Catalina Island Crossing Adventure 2017 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Hobi-Wan Kenobi · 02-18-2017, 09:34 PM

Had a great chat with Russ who shared his "Bucket List" trip with me - making me all the eager to make this dream come true.

My take away from our hour long conversation:

1) Plan on unpredictable weather - his original plan was to kayak around the entire island, but a freak weather pattern kept him on the front side.
2) Avalon freight is a great service if you want to do the "Freight" option, but know that it adds a day due the barge travelling at night. Might be an option if you would like to ferry over and return with the wind to your back.
3) You can pack your kayak full of stuff, but not propane, which you can get on the island.
4) Travel by the 1st week of June as tourist season starts shortly after (looking to do this trip in May!)
5) Must have WAG bags (something to drop a deuce in) or else the ranger will make you purchase theirs.
6) Parson's landing reservations requires that you check in at Avalon to get your key to your locker - you'll receive 2.5 gal water and some wood. One of the few campsites where you can make a fire - also has showers and bathroom facilities. This site also has picnic tables.
7) Cel service available at Avalon and Two Harbors - not available in the middle of the island.
8) I would travel early 4:30am equipped with lights to make sure that we arrive before noon
9) drink alot of water and make sure you do your morning bathroom break before you embark on your adventure.

He's also down to go again!

btw: received my sail and plan to do a training run of 30+ miles on Lake Mead. If you're serious to come with - start training now! This DREAM can come TRUE if you're committed!

SailorDan · 02-22-2017, 03:20 PM

Hobi-Wan you have me fired up for a Catalina trip. If you want company, I'm available 12May - 4Jun, with the exception of Memorial Day weekend (would need a favor from the mother-in-law).

Hobi-Wan Kenobi · 02-23-2017, 11:21 AM

I'm glad you're fired up! I'm shooting for this time period as it's sooner than later, lol. I'm sure as we get closer to the date, we'll get more interest. I'm a little more flexible in my scheduling, so I can make this suggested time period happen. I notice you're on an adventure island, so I might be tailing you. Hopefully as the dates draw near - more kayakers will join - I've heard there are many SoCal kayakers who have similar ideas - just need to get the word out!
CrazzyGar and Rnrkly5, have also shown interests as well. As for myself - next step is to continue training and try sailing my PA on Lake Mead. Need to put those hours in and get prepared! If it was easy, more people would have done it.
If this guy could do it - no reason it can't be done!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2D4UnDq8zw&t=50s

Catalina Crossing 2017 - Live the Dream!

cris · 02-23-2017, 03:03 PM

I looked over the route and have been gathering information on this. Looks doable on a good day. I don't have a sail so I'd be peddle/paddling but I do have a tandem so I may have a second source of power

Hobi-Wan Kenobi · 02-23-2017, 03:18 PM

Whatever intel you may have would be greatly appreciated. Yes, looking to do this on a "Good Day" too! Wind means waves and I'd just as soon just peddle over. How's 2nd half of May, 1st week of June looking for you?
People swim to Catalina, so I'm not worried about crossing over in a Hobie. Having a tandem means length = fast, plus you'll be able to carry over more stuff - lol.
Looking for info about the weather 2nd half of May, will it calm down by this time? What about the shipping lane? Is there a schedule to see how many freighters will be coming through on any particular day?
Let me know if you want to come with.

~Let's make this Dream a Reality!

steve999 · 02-23-2017, 04:30 PM

Unfortunately guys the month of May is one of the windiest months of the year. If you want to go in a calmer month, go in September. The water will be warmer then too.

But I doubt you'll delay your trip by that much. So just make your plans flexible, with one of several days to make the trip over, and then pick a day with reasonable winds.

cris · 02-23-2017, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve999

Unfortunately guys the month of May is one of the windiest months of the year. If you want to go in a calmer month, go in September. The water will be warmer then too.

