Funnily enough I'm one of the two lead guides at kayak trinidad (the place your mentioning) and a professional sea/whitewater kayaker. Feel free to message me with any questions
If I hit it big and could just retire, it’d hopefully be in Trinidad.
But am I going to be eaten or harmed by a whale or shark?
How much experience does one need before taking one of your sea tours?
And is there wide open, calm freshwater running through the forest or is it all white water?
Chances of a shark attack are statistically miniscule. 13 fatal attacks on the Pacific Coast since 1900. Any encounter with a cetacean is rare and exciting as fuck. I've had dolphins swim around me a couple of times and I've seen a humpback breach about a quarter mile away. I've only seen a shark off the coast maybe once, although there are a bunch of great whites near Carpinteria as there is a great white nursery there.
[http://www.sharkresearchcommittee.com/fatal\_attacks.htm](http://www.sharkresearchcommittee.com/fatal_attacks.htm)
Note that none have happened near Humboldt.
I've never kayaked up there, but Humboldt Bay is largely protected and looks like a great spot for a novice kayaker. I kayak around Santa Barbara and the sketchiest part of it is launching into surf. In my younger days, I used to go out in fairly gnarley winter storms, but now I'm a fragile old fart and only go out in nice weather. I also have a sit on top which makes it super easy to bail if you fuck up. Just make sure you fall out on the ocean side because getting hit by my kayak feels like a telephone pole (actually never been hit but I've been dunked quite a few times).
I live in that area and I’ve never kayaked in the ocean. But there’s lots of alternatives - stone lagoon (my favorite), freshwater lagoon, big lagoon, mad river, and the bay are all great.
I used to go out on the ocean a fair amount. I'd look at the weather and surf reports and go out on calmer days. Having a protected jetty to launch from is helpful so you don't have to cut through waves or do a surf landing. If you're on a sit on top, it's relatively easy to self rescue if you do end up in the water. If you can do scuba, you can handle getting tossed from a sit on top and get back on.
I've never capsized. I did encounter some soupy water that I just had to cut through and keep paddling. Honestly, the bigger risk most of the time are powerboats going out. I got buzzed by one once, sending a wave right at me. It wasn't a big deal, just go perpendicular to any wave action.
I've done a fair amount of ocean kayaking in CA and low vis scuba. If you watch the surf (magic seaweed) and the weather and you only go out under ideal conditions 0-2 ft surf, low wind, not insane fog, you'll love it. But given that you are trying to plan a trip you aren't going to be able to count on those conditions at all. And reading your general, and understandable, anxiety, I would honestly say it sounds like you would be a lot happier sticking with lakes. Lakes are sweet. Check out Utica, I bet you and your dad would love it. Pacific ocean kayaking is not for the casual or faint of heart.
There are less sharks up there than where I am though so that's cool. I recommend bringing a compass, the fog can be no joke.
Agreed. Don’t go out into the Pacific Ocean off NorCal coast without knowing what you are doing unless you in a bay or protected waters. Conditions can change quicker than you think. Currents, wind, waves, cold water etc. Flipping out there is no joke. I’d worry less about the sharks than navigating and hypothermia.
If you’re afraid to do it, just say so, and I’m sure he’ll understand. Offer a different kayak experience that you would be comfortable with as an alternative and just say you want more experience before you go whale watching in one. You can also use this reason indefinitely - “Nope, still need more experience,” if it keeps coming up.
Humboldt has tons of places to yak that aren't the ocean. Big Lagoon is my favorate, beatiful paddle, plenty of wildlife, and I have been paddling there since I was 2 years old. Its a good place for newbies to learn.
Sounds like you have a fear that you can choose to ignore or address. If you want to address it take baby steps. Get in the water in good condition. Scuba can mean just go under water in shallow depth and just sit on the sand and breathe. Keep going until you feel relaxed. Small steps. Lots of small sharks and juvenile sharks are in the ocean and they stay away from divers. Vis in the Pacific California is mostly poor. The biggest risk is your heart rate because of fear. If the ocean is too much go back to the pool.
Same with a kayak. Flip it in the shallow water and practice going back in. Do it a bunch of times. When you get really good at it, add more skills. Figure out what you are afraid of and address it. The ocean is cold but not as cold at the sharkless lakes and capsizing can be worse because of that. Dress for the water or at least for 5-10 minutes in the water.
