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

Raskal311 · 02-17-2017, 06:02 AM

Very good read

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

Iceman · 02-17-2017, 06:28 AM

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

blitzburgh · 02-17-2017, 06:31 AM

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 · 02-17-2017, 06:34 AM

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

chris138 · 02-17-2017, 01:33 PM

I'm into it. Depending on the timing you might even have a shot at pelagics on the crossing. If i'm not mistaken it's about 22 nautical miles from San P to Isthmus.

22 miles, if you can average 3.5 mph that's over six hours of paddling each way... if you are going non-stop. I tell you what I bet that buffalo milk will never have tasted so good!

My recommendation would be to have a backup plan B to return to newport or dana depending on conditions. If you get a strong downhill current or a NW wind, the 22 kts uphill slog to SanP will be a LOT harder than the 32 mile downhill run to newport. If you were really dialed, you could time your return trip to coincide with the cross channel outrigger race, where there's about 150 support boats in the channel.

IMO Stealth pro fisha is the boat of choice for a crossing. adventure island would be awesome too.

blackcloud9 · 02-17-2017, 01:41 PM

Kayak trip video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFOya9B5JJM

steve999 · 02-17-2017, 06:51 PM

I use to take a sailboat from the long beach marina to two harbors a lot, and it was always upwind going to Catalina and downwind coming back. For going to Catalina, you should leave at first light because you want to get there before noon so you arrive before the wind comes up. Here's a typical wind pattern for summer afternoons.

Hobi-Wan Kenobi · 02-17-2017, 07:57 PM

There's a Freight Option that can be utilized to open the trip to more people.

You can drop off your kayak at Avalon freight (San Pedro, parking is $17 / night) and it will show up at Avalon the next day (the fee is $33.50 ea.way, the freight travels at night). When you drop it off, you can take the ferry over ($35) and spend the night at Avalon ($25), pack up your camp and pick up your yak in the am. Then paddle over to the boat in "primitive" site ($25 a night/pp) and meet up with the other yakkers. This adds an extra day because you have to wait for your kayak. Then on the return "downhill" (wind at your back) trip, it would be an easier paddle back. You could also freight your kayak back, but you would have to wait the next day to pick it up. I'm sure there's also an option to do this at Two Harbors as well.

This was going to be my first idea, but the the extra day to wait for the kayak, extended the trip too long. Also, the Freighter, operates M-F only (it drops off at Avalon on Saturdays, I'm sure they could be convinced to take some yaks back) and doesn't operate on Sundays - extending the trip on the back end as well.

Planning for a stretch of good weather and making a "run" for it seemed the easiest and most exciting way to go. Also you cut the cost of the ferry and freight.

But for those who want to join but may not be able to make the crossing, this is an option.

CrazzyGar · 02-17-2017, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raskal311

Very good read

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

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

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Raskal311 · 02-18-2017, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazzyGar

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

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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

steve999 · 02-18-2017, 04:42 PM

I looked at the boat in camping rules for Catalina and it says you have to have portable restroom facilities with you. How does that work on a kayak?

Raskal311 · 02-18-2017, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve999

I looked at the boat in camping rules for Catalina and it says you have to have portable restroom facilities with you. How does that work on a kayak?

Mirage drive well

Hunters Pa · 02-18-2017, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve999

I looked at the boat in camping rules for Catalina and it says you have to have portable restroom facilities with you. How does that work on a kayak?

Bucket and a plastic bag

SailorDan · 02-18-2017, 06:03 PM

WooHoo! I've been wanting to do this for years, just haven't had the time. I'll shoot you a pm, let me know when you are planning to go. I have a truck (Tandem Island) so I might be able to help taking stuff across.

I'm guessing you've seen these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BHAzDPW5So

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2ssIvgV1GM

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!

02-17-2017, 06:02 AM	#1
Raskal311 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Ana/Westminster Posts: 1,258	Very good read https://www.outsideonline.com/207398...folding-kayaks __________________ Kevin Yellow PA12

02-17-2017, 06:28 AM	#2
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	San Pedro to Two Harbors is on my wish list. Well planned and executed should be a great experience. __________________

02-17-2017, 06:31 AM	#3
blitzburgh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Menifee Posts: 2,509	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. __________________ ”The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.” ~Thomas Jefferson.........maybe

02-17-2017, 06:34 AM	#4
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	Way Cool DREAM, you can make it happen. Tight Lines. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

02-17-2017, 01:41 PM	#6
blackcloud9 Kayaker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Big Rock, WindanSea, La Jolla Posts: 413	Kayak trip video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFOya9B5JJM __________________ Larry. Hobie Revolution 13. 25 years of kayak fishing La Jolla. https://larryl.com/photos Last edited by blackcloud9; 02-17-2017 at 02:10 PM.

02-17-2017, 01:33 PM	#5
chris138 donkey roper Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 968	I'm into it. Depending on the timing you might even have a shot at pelagics on the crossing. If i'm not mistaken it's about 22 nautical miles from San P to Isthmus. 22 miles, if you can average 3.5 mph that's over six hours of paddling each way... if you are going non-stop. I tell you what I bet that buffalo milk will never have tasted so good! My recommendation would be to have a backup plan B to return to newport or dana depending on conditions. If you get a strong downhill current or a NW wind, the 22 kts uphill slog to SanP will be a LOT harder than the 32 mile downhill run to newport. If you were really dialed, you could time your return trip to coincide with the cross channel outrigger race, where there's about 150 support boats in the channel. IMO Stealth pro fisha is the boat of choice for a crossing. adventure island would be awesome too.

02-17-2017, 07:57 PM	#8
Hobi-Wan Kenobi Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 26	Freight First Option, Kayak Back There's a Freight Option that can be utilized to open the trip to more people. You can drop off your kayak at Avalon freight (San Pedro, parking is $17 / night) and it will show up at Avalon the next day (the fee is $33.50 ea.way, the freight travels at night). When you drop it off, you can take the ferry over ($35) and spend the night at Avalon ($25), pack up your camp and pick up your yak in the am. Then paddle over to the boat in "primitive" site ($25 a night/pp) and meet up with the other yakkers. This adds an extra day because you have to wait for your kayak. Then on the return "downhill" (wind at your back) trip, it would be an easier paddle back. You could also freight your kayak back, but you would have to wait the next day to pick it up. I'm sure there's also an option to do this at Two Harbors as well. This was going to be my first idea, but the the extra day to wait for the kayak, extended the trip too long. Also, the Freighter, operates M-F only (it drops off at Avalon on Saturdays, I'm sure they could be convinced to take some yaks back) and doesn't operate on Sundays - extending the trip on the back end as well. Planning for a stretch of good weather and making a "run" for it seemed the easiest and most exciting way to go. Also you cut the cost of the ferry and freight. But for those who want to join but may not be able to make the crossing, this is an option. __________________ ~Elric "May the Fish Be With You!"

02-18-2017, 04:42 PM	#11
steve999 Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 39	I looked at the boat in camping rules for Catalina and it says you have to have portable restroom facilities with you. How does that work on a kayak?

02-18-2017, 06:03 PM	#14
SailorDan Junior Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2	WooHoo! I've been wanting to do this for years, just haven't had the time. I'll shoot you a pm, let me know when you are planning to go. I have a truck (Tandem Island) so I might be able to help taking stuff across. I'm guessing you've seen these. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BHAzDPW5So and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2ssIvgV1GM

02-18-2017, 09:34 PM	#15
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!"