But I doubt you'll delay your trip by that much. So just make your plans flexible, with one of several days to make the trip over, and then pick a day with reasonable winds.

I was raised to be respectful of mother nature and the ocean forces so I'll be out on the water but I'm not setting any particular dates. Thanks for the info

Hobi-Wan Kenobi · 02-23-2017, 09:46 PM

Wind

Over the course of the year typical wind speeds vary from 0 mph to 14 mph (calm to moderate breeze), rarely exceeding 24 mph (fresh breeze).
The highest average wind speed of 9 mph (gentle breeze) occurs around February 29, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 14 mph (moderate breeze).
The lowest average wind speed of 5 mph (light breeze) occurs around July 16, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 10 mph (gentle breeze).
Wind Speed

The average daily minimum (red), maximum (green), and average (black) wind speed with percentile bands (inner band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile).
The wind is most often out of the west (27% of the time) and south west (15% of the time). The wind is least often out of the south (4% of the time) and north east (5% of the time).

Looking towards the end of May is when the winds start to die down. The Average High Wind doesn't look all too bad and as long as we get an early start we can miss the brunt of it.

newportdogs · 02-23-2017, 07:05 PM

Elric, sent you a PM. Thanks

Grammas Boy · 10-20-2017, 04:38 PM

I have made two camping trips to Catalina. Exhausting, but you guys seem prepared for that. Fishing is allowed most places but not right outside Two Harbors. Summer weekends can be mobbed, but I guess we might have fun BEING the mob! Elric might talk me into joining.
Mike

PapaDave · 10-23-2017, 06:23 AM

Personally, I would like to fish Catalina from my kayak, there are areas that boats overlook everywhere.

However, not real keen on pedaling over, it does get nasty out there. I think I'm going to tow my kayak over sometime. Load up with a tank full of sardines, take a couple of hours, more or less, to get over there. Find a spot, anchor, hop in the kayak and explore. Maybe spend the weekend over there doing that, head out on a Friday evening, comeback Sunday.

02-18-2017, 09:34 PM	#1
Hobi-Wan Kenobi Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 26	Valuable Intel - Thanks Russ Had a great chat with Russ who shared his "Bucket List" trip with me - making me all the eager to make this dream come true. My take away from our hour long conversation: 1) Plan on unpredictable weather - his original plan was to kayak around the entire island, but a freak weather pattern kept him on the front side. 2) Avalon freight is a great service if you want to do the "Freight" option, but know that it adds a day due the barge travelling at night. Might be an option if you would like to ferry over and return with the wind to your back. 3) You can pack your kayak full of stuff, but not propane, which you can get on the island. 4) Travel by the 1st week of June as tourist season starts shortly after (looking to do this trip in May!) 5) Must have WAG bags (something to drop a deuce in) or else the ranger will make you purchase theirs. 6) Parson's landing reservations requires that you check in at Avalon to get your key to your locker - you'll receive 2.5 gal water and some wood. One of the few campsites where you can make a fire - also has showers and bathroom facilities. This site also has picnic tables. 7) Cel service available at Avalon and Two Harbors - not available in the middle of the island. 8) I would travel early 4:30am equipped with lights to make sure that we arrive before noon 9) drink alot of water and make sure you do your morning bathroom break before you embark on your adventure. He's also down to go again! btw: received my sail and plan to do a training run of 30+ miles on Lake Mead. If you're serious to come with - start training now! This DREAM can come TRUE if you're committed! __________________ ~Elric "May the Fish Be With You!"

02-22-2017, 03:20 PM	#2
SailorDan Junior Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2	I'm going to Catalina Hobi-Wan you have me fired up for a Catalina trip. If you want company, I'm available 12May - 4Jun, with the exception of Memorial Day weekend (would need a favor from the mother-in-law). Last edited by SailorDan; 02-22-2017 at 03:25 PM.