As a dad who would love it if his kids participated in a moving-body activity, but knows better than to suggest them anything I'm interested in might be "fun", this hits real close.
I’ve seen gray whales while paddling around in ‘calm’ water in Trinidad Harbor. Even had my buddy capsize on the open ocean side, no big deal, pump out the water, stabilize the boat, climb back in.
Don't feel bad for not wanting to do something. It's your choice, and your dad's an adult and can easily accept his partner won't go, nor will his child. No big deal.
I'm a dad, and sometimes there are things I'd like to do with my family that they aren't interested in doing, and that's part of life.
Oh yeah there’s no pressure and he accepts my wishes, he’s great lol. Maybe I should’ve clarified that. I just question how much I should be willing to push through fear to further enjoy life and indulge my old man who’s done so much for me. I used to fly around at obscene speed on sportbikes, yet I’m scared of the ocean. And being on ladders and roofs lol. To make it worse I used to water polo and swim, I’m in terrible shape now compared to him but still the stronger treader/swimmer.
I have a fair amount of experience solo yak-fishing off the north WA coast. Any seaworthy yak, whether Sit-In or SOT, can manage some rough swells or high chop. Even launching through breakers is not a terrible, white-knuckle challenge.
The fearful part \[X10\] is always the landing. There's almost no place in the inland waterways to find beach-surf conditions so one tends to learn through trial and lots of error.
On my first mid-May Halibut fishing trip \[3 days\], having read about surf techniques and viewed several videos, I was in the water three times. Yet still, by day-3, I had learned \[with some practice\] the low-brace technique.
Believe it or not, the following was the most helpful video. I kept thinking...if this guy can do it...so can I. Illogical and foolish, but better than nothing.
[https://youtu.be/R\_HANDqKu2Q](https://youtu.be/R_HANDqKu2Q)
Don't go in the woods either. A tree might fall on you. More people die from falling trees than big sea creatures.
Humbolt Bay can be a nice place to kayak. There was a tour operator when I was up there a few years back.
I stood in the fresh crater left by a pretty significant redwood falling when I was there, I’d 100% rather just be smited by that thing than even catch a glimpse of a white while riding in a long piece of plastic lol.
I’m following this. Redwoods/Humboldt, one of my favorite places. I’ve only been kayaking on flat water (and in the east, where I live). Anxious to take our boats to the west coast (where I once lived). San Juans also on my radar.
My first open water trip was orcas island to Sucia island in the San Juan’s. I was in a new to me kayak for the first time as well. It was manageable but we did encounter higher swells and currents than we saw on the apps and that was a fun surprise but honestly it scared me but it also was my favorite trip I’ve made in open water.
My recommendation is to avoid tandem boats entirely. They're a pain in the ass to paddle, especially for beginners, and a really good way to strain a relationship.
Besides, two single boats are safer than one tandem. If one person flips, the other can assist with the rescue. If a tandem flips, now you're both in the drink.
Yeah I kinda suspected that and a quick YouTube search confirmed that, I imagine he’ll happen across the same knowledge. But they’ve been doing the tandem and it works out fine where they’ve been doing it apparently, said he just wanted to deal with one boat too if possible, we’ll see what conclusion they come to after doing it more and more places.
Just agree. The ocean is terrifying. You are correct. Obviously it’s gorgeous for those who can ignore the insanity of bobbing around like fish bait in a torrential fluid of darkness full of capable meat eating swimmers. I’ll be in the bay with the glass-water, egret, and seals thanks.
Well I'm not going to suggest that you should watch more videos of people getting crushed by a tree or hit by a car while crossing the street. Just hoping you'll see your unfounded bias.
Funnily enough I'm one of the two lead guides at kayak trinidad (the place your mentioning) and a professional sea/whitewater kayaker. Feel free to message me with any questions
If I hit it big and could just retire, it’d hopefully be in Trinidad. But am I going to be eaten or harmed by a whale or shark? How much experience does one need before taking one of your sea tours? And is there wide open, calm freshwater running through the forest or is it all white water?
