Catalina Island Crossing Adventure 2017

[Hobi-Wan Kenobi]

Hi Guys,

Looking for some adventure seekers in planning and executing a Catalina Island crossing this summer.

My original plan was to freight over my Hobie PA14, ferry over, pickup yak and fish, camp and then reverse the process. The freighter travels over night and doesn't operate on Sundays and only drops off on Saturdays. This created some logistically problems and extended the trip on the front and back end.

Further research has shown that a kayak crossing is indeed possible, especially in a pedal powered yak. I've already been in training by doing extended kayak outings (8+ hrs pedaling) here in Lake Mead (yup, I'm in Henderson NV)

Thus I'm reaching out to see if anyone can help in planning this dream I have. I'll do my part in training, getting the right equipment and preparing for this journey. I know there may be others who have thought about doing this, so let me know if there is any interests.

I'm interested in doing a 4 day trip. 1 day to get there, set up camp and rest, 2 days fish, 1 day to get back (I'll probably need a day to rest before driving back)

I just purchased a sail (I have hobie kayak sailing experience from before), but would have no problem just pedaling to stay with a group.

This would be an affordable adventure if you considered the costs of parking (ferry terminal) and primitive camping on Catalina Island (approx $200 ttl).

I'm also pretty flexible since I'm self employed.

Anyway - here's to dreams and dreamers and a toast on Catalina Island

[CrazzyGar]

Your sail arrives tomorrow... If I can swing it... I'm down to join you. I still have another sail to use. I'll check with some other guys to join us.


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[King Saba]

I think this is dream for many Socal kayakers. Hope this trip materializes out for you.

[Raskal311]

Very good read

https://www.outsideonline.com/207398...folding-kayaks

[Iceman]

San Pedro to Two Harbors is on my wish list. Well planned and executed should be a great experience.

[blitzburgh]

Good article Raskal. I would also submit that the biggest challenge you will face are those afternoon winds that seem to happen every day. I would also absolutely file a Float Plan with the Coast Guard.

[makobob]

Way Cool DREAM, you can make it happen. Tight Lines.

[CrazzyGar]

Originally Posted by Raskal311

Very good read



https://www.outsideonline.com/207398...folding-kayaks

Let's go....!!! Get the other guys on board.


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[Raskal311]

Originally Posted by CrazzyGar

Let's go....!!! Get the other guys on board.


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Pass I got kids to raise LoL if you find someone to transport both ways I'm in for cat camping kayaking trip.

[Rnrkly5]

I did a solo freight over camp trip on June 1 2016 as part my bucket list . My plan was to circumnavigate the island , camping along the way.
I dropped the kayak off the morning before in San Pedro and took the 1st Catalina Express out of Long Beach the next morning . Once in Avalon I walked to the market to pick up water and propane bottles then walked to the freight company
My1st mistake was not packing the inside my kayak with much as possible because the old freight company didn't allow anything in the kayak but I didn't find out that the new company allowed you to pack it full until I was at the Avalon office . I carried 2 large dry bags with my life vest secured to one and now add the weight of 2.5 gallons for more than mile . The 2nd mistake, not taking a taxi from town to the freight company.
The staff at the frieght company were very helpful by carrying my kayak down stairs to behind the warehouse to sea wall where I organized my gear and install my wheels then moved along the sea wall about 50 yards until I found the only possible launch site which was an all rock beach across the sea wall. The rock beachs are the norm for the island.
I launched at 9 am to 3 night 4 day kayak adventure that I will never forget and even changing the whole plan to circumnavigate to just a front side trip because bad ocean and wind conditions making the backside portion very dangerous.
I arrived back at the freight companies rock only beach at 11am on the 4th day ,up the rocks and over the sea wall , this time packing everything inside my kayak, I was carrying only a lightly packed dry bag for the trip back to Long Beach.
I picked up my fully loaded kayak at the San Pedro office of the freight company on Monday morning . No damage , no tampering and nothing missing
I can't say enough about the friendly staff at the freight company, very helpful .
I don't believe a safe Catalina crossing would have been possible on either end of my trip, the conditions got extreme when I was at the West end causing me to change my plan .
Just be aware of the changing weather conditions and you will be an old kayaker someday.
If anyone has any questions , please email me or call me
Russ Kelly
951 768-6944 cell