02-23-2017, 11:21 AM	#3
Hobi-Wan Kenobi Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 26	Welcome Aboard! I'm glad you're fired up! I'm shooting for this time period as it's sooner than later, lol. I'm sure as we get closer to the date, we'll get more interest. I'm a little more flexible in my scheduling, so I can make this suggested time period happen. I notice you're on an adventure island, so I might be tailing you. Hopefully as the dates draw near - more kayakers will join - I've heard there are many SoCal kayakers who have similar ideas - just need to get the word out! CrazzyGar and Rnrkly5, have also shown interests as well. As for myself - next step is to continue training and try sailing my PA on Lake Mead. Need to put those hours in and get prepared! If it was easy, more people would have done it. If this guy could do it - no reason it can't be done! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2D4UnDq8zw&t=50s Catalina Crossing 2017 - Live the Dream! __________________ ~Elric "May the Fish Be With You!"

02-23-2017, 03:18 PM	#5
Hobi-Wan Kenobi Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 26	Intel appreciated! Whatever intel you may have would be greatly appreciated. Yes, looking to do this on a "Good Day" too! Wind means waves and I'd just as soon just peddle over. How's 2nd half of May, 1st week of June looking for you? People swim to Catalina, so I'm not worried about crossing over in a Hobie. Having a tandem means length = fast, plus you'll be able to carry over more stuff - lol. Looking for info about the weather 2nd half of May, will it calm down by this time? What about the shipping lane? Is there a schedule to see how many freighters will be coming through on any particular day? Let me know if you want to come with. ~Let's make this Dream a Reality! __________________ ~Elric "May the Fish Be With You!"

02-23-2017, 09:46 PM	#8
Hobi-Wan Kenobi Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 26	Some Yearly Wind Info Wind Over the course of the year typical wind speeds vary from 0 mph to 14 mph (calm to moderate breeze), rarely exceeding 24 mph (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 9 mph (gentle breeze) occurs around February 29, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 14 mph (moderate breeze). The lowest average wind speed of 5 mph (light breeze) occurs around July 16, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 10 mph (gentle breeze). Wind Speed The average daily minimum (red), maximum (green), and average (black) wind speed with percentile bands (inner band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile). The wind is most often out of the west (27% of the time) and south west (15% of the time). The wind is least often out of the south (4% of the time) and north east (5% of the time). Looking towards the end of May is when the winds start to die down. The Average High Wind doesn't look all too bad and as long as we get an early start we can miss the brunt of it. __________________ ~Elric "May the Fish Be With You!"

02-23-2017, 03:03 PM	#4
cris Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 254	I looked over the route and have been gathering information on this. Looks doable on a good day. I don't have a sail so I'd be peddle/paddling but I do have a tandem so I may have a second source of power

02-23-2017, 04:30 PM	#6
steve999 Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 39	Unfortunately guys the month of May is one of the windiest months of the year. If you want to go in a calmer month, go in September. The water will be warmer then too. But I doubt you'll delay your trip by that much. So just make your plans flexible, with one of several days to make the trip over, and then pick a day with reasonable winds.

02-23-2017, 07:05 PM	#9
newportdogs Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Newport Posts: 40	Elric, sent you a PM. Thanks

10-20-2017, 04:38 PM	#10
Grammas Boy Junior Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 1	I have made two camping trips to Catalina. Exhausting, but you guys seem prepared for that. Fishing is allowed most places but not right outside Two Harbors. Summer weekends can be mobbed, but I guess we might have fun BEING the mob! Elric might talk me into joining. Mike

10-23-2017, 06:23 AM	#11
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,474	Personally, I would like to fish Catalina from my kayak, there are areas that boats overlook everywhere. However, not real keen on pedaling over, it does get nasty out there. I think I'm going to tow my kayak over sometime. Load up with a tank full of sardines, take a couple of hours, more or less, to get over there. Find a spot, anchor, hop in the kayak and explore. Maybe spend the weekend over there doing that, head out on a Friday evening, comeback Sunday. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...