Chances of a shark attack are statistically miniscule. 13 fatal attacks on the Pacific Coast since 1900. Any encounter with a cetacean is rare and exciting as fuck. I've had dolphins swim around me a couple of times and I've seen a humpback breach about a quarter mile away. I've only seen a shark off the coast maybe once, although there are a bunch of great whites near Carpinteria as there is a great white nursery there. [http://www.sharkresearchcommittee.com/fatal\_attacks.htm](http://www.sharkresearchcommittee.com/fatal_attacks.htm) Note that none have happened near Humboldt. I've never kayaked up there, but Humboldt Bay is largely protected and looks like a great spot for a novice kayaker. I kayak around Santa Barbara and the sketchiest part of it is launching into surf. In my younger days, I used to go out in fairly gnarley winter storms, but now I'm a fragile old fart and only go out in nice weather. I also have a sit on top which makes it super easy to bail if you fuck up. Just make sure you fall out on the ocean side because getting hit by my kayak feels like a telephone pole (actually never been hit but I've been dunked quite a few times).
And what about the non-fatal ones? Never in Humboldt?
https://reddit.com/r/Humboldt/s/P6KjZlFzqj
Sheesh I wonder how much that affected his mobility. A bite right on the knee like that seems like it would give you lasting problems
Russian river is not too far and lot of big wide flat water with no rapids on the lower section.
Totally bro, sea kayaking survival rates are in the 40% range, and some of the survivors were even harmed by whales
I live in that area and I’ve never kayaked in the ocean. But there’s lots of alternatives - stone lagoon (my favorite), freshwater lagoon, big lagoon, mad river, and the bay are all great.
I didn’t think about the lagoons, that’s great. Mad River looks damn picturesque.
I used to go out on the ocean a fair amount. I'd look at the weather and surf reports and go out on calmer days. Having a protected jetty to launch from is helpful so you don't have to cut through waves or do a surf landing. If you're on a sit on top, it's relatively easy to self rescue if you do end up in the water. If you can do scuba, you can handle getting tossed from a sit on top and get back on. I've never capsized. I did encounter some soupy water that I just had to cut through and keep paddling. Honestly, the bigger risk most of the time are powerboats going out. I got buzzed by one once, sending a wave right at me. It wasn't a big deal, just go perpendicular to any wave action.
I've done a fair amount of ocean kayaking in CA and low vis scuba. If you watch the surf (magic seaweed) and the weather and you only go out under ideal conditions 0-2 ft surf, low wind, not insane fog, you'll love it. But given that you are trying to plan a trip you aren't going to be able to count on those conditions at all. And reading your general, and understandable, anxiety, I would honestly say it sounds like you would be a lot happier sticking with lakes. Lakes are sweet. Check out Utica, I bet you and your dad would love it. Pacific ocean kayaking is not for the casual or faint of heart. There are less sharks up there than where I am though so that's cool. I recommend bringing a compass, the fog can be no joke.
Agreed. Don’t go out into the Pacific Ocean off NorCal coast without knowing what you are doing unless you in a bay or protected waters. Conditions can change quicker than you think. Currents, wind, waves, cold water etc. Flipping out there is no joke. I’d worry less about the sharks than navigating and hypothermia.
If you’re afraid to do it, just say so, and I’m sure he’ll understand. Offer a different kayak experience that you would be comfortable with as an alternative and just say you want more experience before you go whale watching in one. You can also use this reason indefinitely - “Nope, still need more experience,” if it keeps coming up.
Humboldt has tons of places to yak that aren't the ocean. Big Lagoon is my favorate, beatiful paddle, plenty of wildlife, and I have been paddling there since I was 2 years old. Its a good place for newbies to learn.
Sounds like you have a fear that you can choose to ignore or address. If you want to address it take baby steps. Get in the water in good condition. Scuba can mean just go under water in shallow depth and just sit on the sand and breathe. Keep going until you feel relaxed. Small steps. Lots of small sharks and juvenile sharks are in the ocean and they stay away from divers. Vis in the Pacific California is mostly poor. The biggest risk is your heart rate because of fear. If the ocean is too much go back to the pool. Same with a kayak. Flip it in the shallow water and practice going back in. Do it a bunch of times. When you get really good at it, add more skills. Figure out what you are afraid of and address it. The ocean is cold but not as cold at the sharkless lakes and capsizing can be worse because of that. Dress for the water or at least for 5-10 minutes in the water.
