
Jen Kleck
Jen lives north of the border in San Diego where she has owned and operated sea paddlesports companies for over 20 years. Jen acheived the highest coach ranking within the British Canoe Union in Nov. 2007 when she became the first American Level 5 Sea Kayak Coach. She also holds BCU 5 Star sea, 4 Star surf, and 3 Star open canoe awards. She appears in Cackle TV Productions "This Is The Sea 4". Jen loves to challenge herself with all types of kayaking: she has raced, competed in kayak surfing, run the Grand Canyon, and was a member of the 1999, 2000, and 2003 National Champion women’s kayak polo teams. Jen has enjoyed messing about in small boats since childhood in New Hampshire. She has a BA in geology from Colorado College and enjoys natural history of all sorts.
Victor Leon
Much of the land that you will see while paddling has been in Victor’s family for over 60 years. Having grown up here, Victor loves this stunning sea and landscape and started a kayaking business in 2003 to make kayaking accessible for the many adventure seekers that come to explore Baja. He loves sharing the beauty of the landscapes and seascapes that he is very proud to call home. Victor is a Level 1 BCU coach, Level 4 ACA Instructor, and 4 Star Sea Kayak Leader.
Getting Around
Within a few minutes walk is a classic "tourist trap" of a market for all your entertainment and shopping needs! There are also several restaurants, taco stands, and a "mini-market" for beer and essentials. We will provide any transportation needed for the event.
What to Bring
We expect experienced paddlers to know what they need, but here are some reminders:
YOUR VALID PASSPORT!
Spending money. Dollars are accepted everywhere but you'll probably get pesos as change. Bring plenty of small bills ($1's, $5's, and $10's will be easier for most purchases and will result in a small number of pesos in your pocket.)
Clothes for paddling. Drysuits or wetsuits are appropriate, especially for rescue practice and serious rock garden play. The water will be in the high 50's to low 60's and the air temperature can vary - yearly average temps. HELMET. PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR.
Safety gear for paddling. Bring your usual safety gear. Each coach will have a good first aid kit, spare paddle, and signalling device.
Kayak, skirt, paddle, spare paddle (see "Kayak Rentals" if you are traveling)
Camp clothing. Evenings will be cool and it could be misty/foggy during the day. Casual layers are best. Don't forget a warm hat and comfortable shoes!
Camping gear (if camping) such as a tent, sleeping bag & pad. There is a full kitchen, shower, and bathrooms adjacent to the camping.
What to Wear
ON THE WATER
Sure, we're in Mexico, but it's not Mazatlan! The water will be 55-62 so drysuits are appropriate, especially for rescue practice! We expect experienced kayakers to be able to make good risk assessments regarding their clothing choices, but feel free to ask us for advice. The air temperature can vary significantly from warm and sunny to cool and foggy, so a variety of options is highly recommended! There will be areas for drying wet gear each evening and things tend to dry fast in the desert! Beaches and landings are rocky and slippery. Protective FOOTWEAR IS REQUIRED!! Helmets will be required.
OFF THE WATER
Casual clothing that can be layered for cool evenings. You'll want long pants and fleeces at night. A lightweight wind/rain jacket should be suitable outerwear. Rain is unlikely, but mist/fog is a possibility.
Arrivals & Departures
Flying into San Diego is easy! If you are flying in Saturday, essentially its up to you where you want to stay, everyone has their own preference as to what they like. To keep the Sunday morning pickup efficient we will be picking up in one area of San Diego near the harbor, it is near the airport. The pick ups will be at and near The Ramada at 1403 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA, 92106 where some regulars have booked before. If you decide to stay in another area plan to arrange transportation, uber, ect. to meet us either at the pickup or Jen's house 5512 Via Bello San Diego. There are several hotels in the pick-up area as well as several restaurants. San Diego has tons of hotels so finding accommodation to suit your tastes should be easy. Some hotels may have airport shuttles that can save the cost of transport from the airport.
Please remember your valid PASSPORT!
We will provide round trip transportation in one of our vehicles.
It's an easy drive on good roads, If you would like to drive your own vehicle make sure you get Mexican auto insurance.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact Bill Vonnegut billvonnegut@yahoo.com (925) 348-1624 to inquire more about the trip
REGISTRATION
How To Register
Trip is full, please contact me for waitlist
Please read the trip description and *cancellation policy*
Then please send a $500 deposit to Pacific Coastal Kayaking via check by mail to 2823 SE Yamhill St Portland OR 97214 or Zelle, (PayPal person to person no fee option) to billvonnegut@yahoo.com or (Venmo at @Bill-Vonnegut)
The balance is due between Jan 1 - Jan 15 2024
*Cancellation Policy*
Due to the nature of the event, we regret that we will be unable to provide refunds after February 28, 2024 for any reason, including reasons that are beyond your control (illness, missed flights, etc) UNLESS we are able to replace your spot from a waiting list, in which case a refund less $50 admin fee will be given. If the event is not fully subscribed, then there is no "replacement" and no refund. Please consider purchasing travel insurance. From Jan 1 - Feb 28 cancellations will be given a 50% refund (UNLESS we are able to replace your spot from a waiting list, in which case a refund less $50 admin fee will be given). Before January 1 2024 a refund less a $500 admin fee will be given (UNLESS we are able to replace your spot from a waiting list, in which case a refund less $50 admin fee will be given.) The event will run regardless of weather conditions unless it becomes dangerous to continue. Paddling will be adapted as necessary given the existing conditions. If a day on the water is cancelled due to unsafe conditions, a reasonable land based alternative will be provided. In the case that Pacific Coastal Kayaking needs to cancel for unforeseen circumstances a full refund will be offered.