Newport Harbor launch points

[Flatinfifth]

New poster on this site...........been lurking for a few weeks. My brother and I are absolute newbies to the sport; looks like a blast. We want to get our feet wet (pun intended) in Newport and we were wandering besides the well-known launch areas (bridge and upper bay), what other areas are accessible to relatively "easy" kayak launching.

Thanks.
Flatinfifth

[45king]

if you go to balboa island you can pretty much find a spot down any street. just go to the end of the street and it will lead you to a dock with a small sandy beach launch. Just dont make too much of a ruckus and you should be fine. Its all residentials.You can also go to the coast gaurd station. thats where most launch at.

[landwhale]

If you take Newport Blvd South from PCH it will turn into W Balboa Blvd. After you pass the 7-11 turn left on 18th st and you will come to a metered lot that is only 50 ft accross the sand to the water. Or my favorite is just south of there you turn left off Balboa Blvd on 15th St ( Paddle Power is on the corner ) unload at the beach access and park either on the residential st for free or there are meters on 15th. Hope this helps and get out there and enjoy.

[Flatinfifth]

Thanks for the data guys. My brother and I launched on Saturday from the Paddle Power launch under the street bridge and MAN is that a little beach....not enough parking either. I'll look into the Coast Guard area and the island this week.

Once again....Thanks.
Flatinfifth

[Flatinfifth]

How and where do you park at the coast guard area?? From aerial maps it doesn't look like there is any public parking.????

Thanks.
Flatinfifth

[45king]

you can park along the street. Theres a long strip of street you can park on. I was told that there is a lot that parks about 9 or so cars in the lot to access the beach. Most like it there because theres alot of harbor patrol that drive in and out of there and they feel alot safer with their cars parked there.