Catalina Island Crossing Adventure 2017

[SailorDan]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[newportdogs]

Elric, sent you a PM. Thanks

[cris]

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]

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.

[Iceman]

Not looking to discourage you but I would be ready to pull the plug if needed. Lots of instability in Spring into early Summer....................this is on the weather side 2010

[steve999]

Those numbers for wind look low. I see they're from Avalon. Maybe there's some protection from the landmass of Catalina? 14 mph just seems way lower than the typical trip I've taken there.

Be sure to check the forecast for fog. There's lots more fog in the spring than later in the summer when the water warms up.

[Hobi-Wan Kenobi]

Looking to do this safe - and in the safety with others. Not wanting to tempt fate, would a mid-summer launch be more prudent? Would more people be fired up in going? I've put this proposed trip on NorCal, Central Coast and here, but not too many takers on.
My research can only be done via internet at this point, so I value your collective experiences and input. I see people swim the channel, so a crossing doesn't seem to out of the question.
I'm not in a rush - but eager to go. If mid-summer, than a booking of a campsite is in order. Thanks for your interests and concerns in making my DREAM - a SAFE Reality.

[Iceman]

I have always figured I'd do it in early Fall to have the smoothest chances, mid Summer would be smarter than late Spring though.

[Hobi-Wan Kenobi]

Hi,

Just wanted to share some stories written by Robert Hess who has made 3 trips to Catalina Island on his sail assisted scupper pro.

http://www.topkayaker.net/articles/d...alinaisle.html

http://www.topkayaker.net/Articles/D...Revisited.html

My take away from these stories is that the wind can be unpredictable at any stage of the game. Best to do planning and keep an eye on the forecasts. Leave early and have a game plan.

I also called Avalon Harbor to ask for any advice that they may have. They said to keep an eye on the weather and be flexible. They confirmed what Russ said about beaching a kayak on the public beach being prohibited, but you can park at the dingy dock by the casino and it's about an 1/8 mile walk into town. This is where you pay for your campsite.

Anyway, I'm gathering my camping stuff and will put together a video of how I pack a PA14.

Enjoy the read!

[goldenglory18]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Not looking to discourage you but I would be ready to pull the plug if needed. Lots of instability in Spring into early Summer....................

Nope, nope, nope, nope....

[Hobi-Wan Kenobi]

Enjoy

https://www.facebook.com/pg/hobieisl...75240705908779

It's funny that it seems for those who want wind get flat windless days, and those who don't want wind - get it on the nose!

Just goes to show you have to be prepared either way!

[Grammas Boy]

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]

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.