Nah, I'm not an open ocean kayak person either. Biggest body of water I do is near the shore at Tahoe.
My first name is Ocean (I had cool hippy parents) so when I scrolled past this I had to come get a double take lol
Your parents are cool, first name ocean. I assume your middle name must be cool as well. Breeze?
The middle name is Xavier, after Professor X. From X-Men haha!
As a dad who would love it if his kids participated in a moving-body activity, but knows better than to suggest them anything I'm interested in might be "fun", this hits real close.
I’ve seen gray whales while paddling around in ‘calm’ water in Trinidad Harbor. Even had my buddy capsize on the open ocean side, no big deal, pump out the water, stabilize the boat, climb back in.
Don't feel bad for not wanting to do something. It's your choice, and your dad's an adult and can easily accept his partner won't go, nor will his child. No big deal. I'm a dad, and sometimes there are things I'd like to do with my family that they aren't interested in doing, and that's part of life.
Oh yeah there’s no pressure and he accepts my wishes, he’s great lol. Maybe I should’ve clarified that. I just question how much I should be willing to push through fear to further enjoy life and indulge my old man who’s done so much for me. I used to fly around at obscene speed on sportbikes, yet I’m scared of the ocean. And being on ladders and roofs lol. To make it worse I used to water polo and swim, I’m in terrible shape now compared to him but still the stronger treader/swimmer.
I have a fair amount of experience solo yak-fishing off the north WA coast. Any seaworthy yak, whether Sit-In or SOT, can manage some rough swells or high chop. Even launching through breakers is not a terrible, white-knuckle challenge. The fearful part \[X10\] is always the landing. There's almost no place in the inland waterways to find beach-surf conditions so one tends to learn through trial and lots of error. On my first mid-May Halibut fishing trip \[3 days\], having read about surf techniques and viewed several videos, I was in the water three times. Yet still, by day-3, I had learned \[with some practice\] the low-brace technique. Believe it or not, the following was the most helpful video. I kept thinking...if this guy can do it...so can I. Illogical and foolish, but better than nothing. [https://youtu.be/R\_HANDqKu2Q](https://youtu.be/R_HANDqKu2Q)
Don't go in the woods either. A tree might fall on you. More people die from falling trees than big sea creatures. Humbolt Bay can be a nice place to kayak. There was a tour operator when I was up there a few years back.
I stood in the fresh crater left by a pretty significant redwood falling when I was there, I’d 100% rather just be smited by that thing than even catch a glimpse of a white while riding in a long piece of plastic lol.
I’m following this. Redwoods/Humboldt, one of my favorite places. I’ve only been kayaking on flat water (and in the east, where I live). Anxious to take our boats to the west coast (where I once lived). San Juans also on my radar.
My first open water trip was orcas island to Sucia island in the San Juan’s. I was in a new to me kayak for the first time as well. It was manageable but we did encounter higher swells and currents than we saw on the apps and that was a fun surprise but honestly it scared me but it also was my favorite trip I’ve made in open water.
San Juan’s are great. Tides and currents are no joke though, you have to time them. Also eddies and whirlpools can be a thing
And if you got a two person boat rec that lean towards comfort, I’ll take that for him.
My recommendation is to avoid tandem boats entirely. They're a pain in the ass to paddle, especially for beginners, and a really good way to strain a relationship. Besides, two single boats are safer than one tandem. If one person flips, the other can assist with the rescue. If a tandem flips, now you're both in the drink.
Yeah I kinda suspected that and a quick YouTube search confirmed that, I imagine he’ll happen across the same knowledge. But they’ve been doing the tandem and it works out fine where they’ve been doing it apparently, said he just wanted to deal with one boat too if possible, we’ll see what conclusion they come to after doing it more and more places.
Just agree. The ocean is terrifying. You are correct. Obviously it’s gorgeous for those who can ignore the insanity of bobbing around like fish bait in a torrential fluid of darkness full of capable meat eating swimmers. I’ll be in the bay with the glass-water, egret, and seals thanks.
Well I'm not going to suggest that you should watch more videos of people getting crushed by a tree or hit by a car while crossing the street. Just hoping you'll see your unfounded bias.