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most i've gone is 6-7 miles off shore. thats about where you cant see land anymore and just make out high risers. you would be able to see la jolla no problem though. just make sure you have enough food and water/gatorade to keep you going. keep your skin covered and stash your cell phone in a dry bag or container and keep it on you and make sure you have all other appropriate safety gear.

its really not that difficult. I wouldn't do it alone but its definitely worth doing. also if you get pushed north or south too far and get tired, make a beach landing anywhere along the coast and you can taxi it to your truck. the buddy system is ideal here so you don't have to find a taxi willing to load a yak on top. haha.
there aren't many places along California coast you would get stranded. Even if you landed on white beach.. somebody will come to see who you are.